Communications Specialist Advanced

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation System Development is conducting a statewide recruitment for Communications Specialist Advanced positions. Currently, a vacancy exists in the Administrator's office with headquarters in Madison.

The register created from this examination may be used to fill statewide vacancies within the next 6-12 months.

WisDOT is a great place to work! We offer amazing benefits that include a casual office atmosphere, flexible work schedules, ample vacation time, excellent health benefits, and an exceptional employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote an employee’s wellness and health.

This position provides comprehensive communication services for the Division of Transportation System Development Administrators Office and Statewide Bureau’s. This position serves as communication manager by providing comprehensive communication consultation and services and performing legislative correspondence coordination duties. This includes developing effective communications to facilitate the public’s understanding of complex transportation programs, policies, funding and initiatives; researching and preparing speeches, multi-media presentations, news releases, briefing papers and other information; coordinating events, responding to customers, partners and key constituent groups. This position also identifies, analyzes and shapes the division’s stance on key projects and public outreach/communication policy issues. Additionally, this position manages the division’s internal employee communication programs.

Prior to any appointments for position(s) filled from this recruitment/announcement, candidates may be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check which may include FBI fingerprinting.

WisDOT does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive verbal and written communication skills to facilitate effective communication and working relationships
• Ability to exercise considerable individual initiative and independent judgment in applying and interpreting department al policies and procedures Knowledge of public relation principles and practices
• Skills in written and oral communication, including presentation of complex and technical information to non-technical audiences and high-level policy makers, and extensive knowledge of group decision making techniques and , effective negotiating skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with news media representatives, elected officials, agency or public groups and organizations Journalism skills, including researching, writing, editing and producing all forms of written communication
• Knowledge of editing, and publication practices and electronic print news media
• Skill in diplomatic and persuasive means for developing and carrying out effective relationships with other units of the department, other state and local agencies, community members and leaders, and elected officials
• Thorough knowledge of public policy formulation techniques, including definition of issues and alternatives, involvement of and negotiation with appropriate interest groups, development of a support base, documentation of policy choices, and defense of the selected option

Starting annual salary is $49,920 - $62,400, pending relative qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A six-month probationary period may be required.

*3 weeks of paid vacation per year

*36 of personal time per year

*15 sick days per year

* 9 legal holidays per year

* health/dental insurance

* Employee Assistance Program

* Much, much, more!