The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and guidance to approximately 200,000 school district staff serving approximately 1.5 million students in public and non-public schools and 39,000 students in special education transition services. In addition, MDE provides administrative support and supervision for the Michigan School for the Deaf and the Library of Michigan.MDE is responsible for state education leadership in a local control state and works to implement state and federal education laws, disburse state and federal resources, license educators, develop state summative assessments and accountability systems, create state academic standards, and coordinate school health and nutrition programs. In addition, in developing and promoting the state’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, MDE works with partner education entities and stakeholders to improve public education for children across the state. MDE’s role in the improvement of public education extends to providing information and feedback to public policy-makers, convening educators on public policy issues, recommending draft language on legislation, and developing guidance to districts on statutory changes adopted at the state and federal levels.Join a team of highly trained and educated individuals committed to supporting learners and learning in Michigan. Serving students, parents, families, educators, and communities within a culture that promotes excellence and respects diversity, our work is meaningful and impactful.As a State of Michigan employee, you will receive a competitive wage and benefit package that values your experience and skills. You will join a team of more than 400 professionals at the department and almost 50,000 in state government who are committed to excellence in public service.

The Office of Public and Governmental Affairs is the official source of news, information, and outreach involving the Michigan Department of Education and State Board of Education programs, policies, and initiatives, as well as the liaison between the department and state and federal legislators.

The office oversees:

• Media relations with local, state, and national television, radio, print, and online media on newsworthy department programs, policies, initiatives, and actions

• Government relations – helps provide technical assistance and guidance to members of the state and federal legislatures regarding education policies and systems in Michigan

• Web design, development, approval, and maintenance of content on the Michigan Department of Education’s website, the state’s electronic face on education to the world

• Strategic planning on department initiatives and message development

• Internal communications tools and strategies to share department and state government information to management and staff, including all-staff meetings, employee newsletters, and the department’s Intranet online information resource

• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and responses

Primary Physical Work Address - Position is located at the John Hannah Building, 608 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan. Hybrid flexible schedule of in-person and remote work arrangement.

Position Summary: This position serves as the department spokesperson and assists the office administrator (director) responsible for all aspects of communications for the Michigan Department of Education. The position serves as the primary news media spokesperson for the department and either responds to media inquiries or refers to the director for response. The position is involved in strategically developing messaging on key department initiatives and delivering those messages to the public via the news media. Other duties include representing the administrator while out of the office and managing the flow of communications and timing of messages to ensure the appropriate steps are executed.