Communications Strategist

Introduction

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Enterprise Services (DES) is recruiting for a Communications Strategist.

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.
• Top rated health plan options starting at $45/month for single plans and $111/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High-Deductible Health Savings.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.

This position offers the option to work remotely up to 3 days per week and is headquartered at the 201

E. Washington office in downtown Madison. This schedule may vary based on training or operational need.

As the Communications Specialist, you will be responsible for developing, monitoring, and coordinating internal communications and actions of DES to be delivered to all DHS staff. This includes participating in the design, coordination and implementation of an extensive communications program that promotes understanding, support and confidence in DHS’s mission, activities and objectives.

• Coordinating and managing special and ongoing internal initiatives identified as priorities by DES, by the DHS Office of the Secretary and by the Governor’s Office. This position works closely with the Deputy Communications Director on DHS wide messaging.
• Managing assigned communications plans for both DES and DHS, providing staff with information they need to excel in their employment and to meet DHS’s goal of providing critical health and human services programs to Wisconsin residents.
• Assisting, as needed, in event coordination for staff events and creating published materials for staff.

The starting pay is between $37.50 and $42.93 per hour (approximately between $78,000 and $89,200 per year) depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.

or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is classified as a Communications Specialist Advanced and is in pay schedule and range 07/03.

All applicants who may be appointed to these positions will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.

For positions that allow remote working flexibility, working outside of Wisconsin or in bordering cities will not be allowed except in extremely limited circumstances due to the need to report to an office location in Wisconsin on short notice.

Employees must have access to secure high-speed internet for remote work option. Mileage reimbursement to the employee’s headquarter location is not provided. Remote work flexibility will be discussed in more detail during the interview process.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Experience composing and editing written communications to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to style guide or brand standards using plain language.
• Experience creating or…