DCJ Director of Communications

Recruitment #200323-0514DM-001

Location

Rocky Hill, CT

Date Opened

3/24/2020 4:00:00 PM

Salary

$87,611* - $120,981/year *(Individuals new to state service start at minimum of the pay plan)

Job Type

Open to the Public

Close Date

4/7/2020 11:59:00 PM

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Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of all criminal matters in the State of Connecticut. It is an independent agency of the executive branch of state government, established under the Constitution of the State of Connecticut. The Division of Criminal Justice is composed of the Office of the Chief State's Attorney, located in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, and the Offices of the State's Attorneys for each of the thirteen Judicial Districts in the State of Connecticut.

We are recruiting for a full-time, forty (40) hours per week, Director of Communications position, to function as the Division's primary spokesperson and “public face.” The incumbent will be based in the Office of the Chief State's Attorney in Rocky Hill, but will be required to travel to the 13 Judicial Districts throughout the state as necessary. This position has core hours of Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but will also require night and weekend hours as needed.

NOTE: This position is unclassified, and Open to the public.

Selection Plan

Applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application with their submission.

Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. Those invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

All communication with applicants will be through the JobAps system, so applicants are encouraged to check for updates on their JobAps portal account. Please ensure that you are utilizing the correct email address for notices to be sent to you from the JobAps system.

Questions about this recruitment should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: DCJ.HR@ct.gov, 860-258-5800.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Division of Criminal Justice, this class is accountable for managing agency communications and public relations programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Directs operations of communications unit; coordinates, plans and manages communications, public relations, marketing, advertising and public information activities; formulates program strategies, goals and objectives to align with agency mission; develops and implements communications and related policies and procedures; interprets and administers laws pertaining to public information and disclosure; serves as advisor to the Chief State’s Attorney on communications, public relations, public information, advertising and promoting agency services; provides expertise to agency staff in handling media and in information delivery and response; oversees or directly prepares and distributes informational, public relations and marketing materials using a variety of media; prepares press releases; conducts research and maintains statistics on agency projects and programs; prepares or assists in preparation of communications budget; develops and maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of the Division who might impact on program activities; serves as communications liaison officer to communities, organizations and general public impacted by agency policies and services; oversees agency response to Freedom of Information requests and ensures adherence to applicable statutes regarding disclosure; serves as agency spokesperson to media; may oversee agency records retention program; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of communication methods and procedures; considerable knowledge of public relations principles and practices; knowledge of marketing principles and practices; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Eight (8) years of professional experience in communications, public information, public relations or journalism.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

2. A Master's degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working within the criminal justice environment is preferred.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.