Strategic Communications Bureau Chief

Public Service Manager

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking to fill a Public Service Manager position within the Strategic Communications Bureau.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism. We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions within the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of people living in or traveling through the State of Iowa.

DPS is comprised of the following divisions :

• Iowa State Patrol
• Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
• Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement
• Iowa State Fire Marshal
• Division of Professional Development and Support Services
• Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center (DOI / FC)
• Administrative Services Division

The Strategic Communications Bureau directs overarching strategic communication plans designed to enhance the public image of the Department. The Bureau coordinates special events and manages the messaging and content process for print and digital tools, including the website, social media, and photo / video production. The Bureau assists with the recruiting process and also coordinates responses to general information and Iowa Chapter 22 public records requests. The Bureau develops the media relations program and collaborates with Public Information Officers (PIOs) throughout the Department and the Iowa State Patrol's team of Public Resource Officers. It works closely with the Commissioner and the Policy Advisor to help communicate the vision, monitor current events and opportunities, and identify issues.

Strategic Communication : The incumbent will develop an over-arching strategic communication plan for the Department of Public Safety with the following goals : (1) Enhance the public image of the Iowa Department of Public Safety through positive messaging in recruiting and public information efforts; (2) Manage and oversee the content uploaded onto the Department of Public Safety's website and social media accounts; (3) Advise and assist each Division of the Department with communication on issues relevant to their mission. Examples include but are not limited to press releases, public service announcements, press conferences, media relations and safety messaging. The incumbent will collaborate with each Division Director on communications planning for his / her division.

Freedom of Information Act Requests : Respond to or assign to other members of the Strategic Communications Bureau, Freedom of Information Act Requests. Take steps to ensure that the Department's response occurs in a timely fashion. Coordinate with DPS Legal Counsel and Attorney General's Office to determine what information should / should not be released under Federal and State statute and Departmental Policy.

Supervision : Supervise and direct the work of all personnel within the Strategic Communications Bureau to ensure that the overall Strategic Communication Plan is being followed.

Policy Review : Collaborate with the Executive Officer, Legal Counsel, Legislative Liaison, and Division Directors to develop and update communications policies for the Department of Public Safety. Coordinate with the Executive Officer, Legislative Liaison and Division Directors to ensure the Department is following its core vision, mission and the State's and Governor's enterprise goals and objectives outlined in the strategic plan and annual performance plan. As necessary, provide assistance on grant writing to support and promote the Department's goals and objectives.

The selected candidate must have passed a thorough background investigation conducted by Iowa Department of Public Safety investigators before a final letter of employment offer is delivered.

At the State of Iowa, we value our employees' talents and backgrounds, and are committed to your well-being beyond the paycheck. As a valued team member, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes :

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage : Benefits at a Glance | Iowa Department of Administrative Services

Applicants must reside in the State of Iowa upon hire - this is not a remote work position.

Minimum Qualification Requirements :

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification :