Director of Communications

At the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs our mission is to relentlessly advocate for Louisiana veterans and their families to ensure they receive superior customer service and support by connecting them to the benefits they have earned in service to our country while meeting the economic educational and employment needs of transitioning service members looking to make Louisiana their home.

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Communications Director to lead the departments strategic communication efforts. This pivotal role will enhance the visibility of LDVAs mission to serve Louisianas veterans their families and survivors through effective messaging media engagement and community outreach. The Communications Director will oversee all aspects of internal and external communications ensuring alignment with the departments goals and values while fostering strong relationships with stakeholders media and the public.

This will be an unclassified appointment within the LDVA and will require a highly disciplined and motivated individual. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Minimum salary: $80000.

• Bachelors degree in Communications Public Relations Journalism Marketing or a related field (Masters degree preferred).Pertinent military experience and training may be considered as a substitution for the education requirements.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in communications public relations or a related field with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in strategic communications media relations and crisis management.
• Strong understanding of social media platforms digital marketing and analytics tools.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft clear compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Experience working with government agencies veteran organizations or nonprofits is highly desirable.
• Ability to manage multiple projects meet deadlines and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Louisianas veteran community and state government operations is a plus.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in content management systems graphic design tools (e.g. Canva Adobe Creative Suite) social media management and media monitoring software.
• Experience in event planning and public speaking.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a track record of building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

• Strategic Communications:
  • Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies to promote LDVAs programs services and initiatives.
  • Craft compelling narratives that highlight the departments commitment to veterans and align with state and federal priorities.
  • Ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels to strengthen LDVAs brand and mission.
• Media Relations:
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson and media contact for LDVA building and maintaining relationships with local state and national media outlets.
  • Prepare press releases media kits and talking points to effectively communicate LDVAs initiatives and achievements.
  • Monitor media coverage and provide strategic recommendations to enhance LDVAs public image.
• Community Relations:
  • Working in close collaboration with the LDVA Assistant Secretary for Outreach develop and execute community outreach programs to engage veterans their families and community organizations across Louisiana.
  • Represent LDVA at public events forums and community gatherings to promote awareness of veteran services and resources.
  • Collaborate with veteran service organizations nonprofits and community groups to amplify LDVAs impact.
• Crisis Communication:
  • Develop and maintain a crisis communication plan to address sensitive issues swiftly and effectively.
  • Manage communications during emergencies or high-profile situations ensuring transparency and accuracy while protecting LDVAs reputation.
  • Provide guidance to leadership on public responses to crises or controversies.
• Social Media Management:
  • Oversee LDVAs social media presence including content creation scheduling and engagement across platforms (e.g. Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn).
  • Develop engaging veteran-focused content to increase awareness and interaction with LDVAs services and events.
  • Monitor social media trends and analytics to optimize reach and engagement.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including veterans government officials community leaders and partner organizations.
  • Coordinate with internal teams to ensure stakeholders are informed about LDVAs initiatives and opportunities for collaboration.
  • Facilitate stakeholder feedback to inform communication strategies and improve service delivery.

Preference will be given to applicants who are veterans as well as those who may be military spouses. This will be an unclassified appointment within the LDVA and will require a highly disciplined and motivated individual.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Minimum salary: $80000.

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities.

How To Apply:

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.

* Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e. relevant detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Contact Information:

For further information about this vacancy contact:

Jodeci Alsobrook

HR Manager

LDVA