Public Relations Specialist III (8862) Position Available In Hinds, Mississippi

Public Relations Specialist III (8862) 
Salary $66,944.47•$70,000.00 Annually Location 25•HINDS

COUNTY, MS

Job Type Full-Time Job Number 9113-0649-20250411hind Department 0649•DHS-SUPPORT

SERVICES

Opening Date 04/11/2025 Closing Date 4/18/2025 11:59 PM Central Agency Minimum Salary $66,944.47 Agency Maximum Salary $70,000.00 About the Agency The Mississippi Department of Human Services is dedicated to serving others while providing a wide range of public assistance programs, social services, and support for children, low-income individuals and families. The agency seeks to empower families so they can become self-sufficient and responsible for their future success. This position is with the Division of Communications and will be located in

STATE OFFICE.

If you have any questions, you may contact us at mdhsrecruitment@mdhs.ms.gov. About the Position Candidate will be responsible for writing and publishing accurate and effective press releases, human interest stories, brochures/promotional materials, social media, and website pages, including regular updates of all products; Content writer and initial editor for all agency internal and external communications; Creating and maintaining a media relations and social media plan to support overall agency messaging and relationships in coordination with other members of the Communications team and with other divisions; Ensure that all communication is cohesive with MDHS’s brand image, Developing public relations strategies to highlight MDHS’s mission, vision, and values for external and internal audiences Public Relations Providing responses to information requests from the media as coordinated with the CCO; Assisting the DCO and CCO in developing and researching relationships with community organizations, governmental agencies, and other external audiences to enhance MDHS’s awareness of the communities and populations that the agency serves. Developing and maintaining a series of outreach efforts, including town halls, newsletters and events to connect to key audiences, (elected officials, community leaders, and county and municipal officials, etc.), in coordination with the DCO and CCO, including updates provided to the Communications team on a monthly basis; Providing regular updates (at least quarterly) to media outreach database, contact lists, media releases, and social media plans; Research external relationships with outside constituencies for CCO and agency use to share newsletters and resources with community leaders, advocates, and government agencies; Serve as an informed associate to help build relationships with clients, vendors, partners, officials, etc. Maintain email list of community influencers, elected officials, and agency heads; in concert with Communications team, develop strategies for email and town hall for engagement to MDHS programs and services Analytics Monitoring public perception and opinion of the agency and its activities through the use of social media, surveys, polls, and Google, and adjusting and implementing communications action plans based on appropriate analytics; Analyzing media coverage to determine message effectiveness and current conversations; Perform other duties as assigned by the DCO and CCO. •This is a non state service, time-limited position with The Mississippi State Department of Human Services.•What you’ll need to be Successful Candidates are required to have strong written and verbal skills. Active and critical listening skills are necessary. A high level of organization and problem-solving skills. Creates and implements a culture of collaboration and innovation across all disciplines through active listening and critical thinking. Manages and utilizes analytics software for metrics and optimization to identify opportunities to improve audience experience and provide proactive media responses to current events. Working knowledge of Adobe Suite, Microsoft 365 (Word, Sharepoint, etc…), and Smartsheet. Preferred Qualifications Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 3-4 years of experience.

Agency preferred qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in English, Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field, and; 2-4 years’ experience in a Public Relations or Public Affairs role.

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS
QUESTIONS
Characteristics of Work See MSPB Careers for information regarding this classifications Employer
State of Mississippi