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Strategic Communications Bureau Chief

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Strategic Communications Bureau Chief

Salary

$68,702.40 - $122,428.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01293

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Opening Date

11/17/2025

Closing Date

11/30/2025 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Bryant Strouse ([email protected])

To Apply

Email resume and cover letter to [email protected] Subject line of email should include only "YOUR LAST NAME - PSM 1". SUBJECT LINE EXAMPLE: Smith - PSM 1

+ Description

+ Benefits

Job Description

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

This is a courtesy posting for a non-merit position. Please follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section for directions on how to apply for this position.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking to fill a Public Service Manager position within the Strategic Communications Bureau.

Organization Background

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism. We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions within the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of people living in or traveling through the State of Iowa.

DPS is comprised of the following divisions:

+ Iowa State Patrol

+ Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)

+ Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement

+ Iowa State Fire Marshal

+ Division of Professional Development and Support Services

+ Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center (DOI/FC)

+ Administrative Services Division

The Strategic Communications Bureau directs overarching strategic communication plans designed to enhance the public image of the Department. The Bureau coordinates special events and manages the messaging and content process for print and digital tools, including the website, social media, and photo/video production. The Bureau assists with the recruiting process and also coordinates responses to general information and Iowa Chapter 22 public records requests. The Bureau develops the media relations program and collaborates with Public Information Officers (PIOs) throughout the Department and the Iowa State Patrol's team of Public Resource Officers. It works closely with the Commissioner and the Policy Advisor to help communicate the vision, monitor current events and opportunities, and identify issues.

Job Description

Strategic Communication:The incumbent will develop an over-arching strategic communication plan for the Department of Public Safety with the following goals: (1) Enhance the public image of the Iowa Department of Public Safety through positive messaging in recruiting and public information efforts; (2) Manage and oversee the content uploaded onto the Department of Public Safety's website and social media accounts; (3) Advise and assist each Division of the Department with communication on issues relevant to their mission. Examples include but are not limited to press releases, public service announcements, press conferences, media relations and safety messaging. The incumbent will collaborate with each Division Director on communications planning for his/her division.

Freedom of Information Act Requests:Respond to or assign to other members of the Strategic Communications Bureau, Freedom of Information Act Requests. Take steps to ensure that the Department's response occurs in a timely fashion. Coordinate with DPS Legal Counsel and Attorney General's Office to determine what information should/should not be released under Federal and State statute and Departmental Policy.

Supervision:Supervise and direct the work of all personnel within the Strategic Communications Bureau to ensure that the overall Strategic Communication Plan is being followed.

Policy Review:Collaborate with the Executive Officer, Legal Counsel, Legislative Liaison, and Division Directors to develop and update communications policies for the Department of Public Safety. Coordinate with the Executive Officer, Legislative Liaison and Division Directors to ensure the Department is following its core vision, mission and the State's and Governor's enterprise goals and objectives outlined in the strategic plan and annual performance plan. As necessary, provide assistance on grant writing to support and promote the Department's goals and objectives.

Other Information

The selected candidate must have passed a thorough background investigation conducted by Iowa Department of Public Safety investigators before a final letter of employment offer is delivered.

Benefits

At the State of Iowa, we value our employees' talents and backgrounds, and are committed to your well-being beyond the paycheck. As a valued team member, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Paid Time Off:

+ Vacation accruals that begin on day one and rollover on a yearly basis

+ Unlimited sick leave accrual

+ Nine (9) paid holidays per year

Insurance Options:

+ Health - Affordable plans with the state paying more than 90% of premiums

+ Dental - Free for single coverage and affordable family coverage with access to a vision discount program

+ Life* - $20,000 in life insurance free, with an option to purchase additional coverage (*depending upon Collective Bargaining Agreements)

+ Long-Term Disability Insurance - Available at no cost

Retirement:

+ IPERS Retirement package offering a lifetime monthly financial benefit for vested employees. For every $1 an employee contributes, the state matches with $1.50.

+ Retirement Investors' Club (RIC) offering a voluntary savings program including a state match of up to $75/month.

Flexibility:Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care

Support:Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage: Benefits at a Glance | Iowa Department of Administrative Services

Applicants must reside in the State of Iowa upon hire - this is not a remote work position

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and experience equal to four years of full-time work in program administration, development, management, or operations.

2) Eight years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations.

3) All of the following (a and b):

a. Four years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; and

b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

4) All of the following (a, b, and c):

a. Two years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; and

b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience; and

c. A combination of a total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is

also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Public Service Supervisor or comparable specific management-level position.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/PublicServiceManager1-00784-60784-80784.pdf)

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Address

215 E 7th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

https://dps.iowa.gov/

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