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WIG: HEART Communications Specialist Senior (Project)
Career Insights for Communications / Public Relations Specialist
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What they do
A Communications or Public Relations Specialist coordinates internal and external communications for a company or organization. Provides information to employees on company activities, such as the launch of a new product or a community service initiative. Writes and edits public communications; develops media contacts and prepares material for press and media distribution; monitors media coverage. May assist with events planning.
$69,718 / year median in Wisconsin
+1% projected growth
Job Description
Workforce Innovation Grant:
Healthcare Employment, Access, and Rural Transformation (WIG:
HEART) program.The WIG:
HEART grant program focuses on funding competitive grants that develop transformational solutions impacting the quality and availability of healthcare in Wisconsin's rural regions and communities. The candidate selected for this position will have the option to work remotely for a majority of their schedule, with occasional requirements to report to their headquarter location in downtown Madison (201 E. Washington Ave.), sometimes on short notice. Remote work options are subject to change. DWD offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills. to find out why there's so much to love about working for Wisconsin. This position is a full-time project position. Project positions are eligible for benefits including health insurance; however, the incumbent will not obtain permanent civil service status. Individuals appointed to project positions must be Wisconsin residents. This recruitment may be used to fill future project vacancies. Position Summary This position is responsible for developing and directing a comprehensive communications and outreach program to promote theWorkforce Innovation Grant:
Healthcare Employment, Access, and Rural Transformation (WIG:
HEART) grant program.Key responsibilities include:
Develop and manage communications strategies and activities Plan projects and events Create and develop marketing assets, publications, and social media content Produce internal and external communications Develop surveys and analyze data in coordination with research and evaluation focused staff Prepare and make presentations to a wide variety of audiences Support stakeholder engagement activities, including webinars, public forums, and community outreach efforts To learn more, please review the position description. Salary Information Starting pay is between $32.58 and $34.56 per hour, depending on qualifications, plus an exemplary benefits package: Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap. Excellent and affordable health insurance options starting at $45/month for single and $111/month for family coverage. Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more). A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan. A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses. A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see an estimate of the total value of our competitive benefits package! The classification title for this position is Communications Specialist-Senior (schedule 07, range 04). This position is not represented in a collective bargaining unit and is considered non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees.Job Details Travel :
Occasional statewide travel including overnight stays may be required.Project Position Details:
Wisconsin residency is required to be eligible for a project position. Project positions are temporary positions that provide benefits (including health insurance), but do not provide rights to a permanent civil service position, and do not lead to permanent status in class. Individuals appointed to a project position are not placed on a probationary period. This project position is anticipated to be funded through July 2030. Remote work : Employees with approved remote and hybrid-remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin . High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. Remote work options are subject to change. Criminal histories : We also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DWD to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. Eligibility to work inUnited States :
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. DWD does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant completing the I-9 upon hire. Qualifications The qualifications listed below will be evaluated in the first step of the selection process and should be clearly described in your resume/letter of qualifications. You need to have the following experience: Working with public communication concepts and practices. Creating, reviewing, and editing written communications materials for internal and external audiences (e.g. project reports, press releases, brochures, newsletters, training materials, etc.). Creating and editing webpage and online content, including social media content, in accordance with organizational branding standards. Organizing and presenting information verbally, visually, and in writing across different platforms, including using web-based tools, social media, and distance technology. Any of the following experience would be nice to have : Developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating strategic communication plans and initiatives. Project management (e.g. coordinating the work of others, monitoring programs, coordinating project communications, creating expectations and deliverables, etc.) Coordinating a diverse range of outreach activities, including presentations to internal and external stakeholder groups (e.g. press events, Job Fairs, employer events, videos, themed media events, etc.). Developing and implementing assessment tools/methods (e.g. surveys, conducting focus groups, etc.) to evaluate program performance.How To Apply Note:
If you are viewing this posting on an external site, please visit Wisc.Jobs (search 21796) to complete your application. 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 letter of qualifications as part of the application process. Please review this additional guidance on developing your resume and letter of qualifications (including a template) as you prepare to apply. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general Wisc.
Jobs user information and technical assistance. Technical issues : If you encounter issues submitting your on-line application (e.g. signing in or uploading a resume), please email the Wisc.
Jobs Help Desk at wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov or call (608) 267-1012 (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm). Position questions : If you have questions about the position or this recruitment (e.g. projected start date, skills needed, etc.), please email Cassandra at CMSJobs@dwd.wisconsin.gov or call (608) 267-2474. Please note that once you submit your application, you will not be able to update your materials. What happens next? A panel will review your application materials to determine your eligibility for further consideration in the selection process. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process, which is typically a virtual interview. DWD values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 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 Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central standard time) on Thursday, August 27, 2026.