The Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Public Health (DPH) is recruiting for a Deputy Communications Director within the Administrators Office (AO). DPH works with our local and tribal public health partners, and community groups statewide, on a wide variety of programs and services that protect the health of Wisconsin residents.

This position offers the option to work remotely up to 5 days per week and will be headquartered at one of the DPH central or regional offices. You must have access to both a private workspace and secure high-speed internet if working remotely. A greater in-office presence may be required periodically for meetings, events, training, onboarding, or other operational needs. This position will work Monday through Friday, daytime hours. 

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

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time. 
• Top rated health plan options starting at $47/month for single plans and $117/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service. 
• Premium pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026. 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.
• A casual office atmosphere, flexible work schedules, and telework options depending on the position’s requirements.
• 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.

As the DPH Deputy Communications Director, you will be responsible for the management of DPH communications processes, procedures, and policies. Activities include: 

• Developing and overseeing processes to support the efficient operations of the Division’s communications system and teams.
• Cultivating a culture of learning, coordination, and collaboration across the Division’s communications staff.
• Leading and managing projects related to division strategic initiatives and communications priorities.
• Managing complex communications projects from inception to completion.
• Coordinating with all levels of the Division to help ensure efficient operations and alignment of communications functions, as well as accuracy and quality of all communications from the Division.
• Supervising assigned members of communications team, and developing strong partnerships across communications staff.

In addition, the position will maintain a primary role in the development and implementation of the DPH external communications strategy by assisting bureaus, offices, and programs with identifying appropriate health education and strategic communications strategies, materials, and methodologies while performing review, revision, and dissemination of health information products. 

The starting pay is between $44.00 to $46.59 per hour (approximately between $91,500 and $96,900 per year) depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.

Pay for current or former employees is set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is classified as a Program and Policy Supervisor and is in pay schedule and range 81/03.

All applicants who may be appointed to this position 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.

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 in public health communications and governmental communications.
• Experience writing, editing, and developing communication strategies, plans and materials. 
• Experience managing public awareness campaigns or programs. 
• Experience supervising or leading employees (e.g., assigning and evaluating employee work, coaching/mentoring/disciplining staff, resolving conflict, establishing/communicating work plans, etc.).

Well-qualified applicants will have one or more of the following:

• Experience supervising a team of communications professionals.
• Experience with principles and practices related to public health education, communications, and marketing. 
• Experience leading and working within a multi-disciplinary team (e.g., planning, organizing, coordinating, or managing complex communications projects and processes, etc.).
• Experience using Associated Press writing style and experience adhering to agency or organization style guides.

Your letter of qualifications is limited to two (2) pages. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start your application process.  Sign into your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process to submit your application. 

Helpful Information: 

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline. 
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
• Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above. 
• Please monitor your email for communications related to this position. 
• Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered. 
• If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs. 
• For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact DHSDPHHR@dhs.wisconsin.gov. 

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. 

Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s Affairs, click here.

The deadline to apply is June 23, 2026 at 11:59 pm. 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm.  Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.