Strategic Communications Manager 2026-02415

Strategic Communications Manager 2026-02415

Salary

$6,612.67 - $7,347.60 Monthly

Location

Cheyenne, WY

Job Type

Permanent Full-time

Job Number

2026-02415

Department

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Division

Communication and Education

Opening Date

10/05/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Determined by Position

Job Classification

PIPR10

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

"Conserving Wildlife, Serving People."

Are you a strategic communicator who thrives at the intersection of natural resource conservation and public service? Do you have a passion for Wyoming's rich outdoor heritage, a talent for turning complex wildlife science into compelling stories, and the poise to navigate high-stakes public conversations?

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Strategic Communications Manager (SCM) to join our team at the Cheyenne Headquarters. Reporting directly to the Communications and Education Division Chief, this is not a traditional, reactive press role. You will be a proactive storyteller, a strategic advisor to agency leadership, and an essential bridge between our technical field personnel and the passionate public we serve.

If you are ready to champion the narrative of Wyomings wildlife management, work alongside dedicated game wardens and biologists, and elevate how our agency engages with over half a million constituents, we want to hear from you.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Strategic Communications Manager (SCM) designs, coordinates, and executes enterprise-wide, proactive communications and media relations strategies for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Operating from the Executive/Headquarters level, the SCM serves as a strategic communications resource for the Director's Office, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, and all internal divisions (Fish, Wildlife, Services, Fiscal).

A core component of this modernized role is serving as the operational "hub" to a network of regional Information and Education (I&E) Specialists. The SCM acts as a media shield during crises, a content amplifier for field initiatives, and an advisor on public sentiment, ensuring the department remains proactive, strategic, and deeply attentive to the public.

This position will also supervise a Statewide Information Specialist.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary?

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / dezzaree.schott@wyo.gov

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed at the job level.

• Proactive Media Strategy: Formulate and execute an annual statewide media plan that highlights conservation milestones, habitat restoration projects, research breakthroughs, and public recreation opportunities.
• Hub-and-Spoke Regional Coordination: Partner closely with Regional Information and Education (I&E) Supervisor and I&E Specialists across the state's eight regions to harvest raw field content (from game wardens, biologists, and fish culturists), polish assets, and amplify them to statewide and national audiences.
• Crisis & Incident Management: Serve as the primary statewide media spokesperson during high-profile wildlife or public safety incidents, executing the department's emergency communications protocol and providing strategic "crisis toolkits" to support regional offices.
• Science Translation & Content Creation: Translate highly dense biological data, complex harvest quotas, and changing hunting/fishing regulations into clear, engaging, and accessible press releases, digital content, and public-facing documents.
• Enterprise Digital Outreach: Oversee content strategy for the department's primary digital channels, managing the distribution of mass public messaging to a statewide e-mail network of over 500,000 constituents.
• Public Sentiment & Analytical Feedback: Establish digital listening and media monitoring loops to track public trends and concerns, providing regular intelligence briefings to the Division Chief to help shape proactive agency policy.
• Supervise the Statewide Communications Specialist and oversee the development of the weekly media packet, communicating the Department's top priority news.
• Work closely with the Director and Governor's Office on controversial and sensitive wildlife management issues in addition to providing support regarding high-risk matters.
• Respond to statewide communications topics, and conducts interviews in person as well as on TV, radio, and other digital meeting.
• Work with communications team and Department leadership to develop communication campaigns with measurable outcomes.
• Coordinate with licensing, and IT sections to develop direct emails to customers with specific information and messaging related to customer products.
• Work with the Multimedia and Marketing Supervisor to develop and carry out the departments social media strategy.

IDEAL PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Western Outdoor Fluency: A deep respect for and baseline vocabulary regarding Wyomings hunting, angling, trapping, and trapping-adjacent heritage, coupled with an empathetic understanding of the viewpoints of landowners, sportsmen, and conservationists.
• Strategic & Predictive Instinct: The capability to look at upcoming regulatory framework changes and accurately project how different public factions will react, shifting the communications posture in advance.
• The "Shield" Demeanor: Unshakeable composure under intense public or media scrutiny, with the ability to manage chaotic news cycles calmly while protecting field personnel from media distractions.
• Diplomatic Collaboration: Exceptional interpersonal skills to build trust across varied divisions, navigate internal silos, and foster a true peer-to-peer partnership with regional staff.
• Text & Narrative Agility: Mastery of the active voice, with an ability to write punchy, scannable text under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

Preference will be given to candidates with a Bachelors degree in a field related to strategic communications, journalism, science communications, public relations, public policy, marketing, or wildlife management (with a communications focus).

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge and understanding of the mission, goals, and objectives of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
• Ability to establish and implement cohesive communication and public relations strategies and plans.
• Experience communicating with the press and other media.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Strong strategic planning and management skills.
• Knowledge of communication principles, media, and public relations techniques.
• Outstanding interpersonal and community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
• Employee development and performance management skills.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret operational needs, and develop integrated, creative solutions.
• Organizational planning, structuring, and staffing skills.
• Skill in financial planning and fiscal management.
• Ability to use independent judgment and gather, manage, and impart information to the media and other internal and external audiences.
• Strong knowledge of local and regional media contacts and/or a proven ability to develop such relationships quickly.
• Ability to provide effective advice and counsel on strategic and/or critical communication issues and to exercise effective judgment.
• Ability to write executive-level communications for internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelors Degree (typically in Public Relations)

Experience:

1-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Public Relations) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Senior Public Relations Specialist

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Public Relations) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Senior Public Relations Specialist

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Statewide travel is required.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt
• Please upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the position and in working for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
• Please disclose if AI was used in any part of the application process, including cover letter and/or resume creation.
• Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check and credit check before the appointment.
• For any questions regarding this position, please contact Roy Weber at roy.weber1@wyo.gov or 307-777-4594.

Supplemental Information

040-Wyoming Game and Fish Department - Communications and Education Division

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

For any questions regarding this position, please contact Roy Weber at roy.weber1@wyo.gov or 307-777-4594.

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 9 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.

Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.

Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.

01

(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
• Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
• Associates Degree
• Associates Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelors Degree
• Bachelors Degree and additional coursework
• Masters Degree
• Masters Degree and additional coursework
• Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
• None of the Above

02

(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
• 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
• 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
• 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
• 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
• N/A

03

(PIPR10) How many years of relevant work experience or transferable skills do you have related to the job description?

• No relevant experience.
• Less than one (1) year of relevant experience.
• One (1) to less than three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Three (3) to less than four (4) years of relevant experience
• Four (4) or more years of relevant experience.

04

(AA) Describe your relevant experience below.

05

Do you have a Bachelors degree or higher in a field related to communications, journalism, science communications, public relations, marketing, conservation education, or leadership?

• Yes
• No

06

(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Government Jobs @ www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

07

(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employees first and last name, and include the department they work for if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral bonus.

08

(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.

09

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans preference disclosure.

• Yes
• No
• I am not a veteran

10

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veterans military service, and wish to claim veterans preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans preference status. By requesting veterans preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veterans Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above

11

(A) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Wyoming

Address Human Resource Contact Information located in the

General Description Section

Statewide, Wyoming, 82002

Phone 307-777-7188

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm