Senior Communications Specialist

Please note: The salary range listed in this job description is a base salary. Applicants eligible for years-of-service adjustments or shift differentials may exceed salary range listed above.

Job Location: This position will be located at 205 Jefferson St., Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Why you’ll love this position:

The Senior Communications Specialist supports the Chief Communications Officer in managing and executing the department’s communication strategy. This role provides critical leadership in media relations, content development, and project coordination to ensure clear, consistent, and effective messaging across multiple platforms.

• Serve as primary media relations backup for the Chief Communications Officer, managing media inquiries and delivering timely, accurate responses via electronic, video, and audio formats.
• Lead and collaborate in the development, writing, and editing of communications materials including news releases, administrative memos, presentations, social media content, and departmental publications.
• Oversee the planning, coordination, design, proofreading, and dissemination of printed and electronic publications targeted to diverse audiences.
• Manage and execute special communications projects, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and deadlines.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with department staff and external partners to enhance communications effectiveness and service delivery.
• Design, implement, and analyze paper and online surveys and forms to gather stakeholder feedback, compiling results for department-wide use.
• Represent the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) as liaison at State of Missouri public information officer weekly roundtable meetings in the absence of the Chief of Communications Officer.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to Communications Assistants on writing, editing, and design best practices.
• Conduct research as necessary to verify accuracy and factual integrity of content.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of departmental policies and communications standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate regular, reliable, and engaged attendance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, or related field from an accredited institution.

OR

• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in communication including: writing, editing, and proof reading, and content management systems.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .

If you have questions about this position please contact: hr@dese.mo.gov

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you have special needs addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Human Resources at (573) 751-9619, through Missouri Relay System at (800) 735-2966, or via email at hr@dese.mo.gov .

Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by statute in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Director of Civil Rights Compliance and MOA Coordinator (Title VI/Title VII/Title IX/504/ADA/ADAAA/Age Act/GINA/USDA Title VI), 7 th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-522-1775 or TTY 800-735-2966; fax number 573-522-4883; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.



To Our Applicants with Disabilities: For assistance with any phase of the Department process, please notify the Director of Human Resources at (573) 751-9619. Reasonable attempts will be made to accommodate special needs. TTY/TDD Relay Missouri service (800) 735-2966.

Notice to Applicants: The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is unable to sponsor applicants in their application for work visas through INS. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

• 

• State of Missouri

Show more