Public Affairs Section Manager

The Public Affairs Section Manager is a high-profile, fast-paced position responsible for managing the planning, development, evaluation, implementation, and administration of cohesive communications strategies for the Department of Natural Resources. This position will work directly with staff across the department to create and share high-quality messaging and materials, drive engagement and build public awareness about the DNR’s suite of services that engages the public.

This position supervises public information officers within the Office of Communications and others as assigned. The Public Affairs Section Manager also supervises the Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine staff and is the project manager for all of the content creation process from writing to editing and publishing the quarterly periodical.

This position works alongside web, social media, design, photography/video, and other creative staff to produce materials that ensure brand consistency in message, tone, look and feel. This position also coordinates and implements statewide agency communication plans and public education priorities.

For a detailed position description, click here.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the successful candidate will have the option to telework up to 60% of the workweek. It is expected that this person selected will work out of the assigned office location either in Madison or Milwaukee when not teleworking.

State of Wisconsin benefits include excellent health insurance options, ample leave time, a business casual office atmosphere, and an exceptional employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote wellness. We offer a team-orientated atmosphere and a focus on work-life balance, flexible working schedules for most positions, and the ability to flex hours with supervisor approval.

Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.

Required qualifications include professional work experience in journalism, public relations, or marketing as evident by the following:

• Experience as the main media contact within a company, organization, or campaign 
• Writing and editing press releases and other communication materials/messaging 
• Formal supervisory experience in a journalism, public relations, or marketing environment

Best-qualified applicants will also have the following preferred qualifications:

• Developing and implementing strategic communication plans. Looking for communications experience, typically as part of a larger company or organization 
• Experience with producing a publication (i.e., magazine or newspaper), including content creation process from writing to editing and publishing 
• Experience using Associated Press (AP) writing style

Starting pay is $35 - $38.71 per hour ($72,800 - $80,516 annually).

Pay on appointment for current or former state employees is based on the State Compensation Plan. Current State employees applying as a transfer applicant will require DPM approval for pay on transfer increases.

This position is in Pay Schedule/Range 81-03. A 12-month probationary period may be required.