Public Relations Specialist I
Salary
$33,600.00 - $40,000.00 Annually
Location
25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9111-0401-20261016HI
Department
0401 - AGRICULTURE & COMMERCE DEPARTMENT
Opening Date
10/20/2026
Closing Date
10/30/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$33,600.00
Agency Maximum Salary
$40,000.00
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree.
About the Agency
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerces (Department) mission is to support and apply necessary regulations to agricultural-related businesses within the state and to promote Mississippis products throughout both the state and the rest of the world for the benefit of Mississippi citizens. The Department is dedicated to promoting and heightening the publics awareness of Mississippis agricultural history, agriculture commodities and the farmers and ranchers who produce them through participation in trade shows, conferences and various other community and agricultural related organizations. Through its various bureaus, the Department seeks to protect the health and economic welfare in conjunction with the agricultural and horticultural interests of Mississippi. These activities include registering pesticides, feeds, seeds, fertilizers, and soil amendments, as well as, permitting all pest control operators throughout the state. The Department conducts inspections of producers, grocery stores, meat establishments, fuel stations and other commercial operations to ensure adherence to applicable regulations including, without limitation, food safety and the certification of weighing and measuring devices used in commerce. To contact MDAC call 601-359-1100.
About the Position
The Public Relations Specialist I position serves within the Marketing and Governmental Affairs Division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC). This division is responsible for promoting Mississippi agriculture and the state's agricultural products while working with policymakers and stakeholders on key issues. Core functions of the division include outreach/communications, market development programs, and grant and cost-share programs. The Public Relations I position plays an important role in increasing public awareness of MDAC's programs, promoting Mississippi agriculture, and strengthening engagement with agricultural producers, businesses, and consumers across the state. This position supports MDAC's marketing, communications, and public outreach efforts through the development of engaging content and promotional materials. The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: • Develops, implements, and manages social media content for the Mississippi Farmers Market, Genuine MS, MDAC, and other agency programs and initiatives as needed. • Monitors social media engagement, responds to routine inquiries as appropriate, and coordinates with agency personnel to ensure timely and accurate responses. • Captures, edits, and produces photographs and short-form videos for use in social media, websites, publications, and other promotional materials. • Ensures consistency in messaging, visual identity, and branding across agency communications, marketing materials, and digital platforms • Develops and distributes weekly e-newsletter for the Mississippi Farmers Market and Genuine MS Farmers Market and monthly e-newsletters for the MDAC. • Creates, manages, and updates content on the Genuine MS website. • Designs marketing materials, such as brochures, ads, and posters. • Tracks and evaluates the effectiveness of digital communications, advertising, and promotional campaigns and recommends improvements to increase audience reach and engagement. • Represents MDAC at various events such as field days, school activities, trade shows, conferences as needed. • Assists with planning, coordinating and promoting agency activities for Genuine MS, Farmers Markets, State Fair, Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, conferences, and other events as needed. • Other duties as assigned by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, Chief of Staff, Deputy Commissioner, and/or Marketing and Governmental Affairs Director and direct Supervisor. Prefer experience in public relations, marketing, digital communications, social media management, or content creation. Developing and implementing social media campaigns across multiple platforms, including Facebook, X, Instagram, and other digital channels. Photography, videography, and video editing for digital and print communications. Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with experience developing press releases, newsletters, articles, advertisements, and promotional content. Knowledge of social media analytics, digital marketing strategies, and techniques for increasing audience reach and engagement. General knowledge of Mississippi agriculture, including the state's major commodities, agricultural industries, and issues affecting farmers and agribusinesses. Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and extended hours in connection with Genuine MS, Farmers Markets, Mississippi State Fair, Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, and other special events.
What youll need to be Successful
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong knowledge of grammar, editing and professional writing standards. Ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely for a variety of audiences. Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with staff, media representatives, public officials, industry stakeholders and the general public. Familiarity with social media platforms, website content management and digital communications. Basic knowledge of photography, graphic design and programs including Meltwater, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or Premiere Pro).
Characteristics of Work
See MSPB website for information.
Health/Prescription Insurance
Eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits
Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance
All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances
Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.
Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave
Full-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave
In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays
Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs
The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us
Deferred Compensation
State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union
All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training
The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities
Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders
Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
01
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed?
02
How many years of related experience do you have?
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406
| Location | Jackson, MS |
| Salary | $33,600–$40,000 Per Year |
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