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.

• Collaborate in the development, writing, and editing of communications materials including news releases, administrative memos, presentations, department of publications, and some social media.
• Be media relations back up when needed, help manage media inquiries and delivering timely, accurate responses via electronically.
• Attend meetings to gather information on what offices need help with communicating.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with DESE staff and external partners to enhance communications effectiveness.
• Use strong editing and writing skills to summarize technical information into reader-friendly content.
• Help manage and execute the department’s communication strategy.
• Carry out special projects as needed.
• Coordinate multiple projects effectively while meeting tight deadlines.
• Support the communications team by providing front office support as needed.
• Perform light research when necessary to ensure that content is accurate and factual.
• Maintain familiarity with departmental and communication policy.
• Perform additional work as needed.
• Demonstrate regular, reliable, and engaged attendance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, web design and development, or a closely related field.

OR

• Five years of experience successfully performing progressively responsible tasks, including website content management and related accessibility requirements.

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.

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• State of Missouri

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