Director of Communications 1

  

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with conserving, improving and protecting Connecticut’s natural resources and environment as well as making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state.  The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut’s economy and creating jobs and to fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future.  

DEEP is organized into three main branches, Energy, Environmental Quality, Environmental Conservation, and the Office of the Commissioner. The Office of the Commissioner provides legal, communications, policy and administrative management and support as well as ancillary services to aid the Commissioner and each branch in their efforts to carry out the mission of the agency.   

DEEP has a current opportunity for a Director of Communications 1. This critical position will play an integral role in the Office of the Commissioner by developing and implementing a strategic communications plan that will support the agency in meeting its policy and program goals and objectives; provide transparency and access to information to constituents, other agencies and other branches of government; and foster internal engagement among employees across the agency’s diverse work groups.

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position (Monday – Friday). 

The position will be located at DEEP Headquarters, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT, across from historic Bushnell Park.

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

Questions about this position should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  DEEP.HumanResources@ct.gov, (860)424-3006. 

This position is unclassified. Open to the public.

Applicants 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, etc., at the discretion of the agency.  

Please Note:  You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

In a small to medium state agency this class is accountable for managing agency communications and public relations programs.

Directs staff and 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 Commissioner 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 communications unit 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.

Duties and responsibilities associated with this position include, but are not limited to:  Directs staff and operations of communications unit; develops strategic internal and external communications program; coordinates with technical staff to plan and manage 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 Commissioner on strategic communications, public relations, public information, advertising and promoting agency services; provides expertise to agency staff in handling media and information delivery and response; advises agency staff on marketing and community engagement strategies in support of policy and programs; oversees or directly prepares and distributes informational, public relations and marketing materials using a variety of media; assists agency staff in oversight of marketing consultants; prepares and/or oversees preparation of 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 communications unit who might impact on program activities; serves as communications liaison officer to communities, organizations and general public impacted by agency policies and services; serves as agency spokesperson to media; may oversee agency records retention program.

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.

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

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.

Experience developing and implementing strategic communications initiatives.

Experience incorporating social and digital media into a strategic communications plan.

Experience developing marketing plans and stakeholder engagement strategies to promote education and awareness in furtherance of policy goals.

Experience developing and maintaining strong professional relationships with members of the press, government, and private industry.

Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize among a variety of pressing tasks.

Ability to remain calm and focused in managing and engaging in communications related to emergency response.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Ability to rapidly comprehend and synthesize complex information on a broad range of topics into accessible and compelling language appropriate for target audience.

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.