WJB-0613-Communications Director-Wyoming Judicial Branch-Cheyenne
State of Wyoming - Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States, 82007
Work at State of Wyoming
Overview
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Overview
Open Until Filled ** Application For This Position Cannot Be Accomplished On This Site. Please Follow The Directions In The "How To Apply" Section At The Bottom Of This Job Description.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), located in Cheyenne, Wyoming, seeks to hire a Communications Director to develop and implement strategic communication and outreach initiatives. This position is responsible for fostering transparency, increasing public awareness, and promoting trust in the judicial system by managing internal and external communications, media relations, and community engagement.
The AOC assists the Wyoming Judicial Branch in fulfilling its constitutional and statutory functions by providing administrative, technical, financial, payroll, auditing, and human resources support to over 300 employees. Our goal is to provide services in an accurate, timely, efficient, and equitable manner. Our offices are in Cheyenne, Wyoming, which is home to Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Cheyenne, the capital of Wyoming, is a growing metropolitan area that thrives on its Western heritage.
Human Resources Contact: 307-777-8648 Adam Arreygue
aarreygue@courts.state.wy.us
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed in the job level.
Supervisory responsibility:
This position functions as a subject matter expert and provides guidance to others on communication matters.
Job duties include:
Serve as the primary media spokesperson for the Judicial Branch, coordinating timely and accurate responses to media inquiries.
Develop and maintain press releases, media kits, fact sheets, and other communication materials.
Monitor media coverage and maintain a proactive media presence.
Provide guidance to justices, judges, and court personnel regarding their interaction with the media.
Prepare press summaries and assist with media for high-profile proceedings.
Identify spokespeople and gather quotes for news releases, articles, and media.
Maintain media contacts statewide.
Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the Judicial Branch’s mission and strategic plan.
Coordinate public messaging, crisis communication protocols, and response strategies.
Manage website content and oversee social media platforms for timely, accurate, and accessible messaging.
Handle crisis communications in high-profile situations.
Advise judicial personnel on communication matters and change management initiatives.
Plan, schedule, and script special events, such as ceremonial court sessions or judge swearing-in ceremonies.
Lead change management initiatives related to communications.
Assess and report on communication strategy effectiveness.
Respond to requests for information promptly.
Assist with planning and executing internal and external communications for large initiatives.
Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, educational institutions, and the public.
Organize and attend public events, forums, and outreach programs to promote judicial awareness.
Coordinate initiatives like Law Day, courthouse tours, and speaker programs.
Serve as the Judicial Branch webmaster for the website and social media.
Develop and evaluate multi-audience communication campaigns supporting Branch goals.
Develop, design, and edit publications, including reports, brochures, and legislative documents.
Gather information and create designs for outreach materials.
Collaborate with justice partners to develop educational materials for the public.
Create internal newsletters and informational campaigns to improve staff awareness.
Develop internal communication strategies to enhance understanding of Branch initiatives.
Compile data to support messaging for judiciary stakeholders and the public.
Attend seminars or conferences for professional development.
Work with IT staff on website design and maintenance.
Photograph events for archival, publication, or publicity purposes.
Assist new justices/judges with robes and update justice photos.
Support staffing of legislative activities and monitor legislative activity affecting the judiciary.
Develop materials for legislative meetings and outreach.
Perform other duties as assigned by the State Court Administrator.
PREFERENCES: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in employment, contract, procurement, civil rights, or public sector law.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: This position requires:
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Understanding of media relations, public sector communications, and digital media strategies.
Ability to explain complex legal and judicial concepts clearly.
Experience with content management systems, social media, and design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite or Canva) is a plus.
Strong organizational skills and project management abilities.
Professionalism, discretion, and judgment handling sensitive matters.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Budget management skills.
Effective report writing and data analysis skills.
Clear communication, including public speaking.
Willingness to travel, including overnight stays.
This position also requires skills in:
WordPress and Adobe Suite proficiency.
Data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Strategic planning.
Stakeholder engagement with tact.
Issue analysis and problem-solving.
Knowledge of:
Wyoming’s judicial system, court processes, and public policy landscape.
Bilingual skills (especially Spanish) are desirable.
Applicable laws and regulations related to the Judicial Branch.
The legal system, including various courts.
Microsoft Office Suite.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, public administration, or related field.
Experience:
Five (5) years of relevant experience in public relations, media relations, or community engagement, preferably in a government or legal setting.
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: This position requires mobility in a typical office setting. The applicant must be able to:
Use standard office equipment.
Sit at a desk for prolonged periods and work on a computer.
Stand and walk occasionally.
Read printed and digital materials.
Communicate in person, over the phone, or virtually.
Lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
Travel.
NOTES:
Employment is at-will and may require a background check.
FLSA: Exempt
The Wyoming Judicial Branch offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, health insurance, paid leave, and more.
HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and completed Branch application.
Click here
to apply online. Alternatively, you may send your application, cover letter, and resume via email to
recruiter@courts.state.wy.us
or by mail to:
Wyoming Supreme Court Attn: Human Resources Manager 2301 Capitol Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82002
Veterans: If you are a U.S. Armed Forces veteran, or a spouse of a veteran who receives survivor benefits, complete the Veteran's Preference section of the application and attach a Form DD214.
The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer supporting ADA accommodations.
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