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CHIEF OF COMMUNICATIONS II

Date: Aug 28, 2025

Req ID: 52432

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72201

Category: DEPT OF EDUCATION

Anticipated Starting Salary: 103991.06

Position Number: 2215-5421

County: Pulaski

ADE: Communications

Join the Arkansas Department of Education where each student is recognized as an individual. Through a cultivation of world-class educators, partnering with communities, and an influx of social supports, Arkansas Department of Education provides multi-level supports that help ensure students will receive a personalized education and develop a life-long love of learning.

Program Responsibilities of Position

Lead the planning, execution, and assessment of both long-term and short-term communication strategies that support and reflect the mission, goals, and priorities of the Department of Education. Act as the department’s chief spokesperson, managing all media interactions and ensuring consistent, clear, and accurate messaging that strengthens the department’s public image.

Oversee the department’s brand and reputation by ensuring alignment across all external communications, including digital, print, and media platforms. Ensure that all public-facing content accurately reflects the department’s values, mission, and role in serving students, families, educators, and the broader community.

Manage the communications budget, strategically allocating resources across campaigns, media placements, and digital tools to maximize impact and ensure fiscal responsibility. Provide effective leadership to a team of communications professionals, offering supervision, mentorship, and opportunities for growth and development.

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including government officials, education leaders, and policymakers to support the advancement of key initiatives and legislative priorities. Lead the department’s digital engagement strategy, using social media and other platforms to inform, engage, and respond to the public.

Direct internal communications to ensure staff and other internal stakeholders are well-informed about departmental updates, initiatives, and policy changes. Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets at the local, state, and national levels. Oversee the development and dissemination of press releases, public statements, and media events to ensure the department’s perspective is effectively represented.

Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership, particularly during high-profile or crisis situations, by crafting timely and appropriate communications that uphold the department’s credibility and public trust.

Position Information

Job Series:Public Relations

Classification:Chief of Communications II – Competitive

Class Code:CPR02C

Pay Grade:SPC07

Salary Range:$103,991 - $153,907

Job Summary

The Chief of Communications II is a senior leadership role within a large state department/agency responsible for overseeing and directing all communication functions for the department. This position is tasked with creating and executing high-level communication strategies that ensure the department's mission, objectives, and initiatives are effectively communicated to the public, government officials, media, and other stakeholders. The Chief of Communications II plays a pivotal role in shaping the department’s public image, managing crisis communications, and coordinating complex outreach efforts.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of long-term and short-term communication strategies that align with the department’s goals and objectives. Serve as the department’s primary spokesperson and represent the department in media interactions. Protect and enhance the department’s brand image through consistent messaging across all communication channels. Ensure that all materials and public-facing content reflect the department’s values, mission, and public service role. Oversee the communication department’s budget and allocate resources efficiently across communication campaigns, media buying, and digital tools. Ensure that communication strategies are executed effectively within budget constraints. Supervise and mentor a team of communication professionals, including public relations specialists, digital content creators, and media relations staff. Provide leadership, feedback, and professional development opportunities to team members. Collaborate with government officials and policymakers to advance the department’s legislative and policy priorities. Guide the department’s use of digital and social media platforms to engage with the public, monitor public opinion, and promote department initiatives. Ensure that digital communications are aligned with the department’s overall messaging and strategy. Oversee internal communication strategies to ensure staff and other internal stakeholders are informed about departmental goals, policies, and news. Lead efforts to build and maintain relationships with local, state, and national media outlets. Manage press releases, interviews, public statements, and media briefings to ensure that the department’s message is conveyed clearly and accurately. Provide leadership in managing public relations crises, including developing timely and effective communication strategies that protect and enhance the department’s reputation. Advise senior leadership on communication strategies during sensitive or high-pressure situations.

Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement high-level communication strategies that align with organizational goals and stakeholder needs. Exceptional skills in crafting clear, compelling messages tailored to different audiences. Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and developing teams of communication professionals. Ability to inspire collaboration, drive performance, and maintain high morale within a diverse team. Skilled in developing and executing crisis communication strategies. Ability to think quickly under pressure, maintain composure, and provide strategic advice in high-stakes situations. Experience with social media platforms and digital tools to promote public engagement, monitor sentiment, and create impactful online campaigns. Comfortable and effective as a spokesperson for the department in a variety of settings, including media interviews, public forums, and legislative hearings. Ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with media representatives, government officials, external stakeholders, and internal teams.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field is required, plus at least seven (7) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Nearest Major Market:Little Rock