Public Relations Coordinator

Strategy and Performance Division

SALARY: $35,700 - $47,000 (based upon credentials)

There has never been a more exciting time to become a State of Missouri team member! Through the American Rescue Plan Act, the State of Missouri will be investing nearly $1 billion to strengthen our communities and help drive business. At the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED), we like to call that Helping Missourians Prosper!

DED is building a team to promote funding opportunities and assist in deploying a number of grants, with positions being housed in Jefferson City and possibly also in additional locations across the state. Join us and make an impact as we enhance Missouri’s broadband infrastructure, cultivate economic and community development, and support workforce development and education.

#TeamDED is an energetic environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. Together, #WeServeMO.

Why DED? Why Missouri? https://ded.mo.gov/business-services

What You’ll Do:

Housed within the DED Communications team, this position will primarily assist efforts to drive awareness about ARPA federal initiatives, especially pertaining to Broadband programs. As with other communication roles, the purpose is to highlight services that strengthen Missouri’s communities and help businesses create jobs. The ideal candidate will also help celebrate and promote economic development wins as we journey to become the Best in Midwest.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Communications Specialist to write, edit and distribute content, including press releases, mass emails and social media posts, through various communication channels about a variety of topics, programs and services
• Coordinate community development and business project announcements and events through close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Work closely with Videographer/Digital Media Specialist and Graphic Design Coordinator in using photography equipment to plan/shoot/edit photos
• Perform other related communications team work as assigned

Qualifications & Competencies:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with an emphasis (24 earned credit hours) in one or more of the following concentrations: journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, economics, business/public administration or a closely related field
• Two or more years of professional experience in public relations, communications, journalism or a related field preferred
• Strong written and oral communications skills
• Ability to write press releases using Associated Press style
• Photography experience/expertise
• Ability to take complex industry-related information and communicate it in a way that is succinct and clearly understood
• Working knowledge of social media platforms and website content management systems, (Facebook, Twitter, Drupal, Wordpress, Meltwater)
• Ability to plan, organize and complete complex assignments within given deadlines
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of audiences and stakeholders
• Ability to lift and transport equipment, travel in the performance of assigned duties, and demonstrate regular and reliable attendance (occasional travel)
• Ability to work independently, maintain organization, and prioritize and manage projects

This is a temporary, full-time, benefit-eligible position based upon federal ARPA funding. Position funding will end no later than December 31, 2026.

More reasons to love this position:

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 DED Human Resources at HRHelpdesk@ded.mo.gov.

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