Senior Public Relations Specialist 2025-01805 Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming/jobs/newprint/5017684) Apply  Senior Public Relations Specialist 2025-01805 Salary $32.52 - $36.13 Hourly Location Laramie, WY Job Type Permanent Full-time Job Number 2025-01805 Department Department of Transportation Division Department of Transportation Opening Date 07/29/2025 Closing Date Continuous FLSA Determined by Position Job Classification PIPR09 + Description + Benefits + Questions Description and Functions Open Until Filled GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is an agency committed to providing a safe, high-quality quality and efficient transportation system for the State of Wyoming. This position is located in Laramie and produces and gathers content (information, images, graphics, and art) for both internal and external audiences, including news releases and agency publications. Provides critical reports and travel condition information to the public and media outlets during winter storm events and construction projects. Produces content for WYDOT's websites and social media outlets. Assists in the development of highway safety campaigns. Script writing for agency video productions and some print design and layout work are included. Why Choose WYDOT? **$2,000 Hiring Bonus– Jumpstart your journey with us! (See eligibility details below) Work-life balance – Enjoy a supportive culture where your well-being comes first. Outstanding benefits – Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, State Retirement Plan, Deferred Compensation, and Paid Leave. Adventure awaits – Live and work in a community rich in history, recreation, and natural beauty. Laramie: Where Work Meets Adventure Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Laramie offers breathtaking outdoor experiences: + Snowy Range Ski Area & Scenic Byway for winter fun and hiking trails. + Vedauwoo and Curt Gowdy State Park for camping, fishing, mountain biking, and more. + Discover the Wyoming Territorial Prison, Lincoln & Ames Monuments, and enjoy the vibrant culture at the University of Wyoming. Bonus perk: Wyoming is one of just nine states with NO state income tax! Be Part of Something Bigger. At WYDOT, you’re not just an employee—you’re a vital part of building Wyoming’s future. Learn about our mission, vision, and values here (https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/administration/strategic\_performance/mission\_vision\_values\_1.html) . Apply today and start a rewarding career where service meets adventure! Let’s pave the way forward—togethe r. Human Resource Contact:Mandy McMicheal / 307-745-2111 / mandy.mcmicheal@wyo.gov ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level. + Build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders, including community groups, advocacy organizations, and other government agencies. + Works with the media, printed and broadcast, to proactively relate the business of an agency and the public, review news coverage, and respond in a timely manner to requests for interviews, information, and questions from the media. + Responds to questions about the agency/department from the public, media, special interest groups, and acts as the spokesperson on a wide variety of issues. + Acts as agency liaison, publicly disseminating information to newspapers, radio, television, communication networks, and Internet-based media. + Develop a variety of communication materials, such as website content, social media posts, speeches, and presentations + Write news releases about the department and its personnel. + Develop and manage proactive communications + Speaks publicly to educate groups. + Manage communication during emergencies or other critical situations. + Attend events and public forums to ensure accurate and effective media coverage. + Advise DOT leadership on public perception of proposed policies and initiatives + Coordinates with various administration and project leads within the Department to obtain detailed information on a management issue in which human dimensions efforts are used. + Work with outside entities, both contractors and meeting venues, to facilitate meetings. + Develop social science studies for gathering data. + Provides support to the coordination of the agency's management as needed. + Advises an agency/department on public involvement methods and research needs. + Contracts and coordinates with outside researchers to conduct social science research when appropriate. + Assist in recruitment efforts. Qualifications PREFERENCES: Preference will be given to candidates with two or more years of progressive work experience in news writing, working as a journalist, or as a public relations specialist. KNOWLEDGE: + Knowledge of communications fundamentals and media principles. + Knowledge of web design and content management. + Skill in working with diverse publics, gathering and disseminating information. + Skill in expressing information in a persuasive and organized manner. + Skill in gathering and analyzing technical information. + Skill in meeting and dealing effectively with those holding opposing and diverging points of view and facilitating successful outcomes. + Skill in oral and written communications. + Must know news writing and design standards. + Must know the basics of camera operation and photographic techniques. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor's Degree (typically in Public Relations) Experience: 0-3 years of progressive work experience (typically in Public Relations) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Public Relations Specialist II OR Education & Experience Substitution: 4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Public Relations) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Public Relations Specialist II Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None Necessary Special Requirements PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: + Travel is required and will require driving long distances. + Must be able to efficiently operate various types of office equipment, as well as drive a vehicle. NOTES: + FLSA: Non-Exempt + The Wyoming Department of Transportation is a Drug-Free Workplace. + E-Verify: WYDOT uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify (https://www.e-verify.gov/) , including your rights and responsibilities. + **Qualifying eligibility and criteria for the hiring bonus + Temporary employees are accepting a full-time position. + Current employees accepting a promotional opportunity - recruitment must have been opened to the public. + One year of service to WYDOT must be completed; failure to complete this requirement will forfeit the hiring incentive, and funds will be recouped from final pay. + Internal candidates would be required to remain in the position for a minimum of one (1) year from their promotion date. + Employees would only be eligible for one (1) hiring bonus in a 12-month period. + If the employee elects to downgrade through an active recruitment and/or appointment during the twelve (12) month period, they would be required to pay the bonus back. Supplemental Information Click here (https://ai.wyo.gov/divisions/human-resources/consultative-services/compensation/pay-tables-salary-averages) to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure. URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Class Specifications are subject to change; please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version. Working for the State of Wyoming provides employees with a range of valuable benefits and offers a fulfilling career path. Employees enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, ensuring their well-being and that of their families. Additionally, the state offers multiple retirement plans, which provide financial security and stability for employees once their career in public services comes to an end. the state recognizes the importance of personal time and offers generous paid time off and flexible arrangements, allowing employees to recharge, take care of personal matters, and maintain a healthy work-life integration. There are many benefits to living and working in Wyoming. Beautiful country with wide-open spaces, clean air, great recreational activities, and no State income tax to mention a few! Click here (https://ai.wyo.gov/for-job-seekers) to learn more!