Public Information Officer

At the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), we plan, build, maintain, and protect the transportation systems that connect communities, support commerce, and keep Louisiana moving.

DOTD is seeking an experienced communications and media relations professional
. The position leads media relations, public affairs, and strategic communications for the New Orleans area while supporting the broader communication needs of statewide media efforts and department leadership. As a senior spokesperson and communications advisor, the position provides timely, accurate, and accessible information during high-profile projects, emergencies, severe weather events, and other critical situations. The position also builds strong relationships with media, community stakeholders, government officials, transportation partners, and internal personnel while applying sound judgment, exceptional communication skills, and a strong understanding of transportation operations and the New Orleans metropolitan area.

• Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.
• Focusing on Customers: The ability to understand and meet the needs, preferences, and experiences of internal and external customers.
• Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well-supported conclusions.

This position is located in Orleans parish and reports to the
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications.

Please visit our DOTD Career Center for more information about our agency: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

• Five years of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design; OR
• Six years of full-time experience in any field plus two years of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design; OR
• A bachelor's degree plus two years of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design; OR
• An advanced degree in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or English plus one year of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design.
• EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION:
• Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

• Lead media relations and public affairs activities for DOTD in the New Orleans area and assigned district.
• Build and maintain relationships with news media, government officials, community organizations, transportation partners, and other stakeholders.
• Respond to media inquiries and develop press releases, advisories, talking points, briefing materials, and other communications products.
• Develop proactive media strategies and identify opportunities to promote DOTD projects, programs, accomplishments, policies, and public safety initiatives.
• Coordinate press conferences, media events, project announcements, site visits, groundbreaking ceremonies, and other public affairs activities.
• Serve as a senior media strategist and communications advisor to the Secretary and Department executive leadership,…