Entry Level Public Relations Specialist Jobs

Posting Details

THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.

All positions at the NM Public Education Department are based in Santa Fe.

MISSION: EQUITY, EXCELLENCE AND RELEVANCE - The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities, and families to ensure that ALL students are healthy, secure in their identity, and holistically prepared for college, career, and life.

VISION: ROOTED IN OUR STRENGTHS - Students in New Mexico are engaged in a culturally and linguistically responsive educational system that meets the social, emotional, and academic needs of ALL students.

The PED Public Information and Communications Office

The Public Education Department strives to meet the needs of all students, educators and constituents of New Mexico by offering open and transparent communications surrounding our agency's work. The Public Information and Communications Office handles media communications, public relations and requests for public information. Additionally, the Communications Office produces, edits and supports the development of several communications products and publications.

To ensure your application can be fully considered, please provide a complete application and/or resume that includes:

• Dates of employment for each position, including month and year.
• Detailed descriptions of your work experience and job duties.
• Transcripts if a degree is listed on your application. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.

Why does the job exist?

The Public Relations Coordinator collaborates with the Communications Manager and Public Information Office (PIO) to develop and implement a digital media and PR strategy to engage families, educators, and other education partners with the agency. This key position on the communications team is critical in managing and increasing brand awareness and in helping to convey and further the mission, vision, and goals of the agency via its various channels to reach a variety of constituents in order to promote transparency, convey a positive image for the agency, and establish the agency as the primary source of information about education in New Mexico.
How does it get done?

This position will have key responsibilities in developing and executing strategies for public relations and marketing through the agency's various digital channels. These strategies should be designed with transparency and to convey critical and helpful information to all NMPED constituent groups.

This position will:
(1) design, schedule, post, monitor and report on branded digital media campaigns as well as posts, web content, and video;
(2) coordinate, shoot, and edit photographs and video and other digital media within the branding framework;
(3) update and improve web content via a content management system,
(4) quickly and efficiently create branded graphics to support various initiatives, campaigns, and programs;
(5) provide analytics to the PIO, Communications Manager, communications team, NMPED Cabinet, and other partners as needed;
(6) incorporate strategies and insights to best engage the public;
(7) assist the communications team in designing and delivering digital assets as needed during events, school visits, and other field work, and
(8) monitor brand compliance across the agency ensuring that all divisions and bureaus are coherent in their branding and messaging.
(9) Draft press releases and stories to support agency messaging, edit press releases and other Communications Bureau and agency materials. In addition, they may be responsible for assisting in the coordination of education, awards, and outreach programs.
Who are the customers?

Educators, families, district and charter school staff, administrators, decisionmakers, legislators, educational experts, child and family advocates, other state agencies, the Office of the Governor, and the public at large.
Ideal Candidate

Educators, families, district and charter school staff, administrators, decisionmakers, legislators, educational experts, child and family advocates, other state agencies, the Office of the Governor, and the public at large.
Minimum Qualification

Associates Degree in Publications, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing, and/or related field and one (1) year of experience in public relations, mass communications, television, radio, print media, emergency communications, and/or emergency management. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling three (3) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions

Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Travel required.
Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Dr. Janelle Taylor Garcia, 505/ 709-5543 or Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.