Communications Specialist 2024-01288

$56,430 - $62,691/Yr

State of Wyoming - Cheyenne, WY

Full-time - Entry Level

Cheyenne, WY

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Communications Specialist assists the Communication Manager in implementing the Wyoming Retirement System (WRS) communication plan while keeping members, employers, retirees, and stakeholders informed about WRS benefits, updates, or changes to the pension plan system. This position works with WRS subject matter experts to produce up-to-date and appropriate publications for the benefit of WRS stakeholders. The Communications Specialist works with the Communication Manager to maintain a WRS online presence and to provide outreach. Using various forms of media, this individual will help to develop publications about WRS' programs and activities via print, public events, websites, member educational programs, board education, staff education, legislative meetings, social media, surveys, and focus groups. The successful candidate will join a winning team of professionals with a significant opportunity to contribute to the retirement security of Wyoming public employees. The essential functions of this role include assisting the Communication Manager in developing, producing, and updating a variety of educational material including newsletters, handbooks, brochures, videos, fact sheets, and legislative & financial reports. The Communications Specialist will gather content for WRS newsletters by speaking with members and WRS staff to increase transparency and understanding of the System. They will provide input on design and content decisions, maintaining proficiency in the latest features and techniques of graphic design applications. Additionally, this role involves maintaining the System's online presence, including the website and social media accounts, revising content to reflect agency objectives, and updating pension and 457 operational forms. The Communications Specialist will also work with web developers to accomplish these tasks and train other employees to learn select areas of the website. Moreover, the Communications Specialist will coordinate the distribution of WRS printed and digital communication, determine the appropriate quantity of each item printed, and continuously work to find the most efficient and successful ways to reach WRS members and stakeholders. They will create, distribute, and record results of the WRS member surveys, gathering interesting data to use in Board, legislative, and member presentations. The role also includes assisting the Communication Manager with annual statement preparation and delivery, updating print materials, and providing assistance in creating two required annual reports with Adobe InDesign using content provided by the accounting team at WRS. The Communications Specialist will research ways to continuously improve the WRS communication strategy, keeping up with industry standards and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Communication Manager in developing, producing, and updating educational materials including newsletters, handbooks, brochures, videos, fact sheets, and legislative & financial reports.
• Gather content for WRS newsletters by speaking with members and WRS staff to increase transparency and understanding of the System.
• Provide input on design and content decisions, maintaining proficiency in graphic design applications.
• Maintain the System's online presence, including the website and social media accounts, revising content to reflect agency objectives.
• Update pension and 457 operational forms and create additional digital avenues of communication with members.
• Work with web developers to accomplish website tasks and train other employees on select areas of the website.
• Coordinate the distribution of WRS printed and digital communication, determining the appropriate quantity of each item printed.
• Create, distribute, and record results of WRS member surveys, gathering data for presentations.
• Brief WRS staff on survey results and develop communication strategies to improve results with the Communication Manager.
• Assist with annual statement preparation and delivery, updating print materials and SkyKit information in the WRS lobby.
• Provide assistance in creating two required annual reports with Adobe InDesign using content from the accounting team.
• Research ways to continuously improve the WRS communication strategy, keeping up with industry standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, or Public Relations preferred.
• 3-5 years of progressive work experience in Journalism, Communication, or Public Relations preferred.
• Ability to write, edit, and proofread material about retirement programs for different audiences.
• Knowledge of media used for public relations including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and G Suite.
• Skills in understanding technical information and rephrasing it for a general audience.
• Knowledge of methods and planning related to public relations, public information, and marketing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team and with management.
• Skills in organization and problem-solving.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining timelines.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with .NET or Sitecore development.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance