COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has a vacancy.  

This position is unclassified.  

Louisiana is a “State as a Model Employer” for People with Disabilities.  

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities.  Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.  

Both the completed application and a resume are required.  Applications may be rejected if incomplete or if the resume is missing.  

Applicants qualifying based on college training or receipt of a baccalaureate degree will be required to submit an official college transcript to verify credentials claimed prior to appointment. Please make every effort to attach a copy of your transcript to your application. The transcripts can be added as an attachment to your online application or faxed to (225) 342-7006. The selected candidate will be required to submit original documentation upon hire.
A bachelor's degree plus five years of experience in governmental affairs or communications.  

A master's degree may substitute for one year of the required experience.  

Preferred Qualifications:

•Knowledge of and experience working with education policy and law

•Excellent written and verbal skills

•Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, online content management and editing, live streaming technology, and social media platforms

•Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, both independently and as part of a larger team

•Exceptional project management and organization skills

Function of Work:

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) provides leadership and creates policies for education that expand opportunities for children, empower families and communities, and advance Louisiana in an increasingly competitive global market. The Board exercises supervision and control over public elementary and secondary schools, special schools, and failed schools under its jurisdiction and has budgetary responsibility for all funds appropriated or allocated by the state for those purposes. This position is funded with State General Fund (SGF) funds within the Administrative Program expenditures and assists BESE in fulfilling its administrative responsibilities.

Supervision Received:
Direction from BESE Executive Director.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

60% Administrative Support

40% 8(g) Support

Examples of Work:

•Develop, implement, and evaluate communications initiatives in collaboration with BESE members and staff;

•Manage media relationships, external communications, and messaging; develop and distribute press releases; and evaluate the effectiveness of communications techniques;

•Respond to press calls, develop talking points and statements, serve as an agency spokesperson, and work with the Executive Director to determine the appropriate spokesperson to convey BESE's message;

•Administer website and social networking content and maintenance, including website management and troubleshooting, technology updates, and message consistency across sites;

•Manage live streaming of BESE board, committee, advisory council and task force meetings in compliance with La. R.S. 17:3.1, to include technical support, maintenance of streaming platforms and archived video;

•Maintain the organization’s online Rulemaking Docket in compliance with La. R.S. 49:957.

•Provide administrative management support to Board committees, advisory councils, and task forces as assigned by the Executive Director;

•Serve as administrative and technical support lead for BoardDocs board management software;

•Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of BESE publications (e.g. reports, newsletters, and meeting documents);

•Work collaboratively and strategically with all members of the BESE team to achieve the Board's vision and mission, and effectively communicate BESE policy positions and initiatives;

•Perform special projects, as assigned by the Executive Director or Board members.

•Plan and execute community outreach initiatives, forums, and public meetings. 

•Coordinate with school districts, state agencies, and legislators on communication efforts.

•Develop informational campaigns on education policies, initiatives, and reforms.