Bureau Chief

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy:

• Job Posting closes: February 13, 2025

Kansas Department of Transportation

At KDOT, we reward our staff’s hard work by providing training opportunities, a family-oriented work environment and service recognition. Promotional opportunities, free parking, and potential hybrid work schedules are also offered. KDOT is a great place to work, so come be part of our team!

Verification of identity and employment eligibility to work in the United States is required by federal law. For a list of acceptable documents that establish these criteria, please refer to the federal Form I-9.

E-Verify: The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For additional information regarding E-Verify, please click here. For additional information regarding Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) please click here.

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full/Part-time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes
• Search Keywords: Holton, Oskaloosa, Lawrence, Ottawa, Osage City, Eskridge, Alma, Wamego

Compensation:

• Annual Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00
• Hourly Pay Range: $36.05 - $38.46

Employment Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance Programs:
  • Paid Leave: Vacation, Holidays, Parental, Military, Sick, Funeral and Jury Duty
  • Employee Assistance Program
    • For help managing daily life at no cost to you
  • Infant at Work Program
  • Voluntary Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• First-Day Coverage:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vison Insurance
  • Tax Advantage Accounts: HSA, HRA, FSA with qualifying plans
• Life Insurance:
  • Employer paid basic group life
  • Optional group life insurance available at a reasonable cost.
• Retirement:
  • KPERS and Deferred Compensation
• Other Benefits:
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Paid on-the-job training programs.
  • Personal and Professional Development Opportunities
  • Employee discounts with the STAR Program
  • And more!

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities:

Position Summary:

This Bureau Chief position is located in Topeka, at the Eisenhower State Office Building, and is within the Bureau of Public Information. This position is responsible for communicating critical information effectively to the public and providing supervision, guidance, and leadership to the District PIOs and additional agency staff serving in the Public Information Office. The Bureau Chief works under the direction of a Deputy Secretary.

This is a leadership position that serves to advance agency goals, objectives, and strategies. This position requires the ability to synthesize information and express complex concepts in a clear and compelling manner, including the ability to translate technical policy/program and/or legislative language that can be easily understood by the media and members of the public. The incumbent must be able to access, determine and manage the most effective ways to communicate a message to the intended audience, collect information from a variety of sources, research, write, publish, and coordinate message delivery to achieve agency/leadership direction.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Develops and maintains overarching policies and procedures for the Public Information Plan consistent with the Agency’s strategic management plan.
• Performs duties associated with supporting public relations by developing and delivering internal focused programs, products and/or services.
• Conducts activities associated with the development and delivery of public information.
• Provides supervision, guidance, training, leadership, and other management responsibilities for the Public Information Office (PIO) staff within the Agency.
• Travel is required and will be statewide with national travel likely. Estimated travel is up to 30% and is variable based on time of year, active projects, and other factors.

View the full position description

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or similar field is required. Transcripts are required for education to be considered.
• Three years of supervisory experience
• Valid Driver’s License at time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four or more years of experience serving in a public information officer role, or a similar role demonstrating accomplishments and advancement toward service to an agency/organization as a statewide Public Information Officer.
• Portfolio of published press releases, media interviews, speeches, and other materials relevant to the position (this would include newsletters, social media campaigns, etc.) is preferred. Representation samples also acceptable.

Post-Offer/Pre-employment Requirements:

• Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. Each applicant (even non-residents) who is selected for a State of Kansas job vacancy must apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's (KDOR) website at www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/Default.aspx .
  If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact KDOR at (785) 296-3199 or by email at kdor_specialprojects@ks.gov

Recruiter Contact Information:

• Name: Tulsa Wade
• Email: KDOT.HQ.JobApps@ks.gov
• Phone: (785) 296-7242

Job Application Process

• First Sign in or register as a New User.
• Complete or update your contact information on the Careers -> “My Account Information” page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and submit when it is complete.
  • Manage your drafted and submitted applications on the Careers -> “My Job Applications” page.
• Check your email and the “My Job Notifications” page for written communications from the Recruiter.
  • Email – sent to the Preferred email on the “My Account Information” page.
  • Notifications – view the Careers -> “My Job Notifications” page.

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Optional Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

• Transcripts (if substituting education)
• DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

• Resume (or choose existing if you have one)
• Cover Letter

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability, or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.