DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, State of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
State of Maryland -
Baltimore, MD,
US
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Date Posted: 2024-06-16
Job description
Introduction
This Political Special Appointment position serves at the Appointing Authority's pleasure. A resume must accompany your application.
MISSION: To transform young people's lives, create safer communities, and forge more equitable systems through community-based partnerships that hold youth accountable while building on their strengths and support systems.
VISION: Providing pathways to success for youth and families through partnerships across Maryland.
GRADE
23
LOCATION OF POSITION
Office of the Secretary
217 E. Redwood Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Director of Communications will manage all agency communications to support DJS' mission. This role involves developing and implementing effective communication strategies, managing a communications team, and overseeing the creation of informative materials. The Communications Director will work with various media forms, respond to crises promptly, and ensure accurate and up-to-date public information distribution.
Some key responsibilities of this position may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Leadership & Strategy:
Content Creation & Media Relations:
Crisis Management:
Information Management:
Internal Communications:
This position is based in downtown Baltimore with the opportunity for a partial hybrid work schedule.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
Experience: Five (5) years of experience in developing and implementing effective communications strategy and support, including managing staff and responding to media requests.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The preferred candidate for this position may possess any of the following:
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position and your answers to the supplemental questions. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and not write "see resume." Incomplete applications will not be considered.
BENEFITS
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. However, if you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to the address below or fax a paper application to the fax number below. If you choose fax or regular mail, you must include on each page of the attachment your first and last name, the recruitment number that is located at the top of this bulletin, and the last four digits of your social security number. The paper application must be received at the address below by 5 pm, close of business on the closing date for this recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted.
Maryland Department of Juvenile Services
Office of Human Resources
Attn: Mr. Townes
217 E. Redwood St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
Fax number: 410-###-####
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
Should additional information regarding this recruitment be required, please contact DJS Office of Human Resources at ...@maryland.gov. Include the Recruitment Title/Number that is located at the top of the bulletin.
DJS values the experience gained by Veterans while serving our country. Veterans are welcome to apply for all current recruitments.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.
Candidates with lived experience relating to the criminal/juvenile legal system are encouraged to apply.
This Political Special Appointment position serves at the Appointing Authority's pleasure. A resume must accompany your application.
MISSION: To transform young people's lives, create safer communities, and forge more equitable systems through community-based partnerships that hold youth accountable while building on their strengths and support systems.
VISION: Providing pathways to success for youth and families through partnerships across Maryland.
GRADE
23
LOCATION OF POSITION
Office of the Secretary
217 E. Redwood Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Director of Communications will manage all agency communications to support DJS' mission. This role involves developing and implementing effective communication strategies, managing a communications team, and overseeing the creation of informative materials. The Communications Director will work with various media forms, respond to crises promptly, and ensure accurate and up-to-date public information distribution.
Some key responsibilities of this position may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Leadership & Strategy:
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with DJS goals.
- Managing a team of communications staff to ensure cohesive messaging.
Content Creation & Media Relations:
- Overseeing the creation of internal and external communication materials, including press releases, digital campaigns, print materials, social media, audio, and video.
- Ensuring quality control on all communications, maintaining high standards of consistency, branding, and positive messaging.
- Developing and maintaining effective relationships with key media outlets.
Crisis Management:
- Responding swiftly and professionally to crises or challenging situations.
- Being available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and assisting in developing statements for media, public, and DJS staff.
Information Management:
- Ensuring timely and accurate responses to all inquiries, including media requests, public information act requests, press releases, brochures, newsletters, and website postings.
Internal Communications:
- Coordinating and circulating a weekly newsletter to all DJS staff and key stakeholders.
This position is based in downtown Baltimore with the opportunity for a partial hybrid work schedule.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
Experience: Five (5) years of experience in developing and implementing effective communications strategy and support, including managing staff and responding to media requests.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The preferred candidate for this position may possess any of the following:
- A Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or other closely related field.
- Experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, including a leadership role managing a team of communications professionals.
- Extensive experience with all forms of media and developing comprehensive communications strategies, including crisis communication and management.
- Proficiency in digital media, social media platforms, and various content management systems, with the ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with media outlets and stakeholders, coupled with exceptional verbal and written communication, organizational, and project management skills.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position and your answers to the supplemental questions. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and not write "see resume." Incomplete applications will not be considered.
BENEFITS
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. However, if you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to the address below or fax a paper application to the fax number below. If you choose fax or regular mail, you must include on each page of the attachment your first and last name, the recruitment number that is located at the top of this bulletin, and the last four digits of your social security number. The paper application must be received at the address below by 5 pm, close of business on the closing date for this recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted.
Maryland Department of Juvenile Services
Office of Human Resources
Attn: Mr. Townes
217 E. Redwood St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
Fax number: 410-###-####
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
Should additional information regarding this recruitment be required, please contact DJS Office of Human Resources at ...@maryland.gov. Include the Recruitment Title/Number that is located at the top of the bulletin.
DJS values the experience gained by Veterans while serving our country. Veterans are welcome to apply for all current recruitments.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.
Candidates with lived experience relating to the criminal/juvenile legal system are encouraged to apply.