Director of Communications in Jefferson City, Missouri at State of Missouri

At the Office of Administration, people and service drive our mission. As Communications Director, you will lead with vision and purpose—shaping the voice of an agency that champions its workforce, supports state partners, and serves Missouri’s citizens with excellence. You will direct communication strategies that advance OA’s priorities, strengthen our public image, and ensure clear, consistent messaging across all platforms. In this role, you’ll provide strategic leadership across internal and external communications, guide media relations, and craft compelling narratives in partnership with senior leaders and statewide stakeholders. If you’re an inspiring, collaborative leader energized by meaningful service and mission-driven teamwork, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a powerful, lasting impact.

The salary indicated represents a base pay rate. If the individual selected or the position is eligible for a pay differential (e.g., shift, security, or years of service), it will be added to the total compensation in your paycheck. A pay differential does not raise your base pay.

• Act as the strategic hub for all internal communications, ensuring every message aligns with OA’s vision of delivering excellent customer service, every time.
• Develop and execute diversified communication strategies that advance OA’s priorities, fulfill statutory obligations, and support statewide initiatives, including Digital Government Transformation.
• Shape and direct OA’s public narrative across press, digital, and community channels, maintaining a unified, non‑partisan “voice of the state.”
• Oversee all internal and external communications to strengthen OA’s public image and ensure clear, consistent messaging across platforms, audiences, and agencies.
• Serve as a primary strategic voice for OA by leading media relations, managing inquiries, crafting statements, and directing crisis communications with transparency and precision.
• Lead statewide internal communications to improve operations, address agency feedback, and clearly communicate enterprise policies such as AI, HR, and procurement guidance.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, state agencies, and key stakeholders to craft compelling, unified narratives that reinforce OA’s mission and value.
• Uphold editorial excellence by ensuring accuracy, clarity, and professionalism across all agency materials.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with media partners, agency leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Provide strategic leadership to communications staff, setting high standards for creativity, urgency, execution, and accountability.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Seven years of progressive experience in strategic communications or public relations, including at least three years in a direct leadership role. Experience in government, public administration, or a regulated environment strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage teams with excellence, demonstrating strong organizational, managerial, and project‑coordination skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated portfolio showing success in both high‑level strategic campaigns and hands‑on writing, editing, and content production.
• Deep understanding of state government structures, the legislative process, and the requirements of non‑partisan public service.
• Experience managing media relations, providing strategic counsel to senior leadership, and operating within established frameworks for crisis communication and emergency public information.
• Ability to develop clear, consistent messaging across diverse platforms and coordinate efforts across teams to ensure alignment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• Proficiency with modern editing, publishing, and digital communication tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining high editorial standards.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Administration, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field preferred.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Successful background check results are required for employment in this position. This may include background checks involving a candidate's name and/or fingerprints and other screenings as needed for the specific position.

Authorization to work in the United States is a prerequisite of employment. The Office of Administration will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

OARecruiters@oa.mo.gov