The Office of Communications serves as the central point for managing both internal and external communications for the agency. Its primary role is to provide timely, accurate, and accessible information about public education policies, initiatives, and priorities across Wisconsin. The office supports the state superintendent’s messaging and plays a critical role in building public trust and engagement in Wisconsin’s education system.
Key responsibilities include:
- Public Relations and Media Management: Builds and maintains strong relationships with media outlets and journalists. Responds promptly to press inquiries; drafts and distributes news releases, media advisories, statements, and op-eds; coordinates media interviews with DPI staff; serves as the DPI’s spokesperson; and monitors media coverage and trends.
- Public Messaging and Crisis Communication: Develops and delivers consistent, transparent messaging during emergencies and critical events, ensuring responsiveness to public concerns and maintaining public confidence.
- Digital Communications and Social Media: Oversees the DPI’s digital strategy, including video creation, and social media presence to engage a diverse range of audiences.
- Internal Communications: Coordinates agency-wide updates to keep staff informed of strategic priorities, initiatives, and operational changes, helping build a cohesive, and informed workplace culture.
- Content Creation and Management: Produces agency-branded materials, such as videos, newsletters, infographics, presentations, and publications that communicate the DPI’s work to schools, districts, and the broader public.
- Strategic Messaging Support: Partners with program offices to design communication strategies for key initiatives and policy rollouts, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with agency goals.
- Community Engagement and Outreach/Events: Supports communications for public listening sessions, stakeholder engagement opportunities, and feedback collection on critical education issues.