PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER I

This recruitment is being conducted to establish a list of eligible candidates to fill two vacancies occurring in the Department of Human Services (DHS).

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Department of Human Services

Communications Office

311 W. Saratoga Street

Baltimore MD 21201-3500

This position is responsible for writing social media posts as well as internal and external communications via a number of communication channels i.e., email, presentations, web posts, outreach materials, press releases, newsletters, ads, etc. The incumbent is this position manages monthly awareness campaigns that serve residents in the state of Maryland and executes communication strategies for a variety of the Department of Human Services (DHS) driven initiatives, including but not limited to: Child Protective Services, Foster Care, Food Supplement Program, Temporary Cash Assistance, Adoption, Refugee and Asylee Services, Adult and Elderly Services, Child Support Services and Workforce Opportunities.

Writes social media posts; writes, reviews and edits marketing material; coordinates social media activities for the organization; secures social media re-posts by the Governor's Social Media Manager; works closely with DHS staff to gather information and photos for social media posts; coordinates with the Special Assistant to the Secretary on the Secretary's travel and speaking engagements; writes internal communications to ensure DHS employees are kept informed and motivated through several communication channels; drafts copy for outreach collateral by working closely with staff from a variety of Divisions including Local Department of Social Services to establish appropriate information and messaging for outreach materials that will resonate with the Maryland public; drafts monthly awareness communications (internal and external) to promote awareness; writes and issue press releases to protect, enhance or build DHS's reputation through the media; identifies opportunities to promote DHS activity, program, constituent and staff experience or DHS service via press releases and performs other related duties as assigned.

Please read the job announcement in its entirety before applying for this recruitment. Applicants must meet all minimum qualifications to be approved and appear on the list of candidates eligible for hire. It is imperative to list all computer and software experience on your application pertaining to job duties.

Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 30 semester credit hours in one or more of the following subjects; English, journalism, public relations, writing or other similar and related courses.

Experience: Two years experience in public information, public relations, journalism or other related experience in publicity or promotional work.

Note:

1. Additional experience as defined above may be substituted for the required college education on a year-for-year basis.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in public affairs classification or public affairs specialty codes in the information and arts field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Strong preference will be given to applicants that possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding the qualifications.

One year experience proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Sheets and Google Docs, and Granicus (formerly GovDelivery) newsletter software.

One year work experience with a public organization press releases or publications.

Proficient with Associated Press Style Guide plus familiarity with the social media platforms, unique writing skills and parameter associate with each platform.

Possess the fundamentals of writing and editing, grammar, style and use of plan English.

One year of practical experience managing social platforms. Including but not limited to: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube. Experience with Photoshop and Graphic Design.

Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 30 semester credit hours in one or more of the following subjects; English, journalism, public relations, writing or other similar and related courses.

Experience: Two years experience in public information, public relations, journalism or other related experience in publicity or promotional work.

Note: Additional experience as defined above may be substitued for the required college education on a year-for-year basis.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best-Qualified, Better-Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position.  It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.   

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service is required prior to hire.

All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.  We will not consider information submitted after this date. 

It is imperative to list all computer and software experience on your application pertaining to your job duties.  

The incumbent in this position is a member of a covered bargaining unit and will be required to pay a bi-weekly service fee to the exclusive representative of the bargaining unit.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS