Public Affairs Specialist

Employment Benefits

Day one 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

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

The public affairs specialist will support the communications director and public affairs team in planning, organizing, and executing internal and external communication activities for the KBI.

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

• Writes and disseminates media releases related to criminal investigations and other agency programs and objectives
• Serves as a spokesperson for the agency, answering inquiries and interpreting agency programs, investigations, and services
• Creates positive relationships with statewide media outlets, and monitors media coverage
• Manages social media platforms and creates content for social media
• Collaborates with agency leaders on events, programs, projects, and initiatives
• Designs invitations, brochures, programs, and other event materials or digital content.
• Provides information to the public, as well as liaisons with law enforcement officials, government officials, legislators and other agency partners
• Writes articles, newsletters, speeches, reports and other publications
• Conducts or coordinates interviews, media appearances, and public appearances

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in public relations, journalism, mass media, graphic design, communications, videography, or a related field of study OR four years of direct experience in media relations or public relations may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

Licensing & Certification

• Valid Kansas Driver's License

MinimumQualifications

• A bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, mass media, graphic design, communications, videography, or a related field is required. Four years of direct experience in media relations or public relations may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience using Word, PowerPoint, and social media platforms
• The ability to multi-task, and meet deadlines is needed.
• Exceptional attention to detail is required.
• Previous experience in public affairs or media relations
• Aptitude for organizing, simplifying, and presenting complex information;
• Ability to edit and proofread;

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional creativity and design skills;
• Experience writing press releases and responding to inquiries from the media;
• Familiarity with Associated Press style guidelines;
• Familiarity with Kansas media markets
• Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud
• Photography and videography skills
• Experience in speech writing

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements

• As a condition of employment, you will be subject to a pre-employment process to include a polygraph examination, fingerprint based records check, and comprehensive background investigation, including reference check of past and present employers.The pre-employment process will be waived for current KBI personnel who have previously completed the screening requirements