Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Kansas Bureau of Investigation

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is the premier criminal investigative agency in the state of Kansas. The KBI is committed to its critical mission of preventing crime and enhancing public safety in Kansas. We employ individuals who exemplify the highest standards of integrity, service, and dedication. Come feel like you’re part of something bigger at the KBI.

Verification of identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States is required by federal law. For a list of acceptable documents that establish these criteria, please refer to the federal Form I-9.  The KBI does not provide sponsorship for this position.

E-Verify: The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional information regarding E-Verify, please click here. For additional information regarding Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) please click here.

Kansas Bureau of Investigation

About the Position

• Who can apply: External
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full/Part-time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, paid overtime as needed on evenings and weekends
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes
• Search Keywords: media relations; public information; public relations; public affairs, external affairs; spokesperson; press secretary; PR; communication; Topeka; Shawnee County; KBI; Bureau;

Compensation: 

• Salary Range: $28.85 to $36.06 per hour depending on experience and qualifications (Equivalent to $60,000 to $75,000 annually)
• Paid overtime and standby pay 

* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits

Day one comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage

Sick & Vacation leave

Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave

Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)

Fitness Centers in select locations

Employee discounts with the STAR Program

Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

The public affairs specialist will support the communications director and public affairs team in planning, organizing, and executing internal and external communication activities for the KBI. 

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Writes and disseminates media releases related to criminal investigations and other agency programs and objectives
• Serves as a spokesperson for the agency, answering inquiries and interpreting agency programs, investigations, and services
• Creates positive relationships with statewide media outlets, and monitors media coverage
• Manages social media platforms and creates content for social media
• Collaborates with agency leaders on events, programs, projects, and initiatives
• Designs invitations, brochures, programs, and other event materials or digital content.
• Provides information to the public, as well as liaisons with law enforcement officials, government officials, legislators and other agency partners
• Writes articles, newsletters, speeches, reports and other publications
• Conducts or coordinates interviews, media appearances, and public appearances

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in public relations, journalism, mass media, graphic design, communications, videography, or a related field of study OR four years of direct experience in media relations or public relations may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.   

Licensing & Certification

• Valid Kansas Driver's License

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, mass media, graphic design, communications, videography, or a related field is required. Four years of direct experience in media relations or public relations may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.   
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills 
• Experience using Word, PowerPoint, and social media platforms
• The ability to multi-task, and meet deadlines is needed. 
• Exceptional attention to detail is required. 
• Previous experience in public affairs or media relations
• Aptitude for organizing, simplifying, and presenting complex information;
• Ability to edit and proofread;

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional creativity and design skills;
• Experience writing press releases and responding to inquiries from the media;
• Familiarity with Associated Press style guidelines;
• Familiarity with Kansas media markets
• Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud
• Photography and videography skills
• Experience in speech writing

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements 

• As a condition of employment, you will be subject to a pre-employment process to include a polygraph examination, fingerprint based records check, and comprehensive background investigation, including reference check of past and present employers.  The pre-employment process will be waived for current KBI personnel who have previously completed the screening requirements

Recruiter Contact Information

• Name: Luci Zieman
• Email: HumanResources@kbi.ks.gov
• Phone: 785-296-8200
• Mailing Address: 1620 SW Tyler; Topeka, KS 66612

Job Application Process

First Sign in or register as a New User.

Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.

Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.

Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page

Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

Transcripts

DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample of your choice

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents” 

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas.  Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer.  A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law.   

If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you.  The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas.  The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions

Salary : $60,008