Local Health Public Information Officer (PIO) (212053)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a Local Health Public Information Officer opening in Topeka. The Local Health Public Information Officer serves as a collaborative team member responsible for developing and sharing communications resources, providing operational support, and mentoring to strengthen the public health system in Kansas. The incumbent works closely with KDHE’s Office of Communications and Local Public Health Program, serving as a liaison between KDHE and the local health departments and working to proactively identify and address emerging public health needs.

Core work includes the creation and distribution of accurate, timely, and consistent information; building and maintaining a communications resources “library;” updating the Local Public Health section of the KDHE website; developing content for the Public Health Connections e-newsletter; and promoting events such as National Public Health Week and Public Health Thank You Day. Occasional in-state travel will be required to attend quarterly regional public health meetings and professional development opportunities.

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

• Core Job Duties: This position is responsible for the communications activities of the Local Public Health Program, which includes cross-agency internal collaboration with the Office of Communications and the Local Public Health Program, as well as external collaboration to support the work of the local health departments. This position ensures that requested work is appropriately prioritized, and reviews the program’s communications materials to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent information is disseminated in “one voice” to local health departments and other key audiences. This position proactively identifies emerging public health needs and works to identify communication gaps and potential solutions for the Local Public Health Program and the local health departments. The incumbent develops and/or maintains a communications resources “library” for the local health departments and develops content for important public health events including National Public Health Week and Public Health Thank You Day.
• Events and Outreach: This position works with the Office of Communications to maximize opportunities to promote public health in Kansas. This work includes providing information and support, on behalf of the Office of Communications, during the planning and execution of agency-sponsored events and campaigns. Some in-state travel to regional, quarterly Local Public Health meetings is required. This position develops and delivers communication-related training to the local health departments throughout the year. This work may include the development of training materials, logistical planning, promoting the event, providing technical assistance, and related tasks, such as developing budgets to support this work. This position proactively works with local health departments across the state to help them effectively identify their needs and reduce barriers, with a goal of contacting at least five local health departments per month, using communications tactics that may include e-mail, phone, or in-person visits when needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1-2 years of marketing, communications experience.

Education:

• High School, GED

Licensing & Certification:

• Valid Driver’s License – Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver’s license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Preferred Qualifications:

Any additional skills, experiences, or qualifications that would be beneficial, but aren’t strictly necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related degree field preferred, but will consider equivalent or related experience.
• Experience in graphic design is preferred, but not required.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.
• Writing, proofreading, editing, exceptional attention to detail.
• Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or equivalent.

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes

Employment Benefits:

• 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

Contact Information:

[email protected]

 

Salary Range

$ $22.16 to $25.05