Director of Communications

Overview

The Director of Communications for Service Oklahoma plays an essential leadership role in shaping and executing the agency's communication strategies. Focused on delivering clear and impactful messaging to both internal employees and external audiences including state leadership and the public, the Director manages a diverse communication portfolio that covers digital marketing, media relations, social media, print materials, audio, and video content.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, launch, and oversee multifaceted communication initiatives aimed at raising awareness and engagement with Service Oklahoma’s mission and programs.
• Manage and curate all social media platforms, including content creation, campaign scheduling, paid advertisements, and performance analysis.
• Supervise website updates, email communications, ensuring content quality, site redesigns when necessary, SEO optimization, and analytic tracking.
• Lead production and distribution of creative communication products across all channels.
• Write, review, and disseminate press releases, advertising materials, and public information statements.
• Develop and implement both internal and external communication plans from start to finish.
• Maintain consistent branding and messaging across all communications and promotional materials.
• Analyze communication outcomes, audience demographics, and research data to adjust strategies effectively.
• Coordinate with external contractors and creative agencies.
• Streamline communication team procedures to boost efficiency.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with communications peers, state leaders, and stakeholders statewide.
• Supervise communications staff by managing workloads, delegating tasks, monitoring work quality, and providing ongoing leadership and motivation.
• Represent Service Oklahoma at public speaking engagements and special events.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth understanding of all major social media platforms and developing effective campaigns that yield measurable impact.
• Strong ability to craft clear, engaging, and professional written content for media outreach and social engagement.
• Experience in interviewing and building relationships to develop rich content and spokesperson opportunities.
• Proven track record in creating compelling visual and written social media content.
• Demonstrated success in securing media relations and meeting strategic communication objectives.
• Flexibility and sound decision-making capabilities in dynamic or ambiguous scenarios, including crisis response.
• Leadership skills to drive communication strategy and manage complex challenges.
• Capability to innovate processes and systems to enhance organizational communication operations.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills combined with strong project management and analytical abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of five years’ leadership experience in communications or public relations roles, or an equivalent blend of education and experience.

Additional Information

• Work schedule may vary with occasional early/late shifts, weekends, and overtime as agency needs dictate.
• Position requires some travel, potentially using state vehicles or personal transportation locally.
• The work environment is primarily an office setting requiring typical computer use.
• Physical requirements include the ability to stand up to eight hours daily and lift 10-50 pounds regularly, with help as necessary.
• May require activities such as stair climbing, walking, standing, and kneeling.
• This job description is intended as a summary and may be revised at any time without prior notice.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary ranges from $115,000 to $125,000, dependent on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including allowances toward medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• State retirement plan contribution matching up to 7% of defined contributions.
• 11 paid holidays, 15 paid annual leave days (increasing with tenure), and 15 paid sick leave days.
• Longevity bonuses based on years of service with the State of Oklahoma.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Oklahoma maintains an equal opportunity employment policy, prohibiting discrimination based on genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.