Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your communication and policy skills to the Office of the State Public Defender (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents. The SPD is currently recruiting a full-time Government & Public Affairs Specialist (Communications Specialist-Advanced classification) to work in our Madison Administration office.

The SPD’s mission is to enhance the quality of justice throughout Wisconsin by providing high-quality cost-effective representation to indigent clients, protecting the rights of accused individuals, and by serving as advocates for effective defense services and a rational criminal justice system. At the SPD, we are committed to diversity in hiring, retention, and career development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. To learn more, visit our website at Wisconsin State Public Defenders.

Employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including a top-rated health plan, vacation leave, nine paid holidays, and the ability to participate in one of the best retirement plans offered. For more benefit information visit, Benefits at a Glance and Well Wisconsin for Members. Additionally, employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Here is a copy of the position description.

The salary for this position is between $35 and $42 per hour ($72,800 and $87,360 per year), depending on qualifications. Pay on appointment for current or former state employees may vary based on the applicable provisions in the State Compensation Plan. This position is in Pay Schedule/Range 07-03.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or reinstatement) for a position assigned to the stated pay range or counter-part pay range, should complete the application process as described below by the stated deadline.

Final selected candidates may be eligible for moving expense reimbursement to relocate to the place of employment.

A criminal background check will be done prior to an offer of employment.

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

The State of Wisconsin salutes veterans and is grateful for their service to our country. We are committed to helping veterans find employment, and offer a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability through the Veteran's Non-Competitive Appointment process.

COVER LETTER & RESUME:You must submit both documents in order to be considered. It is important that you clearly explain and elaborate on your experience and/or training in your cover letter and resume.

Minimum Qualifications (Required – Candidates must have professional experience and/or training relevant to these areas in order to be considered for this position):

• Communications, public relations, policy, government relations or similar fields
• State-level legislative and/or budgetary process
• Developing verbal and written communications across multiple platforms
• Professional/practical experience summarizing or developing research to support policy initiatives

A well-qualified candidate will also have experience and/or training in one or more of the following areas:

• Conveying information about complex policies, programs, or initiatives to a wide variety of audiences
• Experience related to the State Public Defender and/or criminal legal system
• Tracking, coordinating, developing, or communicating legislation, budget, or policy

To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. That will prompt you to access your existing account or create a new account. You will be asked to attach a resume and a cover letter as part of the application process. It is important that these materials clearly illustrate how your qualifications relate to the qualifications of this job. You can also reference the How to Apply to State Service document for more information.

If you encounter issues submitting your online application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please contact the Wisc.Jobs Help Desk at (608) 267-1012 or wiscjobs@iwsconsin.gov (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm). You can also reference the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Your cover letter and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. If both of these documents are not submitted, you will not be eligible for consideration. Application materials will not be accepted if received in an email, as a hard copy or a fax.

Materials submitted by all applicants will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates that are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please reach out to the HR Specialist listed below.

If you have any questions on this recruitment or how to apply; please contact Monica Endres at endresm@opd.wi.gov.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Monday, May 20, 2024.