Introduction
The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS) is now accepting applicants for an anticipated vacancy within the Office of Communication and Legislative Management; Deputy Director of Communications located in our Central Office, 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT.
Position Highlights:
- Full-time, 40 hours per week
- First (1st) shift
- Hybrid Opportunity
- Monday - Friday
- Hartford, CT
- Appointed in accordance with the provisions of Sections 4-5 through 4-8 and 5-198 (29) of the Connecticut General Statutes
The Role:
- Act as press manager, formulating newsworthy content while managing crises.
- Work with executives and prepare them for functions.
- Communicate with various Connecticut legislative constituencies and stakeholders.
- Significant oral and written communications skills analyzing problems and recommending appropriate actions.
- Analyze and interpret statistical reporting data.
- Utilize internal and external communications methods and event coordination.
- Utilize multiple communications platforms including the Connecticut news media landscape.
- Supervise staff.
About Us:
DSS delivers and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut’s multi-faceted health and human services agency. DSS serves about 1 million residents of all ages in all 169 Connecticut cities and towns. We support the basic needs of children, families, older and other adults, including persons with disabilities. Services are delivered through 12 field offices, central administration, and online and phone access options.
What’s In It For You:
- To work for a Forbes top company: ‘Forbes’ State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule;
- A Platinum Healthcare Plan, the nation’s best for state employees and dependents, according to a report by Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reform and article by Ellen Andrews, Ph.D., along with comprehensive benefit offerings
- Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings.
- Paid time off - including 13 paid holidays per calendar year.
- Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
- A healthy work-life balance to all employees.
- State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
Discover the opportunity to:
- Engage in a rewarding career
- Assist our employees so they can achieve success
- Make a difference in the public sector
- Work together in a collaborative team environment
THINKING OF RELOCATING?
Connecticut offers you a blend of professional advancement and a high-quality lifestyle. As a state we are renowned for our top-tier medical facilities and ample opportunities for career growth and development. Beyond professional prospects, Connecticut boasts a high standard of living, featuring safe communities, excellent schools, and a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities. This combination of professional excellence and a well-rounded lifestyle make Connecticut an appealing destination for those who want to thrive both in their careers and personal lives.
There are so many things to love about living, working, and playing in our state including these Key Facts and Figures:
- #4 in the U.S. for employees with advanced degrees
- #3 in the country for quality of K-12 education
- #5 for quality of life in the U.S.
- 2,000 miles of hiking/bike paths
- 618 miles of scenic coastline
- 21 world-class art museums
- Five Tony-Award winning regional theatres, and more!
Check out CTVisit; they share so much valuable information on what it's like to work, play and live in our state!
Selection Plan
For Assistance in Applying:
Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!
Application Process:
This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
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.
The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the state of Connecticut.
Selection Process:
This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.
During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency.
Contact Information:
Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency this class is accountable for directing the development and implementation of various programs in one or more of the following areas: legislation, regulations and/or agency communications and/or educational activities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in crisis management.
- Experience in news media management including television, radio, and print.
- Experience in news media interviews television, radio, and print.
- Experience with communicating effectively to a wide variety of professionals and stakeholders.
- Experience or knowledge of formulation and implementation of marketing campaigns
- Experience analyzing statutes, regulations, and laws.
- Experience working in an executive office environment.
- Experience in writing for public information.
- Experience researching, writing, editing news releases and statements.
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.