What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Specialist Senior; Advanced position at State of Wisconsin?
Introduction
The Department of Corrections (DOC) is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.
The Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Information is currently recruiting to fill a Communications Specialist at the Senior or Advanced level. This position will be headquartered at the DOC central office in Madison, WI.
Position Summary
This position will develop, coordinate, and deploy the DOC’s complex communications program. This includes content creation and strategy for the DOC’s public website, intranet, and social media channels to effectively communicate agency initiatives, policies, and success stories; producing news releases, features, presentations, and digital content that aligns with the DOC’s mission and objectives; and monitoring media coverage while tracking public sentiment. This position also will analyze communication outcomes to enhance reach, engagement, and effectiveness; advise the communications team on strategies and best practices, supporting internal and external engagement efforts; coordinate with facilities and offices across the state to identify new opportunities for storytelling; and monitor department programs and staff initiatives to maintain the communications office’s content schedule. Additionally, this position will oversee and staff event logistics for outreach activities such as virtual and in-person town halls, graduation ceremonies, media and stakeholder roundtable and community events.
Salary Information
The starting pay is between $44241 and $72924 per year for the Senior level and $57574 and $94993 per year for the Advanced, plus excellent benefits. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. The pay schedule/range is 07-04 for the Senior level and 07-03 for the Advanced level. A 12-month probationary period is required.
In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:
Job Details
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application. The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.
The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency to employment.
NOTE: This position is eligible to work remotely up to 3 days per week.
Qualifications
Minimally qualified applicants will have experience:
To apply, click on “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Permanent classified employees who are eligible for consideration as a transfer or voluntary demotion must complete the application process in order to be considered.
Applicants should attach a letter of qualifications and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the qualifications mentioned above. It is not necessary to include references at this time. Your letter of qualifications and resume will be evaluated and is considered the assessment for this position and should be limited to a maximum of two pages each.
Your submission will be evaluated by one or more job experts. The most eligible candidates will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. The Department of Corrections has created extra guidance to assist you in developing your resume and letter of qualifications, if interested please click here.
Questions can be directed to Phia Vang, Human Resources Specialist at Phia.Vang@wisconsin.gov.
The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.
The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.
Deadline to Apply
Online application and materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm on 12/28/25, in order to be considered.
For general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance, please see the wisc.jobs Commonly Asked Questions page. Some users report better performance when using the Chrome browser.
The Department of Corrections (DOC) is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.
The Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Information is currently recruiting to fill a Communications Specialist at the Senior or Advanced level. This position will be headquartered at the DOC central office in Madison, WI.
Position Summary
This position will develop, coordinate, and deploy the DOC’s complex communications program. This includes content creation and strategy for the DOC’s public website, intranet, and social media channels to effectively communicate agency initiatives, policies, and success stories; producing news releases, features, presentations, and digital content that aligns with the DOC’s mission and objectives; and monitoring media coverage while tracking public sentiment. This position also will analyze communication outcomes to enhance reach, engagement, and effectiveness; advise the communications team on strategies and best practices, supporting internal and external engagement efforts; coordinate with facilities and offices across the state to identify new opportunities for storytelling; and monitor department programs and staff initiatives to maintain the communications office’s content schedule. Additionally, this position will oversee and staff event logistics for outreach activities such as virtual and in-person town halls, graduation ceremonies, media and stakeholder roundtable and community events.
Salary Information
The starting pay is between $44241 and $72924 per year for the Senior level and $57574 and $94993 per year for the Advanced, plus excellent benefits. Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. The pay schedule/range is 07-04 for the Senior level and 07-03 for the Advanced level. A 12-month probationary period is required.
In addition to meaningful and rewarding work, we offer a competitive benefits package featuring:
- Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
- Insurance: Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
- An optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
- The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
- Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
- DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
- Please click here for a summary of State of Wisconsin employment benefits or click here to explore employment benefits on the website.
Job Details
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application. The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting.
The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency to employment.
NOTE: This position is eligible to work remotely up to 3 days per week.
Qualifications
Minimally qualified applicants will have experience:
- Reporting, writing, and editing stories, news releases, reports, and other documents for a public audience
- Assisting with the creation or implementation of social media content
- Organizing, planning, and attending professional events, such as town halls, media events, community/advocacy meetings, conferences or any other professional events
- Performing liaison work and answering stakeholder inquiries and escalating concerns as needed
- Identifying, reporting, and writing stories that fit into a comprehensive communications plan to meet specific department goals
- Utilizing journalistic/communications principles and techniques such as interviewing subjects, proofreading material, exercising ethical principles, etc.
- Collaboration with stakeholders and staff to develop, refine, and deploy complex communications initiatives, such as handling of sensitive materials/situations, translating technical information, etc.
To apply, click on “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Permanent classified employees who are eligible for consideration as a transfer or voluntary demotion must complete the application process in order to be considered.
Applicants should attach a letter of qualifications and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the qualifications mentioned above. It is not necessary to include references at this time. Your letter of qualifications and resume will be evaluated and is considered the assessment for this position and should be limited to a maximum of two pages each.
Your submission will be evaluated by one or more job experts. The most eligible candidates will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. The Department of Corrections has created extra guidance to assist you in developing your resume and letter of qualifications, if interested please click here.
Questions can be directed to Phia Vang, Human Resources Specialist at Phia.Vang@wisconsin.gov.
The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.
The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.
Deadline to Apply
Online application and materials must be submitted by 11:59 pm on 12/28/25, in order to be considered.
For general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance, please see the wisc.jobs Commonly Asked Questions page. Some users report better performance when using the Chrome browser.
Salary : $44,241 - $94,993