Deputy Director of Communications

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

The Deputy Director of Communications, a member of the Communications Team in the Office of the Secretary, will craft press releases, be a liaison to DHSS’ 10 Divisions and the Governor’s Office, serve as back-up to the Director of Communications and guide special projects as assigned. Duties: craft press releases, talking points, speeches and presentations for the Cabinet Secretary, Deputy Secretaries and the Governor, review marketing campaigns, coordinate responses to media inquiries, handle social media posts and monitoring, oversee website updates, and more. The position will report to the Director of Communications.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

This position will serve as the second-in-command to the Director of Communications and will have primary responsibility for:

• Crafting press releases on behalf of the Secretary’s Office and other Divisions.
• Being a liaison between the Secretary’s Office and the 10 Divisions regarding materials needed for press releases and other communications.
• Serving as back-up to the Director of Communications in handling media inquiries, social media posts and monitoring, website updates, reviews of marketing campaigns, staffing the Secretary and Deputy Secretaries at events, and working with the Governor’s Office as necessary.
• Drafting and modifying talking points, event briefs and presentations for the Cabinet Secretary and Deputy Cabinet Secretaries for internal and external audiences.
• Special projects as assigned such as overseeing customized website redesign, devising a way to track requests to the Communications Team in the Secretary’s Office, communications associated with COVID-19 and monkeypox, and the Public Health Emergency Unwinding.

Please attach a resume with your online application or use the resume tab in DEL to provide a detailed description of how your education, training and/or experience meets each job requirement including employer, experience/responsibilities and dates (month/year) of employment/training. Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Bachelor’s degree required (or preferred).
2. Three years’ of professional communications experience.
3. Strong professional social media, writing and editing skills required.
4. Supervisory experience preferred.

Due to a new requirement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) the following mandate is effective January 27, 2022: As a condition of employment, employees providing health care services and/or support services in covered facilities must show proof that they have received the dose of a single J&J dose or the 1st dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine effective date January 27, 2022, and proof of the single J&J dose or the 2nd dose of Moderna/Pfizer two-dose vaccine by February. 28, 2022. Employees may not provide any care, treatment, or other services until proof is provided.  Based on CMS guidance, the date for compliance may extend into March due to the health care facilities high vaccination rate of staff.  If you accept a position with the facility, your Human Resources representative can provide more guidance.  The only exception to these requirements is for those employees granted medical or religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which may require weekly COVID-19 testing. This will be in effect until further notice.  More information can be found here.

This position is Limited Term for up to 1 year, and may be extended should funding be available.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and resume are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and resume to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at Delaware State Jobs.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.