Create written and visual communication to advance the mission of the court system.
Organization Kansas Judicial Branch, Office of Judicial Administration, Topeka, Kan.
Job Title Communications Specialist
Overview
Do you mentally edit everything; use words with economy and precision; solve complex problems for fun; notice every detail in the big picture; transform concepts into on-time finished products; have insatiable intellectual curiosity; readily embrace new technology; and work with purpose to uphold your own high standards? If so, our organization is looking for you. We promise to provide sufficient complexity to hold your interest and abundant opportunity for you to make a lasting impact in a rapidly evolving environment. We need someone with your inherent curiosity, professional skills, and enthusiasm for using modern communication tools to help us tell others about the Kansas judicial branch and its programs, projects, and services. You will be a writer among writers responsible for translating our insider language into something easy to understand without losing essential meaning. You will get to express your creative side using graphic design, photography, and videography to tell compelling stories about our courts, our judges, and our employees, all of whom are committed to providing a fair and impartial system of justice. Your work will be carried out under the supervision of our public information director, and your performance will be reviewed through reports and conferences and evaluated on results achieved.
Examples of Work
Works with judicial branch officers and staff to develop concepts for a full range of high-quality, on-brand communications for internal and external audiences and arranges for their timely publication or dissemination.
Writes persuasively, powerfully, and with precision to produce accurate, engaging, informative short- and long-form content for use in print or online, in social media activities, mass media campaigns, or public events.
Understands and correctly applies the judicial branch brand look and feel, maintains its integrity across communication products and platforms, and translates it into a clear, confident, and human voice.
Collects, analyzes, organizes, translates, and presents information gathered from or created with technical subject matter experts into information that is usable, meaningful, and actionable by the intended audience.
Provides proofreading, editing, and communication coaching to judicial branch officers and staff to ensure communications are coherent, precise, accurate, and clear; are appropriate for the delivery method; and they adhere to the judicial branch brand standards. Maintains the OJA Style Guide and educates personnel on its application and use.
Manages data for bulk email distribution and develops policy for its maintenance and use.
Produces high-quality graphic design and publication layout for digital and print communications, including emails, news releases, newsletters, brochures, infographics, fact sheets, and reports. Includes digital products for the web, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Demonstrates up-to-date knowledge of graphic, photo, video, and publication design programs, especially those in the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Acquires extensive knowledge of judicial branch programs and activities to quickly, effectively, concisely, and accurately respond to internal and external inquiries to prevent or mitigate confusion.
Acquires or takes, selects, and edits high-quality photographs and video and maintains an asset library for publications and online communications.
Produces video content by developing storylines and scripts, and by recording, editing, and publishing videos to appropriate channels.
Demonstrates knowledge of data visualization techniques and strategies by preparing reports, graphics, and infographics that effectively communicate statistical data.
Provides progress reports on major phases or changes in the designs or work schedules of projects.
Provides media monitoring and social media monitoring to keep key judicial branch officers and staff informed of mentions.
Prepares and maintains necessary files, records, and reports relating to informational material, news articles, and other published information relevant to the judicial branch, and helps disseminate it as appropriate.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing, or a related field, OR associate degree and two years' experience working in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing, or a related field.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Exceptional communication skills, including writing, speaking, editing, proofreading, and presentation.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with acute attention to detail.
Lifelong learner with insatiable curiosity, a growth mindset, and a willingness to stretch beyond expectations.
Energized, motivated, and committed to doing excellent work.
Ability to listen, negotiate, and remain flexible in a highly matrixed environment.
Ability to develop methods, tools, and capability to elevate judicial branch communications.
Ability to effectively manage projects, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
Proficient using MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, and website content management systems.
Proven judgment and discretion, with an ability to handle sensitive material.
Applicants are asked to submit three writing samples and three design samples that reflect their ability to perform the duties assigned to this position.
This position is based in Topeka, Kan.
Salary Information $51,713 - $66,077
Contact Lisa Taylor