Public information supervisor/expert

Position Number: 22116745

Location: DEPT OF PARKS, HERITAGE & TOUR -HP01

County: Pulaski

Anticipated Starting Salary: $63,085.98

Arkansas State Parks is seeking an experienced and innovative candidate to lead the Division's program/event realm of public relations, including those operated by parks as well as partner activations. The position ensures every program experience reflects the Division's standards for engagement, professionalism, and hospitality.

Duties:

• Maintains program quality, and consistency through development of policy and standard operating procedures;
• Sets expectations for statewide efforts and individual park program planning to ensure: alignment with park resources for essential outdoor experiences, prioritization of primary and secondary recreation pursuits assigned to each park, balance of in-park, outreach, and school programming, and special events;
• Monitors industry trends and develops new signature event and recreation experiences;
• Possibly supports operations in recruiting, screening, hiring, and training of park interpreters/guides. Training includes recreation skill development, public speaking, group management, program/event design, school curriculum alignment;
• Maintains robust record keeping for program output and attendance tracking;
• Supports revenue growth by elevating hospitality efforts, recruiting and supporting sales of park facilities, connecting park guests to retail and building partnerships;
• Collaborates with Division leadership to ensure park staff have equipment and staffing support for successful program delivery;
• Travels to field locations for program audits and mentoring/coaching;
• Periodically represents the Division for PR needs such as civic group talks and media interviews;
• Works closely with Deputy and Assistant Directors, Managers of Visitor Experience, Sales/Revenue, Emergency Services, and Park Operations, and the ADPHT Communications and Marketing teams.

Work location/schedule: Position works primarily Mon-Fri, based in Little Rock at Natural State Headquarters. Must have ability to work flexible hours as needed for events, site travel, and training workshops, including occasional evenings and weekends. Position requires a medium amount of in-state travel with some overnight. Ability to travel independently is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented success with outdoor recreation, park interpretation, education, event management, and hospitality;
• Experience managing teams and working with large groups of teams;
• Strong leadership, verbal and written communication, and project management skills;
• Eagerness to inspire park staff toward excellence in program engagement.

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas’s natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state’s economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state.

Position Information

Job Series: Public Relations – Career-path Classification: Public Information Supervisor/Expert Class Code: CPR08P Pay Grade: SGS08 Salary Range: $63,086 - $93,367

Job Summary

The Public Information Supervisor/Expert is a mid-to-senior-level position responsible for overseeing a team of public information specialists and coordinators. This position is crucial for ensuring that communication efforts are consistent, high-quality, and aligned with the agency’s objectives. The Public Information Supervisor/Expert provides guidance on strategic communication initiatives and serves as a subject matter expert in the field of public information and media relations.

Primary Responsibilities

• The assignment of supervisory duties is determined by the hiring agency's operational needs. Non-supervisory roles will serve as senior technical experts.
• Supervise and guide public information specialists and other communication staff.
• Assist the Public Information Manager in the development of communication strategies and plans.
• Review and approve communication materials, including press releases, speeches, and social media content.
• Act as the lead in handling media inquiries, interviews, and public speaking opportunities.
• Coordinate and manage high-profile events and initiatives, ensuring effective communication and media coverage.
• Ensure the accuracy and quality of all public communications, verifying that content complies with state policies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and suggest improvements.
• Maintain strong relationships with key media outlets and public figures.

Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced knowledge of public relations practices, media relations, and government communications.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills, with the ability to manage and mentor staff.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, with the ability to craft clear and compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work under pressure, particularly in high-stress or crisis communication situations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• In-depth understanding of social media platforms, web content management, and digital communication tools.
• Proven expertise in managing communication strategies and media relations.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree with a major in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field preferred. Four years of experience in public relations, media relations, or government communications, including two years of supervisory experience. Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A

OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.