Kansas Judicial Branch

Communications Specialist - IT - Office of Judicial Administration

Topeka, KS - Full Time

Position number:                                K0245941

Location of Employment:                  Office of Judicial Administration, Shawnee County, Kansas 66612

Salary and Benefits:                           Communication Specialist, Grade 38, $29.49

Kansas Judicial Branch Benefits State Employment Center - Benefits (ks.gov)                    

The Kansas judicial branch seeks an experienced communicator with strong writing skills to distill complex and nuanced information into engaging, easy to understand long- and short-form content to deliver to internal and external audiences through a variety of channels. The position also invites creative expression through photography, videography, and graphic and publication design. The communications specialist reports to the Chief Information Technology Officer and works with branch leadership and administrative business units to create effective communication plans and strategies to enhance collaboration and transparency between Information Technology and the customers it serves. 

Job duties:
(Position may not include all duties listed and duties listed may not cover all duties that may be performed.)
  • 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 error-free, 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 staff 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, presentations, news releases, newsletters, brochures, infographics, fact sheets, and reports.
  • Design and create communication templates for use with common technical use cases including both proactive and reactive scenarios. 
  • Assist in creating and proofreading technical documentation
  • Provides administrative support for IT leadership team such as scheduling meetings, taking meeting notes, minutes and receiving public calls and emails. 
  • Demonstrates knowledge of data visualization techniques and strategies by preparing reports, graphics, and infographics that effectively communicate statistical data.
  • 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.
  • Administrative support responsibilities for the Chief Information Technology Officer 
  • Other duties as assigned
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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Exceptional communication skills, including writing, speaking, editing, proofreading, and presentation.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with keen 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, systems, and capability to elevate judicial branch communications.
  • Ability to effectively manage projects, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
  • Proficient using MS Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and website content management systems.
  • Proven judgment and discretion, with an ability to handle sensitive material.
  • Experience working in Information Technology related area is preferred.
Application deadline: Open until filled.

Applicants are asked to submit three writing samples: First sample is a communication related to an upcoming change that will have a user impact.  Second is a communication about an on-going system outage.  Third is a public communication identifying the root cause of an issue.   

The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures your right to reasonable accommodations during the employment process.  A request for accommodation will not affect your opportunities for employment with the Judicial Branch.  If you wish to request an ADA accommodation, please contact [email protected] or by TDD through the Kansas Relay Center at 800-766-3777 or 711.

THE KANSAS JUDICIAL BRANCH IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER
 
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