Public Relations Specialist jobs in Tallahassee, FL

Requisition No: 823327

Agency: Department of Law Enforcement

Working Title: PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST III LEAD WRITER - 71001015

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 71001015

Salary: $60,000.00

Posting Closing Date: 04/17/2024

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PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST III LEAD WRITER

OFFICE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

**Open-Competitive Opportunity**

POSITION SUMMARY:

Serves as a speechwriter, editor, and lead writer in the FDLE Public Information Office. Develops, writes, and edits news releases, media advisories, agency statements, editorials, letters to the editor responses, and internal communications including newsletter stories. Ability to describe complex investigations in a format that is simple to understand. This position requires research skills and works in coordination with the FDLE regions and partners. This position is also required to work on-call periodically.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific duties include:

• Writing speeches for agency leadership;
• Writing speak notes for Commissioner on topics including agency policy and changes in policy, breaking news, and agency programs;
• Developing, researching and writing articles for weekly agency newsletter;
• Writing news releases, letters to the editor, social media posts, and statements;
• Editing publications for agency including long-form reports and shorter news releases, social media posts, letters to the editor;
• Maintaining knowledge of AP and MLP writing styles;
• Assisting in developing writing guidelines for the agency;
• Assisting with and answers media calls;
• Assisting with and answers citizen calls; and
• Working on-call shift.

To be considered as a potential candidate, you must meet the minimum qualifications(s) listed below. Degrees must be from an accredited college or university as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of effective communication;
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system;
• Knowledge of the methods of data collection;
• Ability to collect, evaluate, and analyze data;
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques;
• Ability to operate computers and other office equipment;
• Ability to monitor criminal justice information activities;
• Ability to communicate effectively; and
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

BASE SALARY:

• $60,000.00

HOW YOU WILL GROW:

FDLE recognizes the importance of growth and success while fostering a family-oriented work environment. We encourage our members to seek opportunities for professional growth through training, team building, and mentoring. Our four Fundamental Values of Service, Integrity, Respect and Quality will guide you as you embark on a lifelong career at FDLE.

OUR SALARY & BENEFITS:

Starting salary will be the minimum of the class pay range, unless otherwise dictated by FDLE’s pay policy. FDLE is a State of Florida Employer and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• State of Florida Tuition Waiver Program;
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave;
• HMO and PPO health insurance options with premiums starting as low as $50 per month;
• $25,000 in automatic life insurance coverage;
• Multiple supplemental insurance options including: dental, vision, disability and more;
• Pension and investment retirement plan options; and
• Tax deferred medical and child care reimbursement accounts.

ABOUT OUR AGENCY:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) employs more than 1,900 members statewide – either at headquarters in Tallahassee or in one of seven regional operations centers (ROCs). Our mission is to promote public safety and strengthen domestic security. Click here for additional information about FDLE.

HIRING PROCESS:

You will be evaluated for this job based on your previous knowledge and experience. Additional reviews may be performed to screen for preferred qualifications, experience and education. Your qualifications will be based on knowledge, skills, and abilities and other elements relevant to this position supported by the information in your application. Qualifying questions will only be credited if verifiable by the information provided on your application including specifically required software/computer skills. You may be contacted to participate in a selection process which may consist of written exercises, work samples, skills tests, interviews, drug screen and fingerprinting. You may be notified by email to participate in a selection process. Failure to reply within a designated timeframe may exclude you from further consideration. Future vacancies may be filled from this position advertisement.

BACKGROUND:

FDLE requires an extensive background process of all recommended applicants. The elements of a background include: financial credit check, criminal history of applicant and applicant’s immediate family or roommates, personal references, employment and education verifications (which includes official transcript(s)), drug screen and fingerprinting. This information will be utilized to make the final hiring decision.

NOTES:

Preference will be given to current FDLE members who have satisfactorily completed at least six months of the probationary period for their current position.

REMINDERS:

The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.