Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection

at Corporation Commission in Topeka, Kansas, United States

Job Description

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Job Posting closes:  Open Until Filled

Agency Information: 
The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) currently has a vacancy for an unclassified  Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection (PACP) located in the Topeka Office. The KCC, is a multi-faceted agency responsible for regulating public utilities including electric, natural gas, telecommunication, as well as motor carriers, oil and gas pipelines and oil and gas production activities. The Commissions headquarters is in Topeka with the central Conservation office in Wichita and four Conservation district offices located in Dodge City, Wichita, Chanute and Hays.

About the Position

Who can apply:  Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Business or related field is preferred.
Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Work Schedule: M-F  8-5
Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes
Search Keywords:  KCC, Topeka, Shawnee, Public Affairs 

* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.
 

Employment Benefits

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
Sick & Vacation leave
Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
Fitness Centers in select locations
Employee discounts with the STAR Program
Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information

Position Summary & Responsibilities

The PACP section handles all press inquiries and news releases, prepares news clippings for the agency, coordinates changes to the website and manages all public hearing and comment periods. In addition, PACP handles consumer inquires and complaints on a wide array of jurisdictional and non-jurisdictional utility matters.

Job Duties:
 

• Provides overall guidance and direction to the Public Affairs and Consumer Protection section.


• Collaborates with the Commission and Management Team to develop communication strategies that will broaden programmatic reach and deepen impact.


• Develops delivery and packaging plans for Commission messages, produces press releases, promotes special events, schedules interviews for and interviews on behalf of the Commission.


• Serves as KCC spokesperson with federal, state, and city legislators and officials, and members of the general public concerning KCC decisions and regulatory issues.


• Oversees the design and manages the content of the agency website to provide the public and other stakeholders timely access to information.


• Coordinates the planning and promotion of public hearings and other events as assigned.


• Compiles research from other divisions in order to develop annual reports for the Legislature. 
   

Qualifications
 

• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.


• Proven leadership and management experience.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to understand and explain complex topics.


• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Business or related field is preferred. Education may be substituted for experience as deemed relevant by the agency.
   

Travel: Travel within the state is required.
 

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:  

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas.  Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer.  A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law.  

If you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, please know that the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you.  The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas.  The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199.  Kansas Department of Revenue – Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions
 

Recruiter Contact Information

Name: Sandra Rak
Email: Sandra.Rak@ks.gov
Phone: 785-271-3136
 

Job Application Process

• First Sign in or register as a New User.


• 
  Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.


• 
  Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.


• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.


• Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.


• 
  Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.


• Email sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page


• Notifications view the Careers> My Job Notifications page
   

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: How to Apply for a Job Instructions and How to Search for a Job Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers – My Job Applications page

• DD214 (if you are claiming Veterans Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

• Cover Letter


• Resume
   

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans’ Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a “veteran”; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position.  The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job.  Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.
 

Learn more about claiming Veterans Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.
 

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person’s eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612
 

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace.  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.