STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Director of Communications 1

Commissioner's Office

Recruitment #210809-0514MP-001

Introduction

Are you a communications or public relations professional with a passion for the environment? 
If so, we invite you to discover this unique opportunity! 

About Us: 

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. 

Position Highlights: 

DEEP has a fantastic opportunity available 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. 

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

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

What we can offer you: 

State of Connecticut employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes: 
  • Excellent health and dental coverage; 
  • A generous retirement plan; 
  • Paid time off; 
  • A healthy work - life balance! 
Watch below to discover how you can make an impact
               
About the State of Connecticut: 

Living in Connecticut allows you to live with mountains, forests, ocean fronts, rivers, and a wonderful green countryside right at your doorstep. The state has charm, elegance, and a high standard of living. Our school systems offer an outstanding education, and our communities are among the safest in the country. Connecticut experiences all four seasons, and gives you the option to choose living in sophisticated country-life or living in the center of a lively city. 

We encourage you to come see all that Connecticut has to offer by joining our DEEP Office of the Commissioner team! 

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date, unless otherwise specified.

All State employees shall follow the guidelines as listed in Executive Orders  13F (3a) and 13G (3a) .

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board  (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam. 

Note:  At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.  Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position. 

Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Tyler Cashman at Tyler.Cashman@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

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

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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.

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

The preferred candidate will possess:
  • 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; 
  • Experience maintaining focus and composure while managing and engaging in communications related to emergency response; 
  • Experience prioritizing a variety of pressing tasks while remaining organized;
  • Experience comprehending and synthesizing complex information on a broad range of topics into accessible and compelling language appropriate for a target audience. 

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.