Director of Communications

The Maryland State Retirement Agency is the administrator of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System.  The System is a multi-employer, public employees’ benefit retirement system composed of twelve (12) separate retirement and pension systems with additional plan components, covering approximately 245,000 active members and more than 160,000 retires and beneficiaries.

 The Agency is seeking to fill a senior level Director of Communications position which will report to the Executive Director.  

This position is a Political Special Appointment and will serve at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

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Maryland State Retirement Agency

120 East Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD  21202

This position will manage all State Retirement Agency communication functions related to retirement system stake holders including active invested members, retirees, the Maryland General Assembly, public and trade media, and participating employers.

**The incumbent of this position will be required to report to the office 3 days per week.**

This position will:

Manage all communications with the System’s active, vested, and retired members, including but not limited to the following:

·   Manage the writing, editing, and layout of all System publications including active member and retired member newsletters.

·   Manage the content and layout of the System’s website and all electronic communications with members such as system-to-member emails, on-line member counseling services, and “webinars.”

·   Manage all special mailings to members and retirees.

·   Manage the design, layout, and production of the System’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

·   Maintain an agency presence on social media.

 Serve as the State Retirement and Pension System’s Public Information Officer, including but not limited to the following:

·   Issuing timely, proactive press releases to local and national media, stating the System’s goals, accomplishments, and positions on topical issues.

·   Promptly responding to inquiries from the media concerning the System’s activities.

·   Reacting to media releases about the System with timely and accurate responses representing the System’s point of view.

·   Writing essays with respect to defined benefit plans generally and Maryland’s state public pension plan in particular.

·   Coordinating with the System’s Chief Investment Officer in managing all interaction with investment industry trade publications.

·   Coordinating with the System’s Executive Director in managing all interaction with the public media.

Serve as the Special Assistant to the Executive Director, including but not limited to the following:

·   Conducting special projects and assignments at the request of the Executive Director.

·   Researching sensitive and controversial issues and composing correspondence on behalf of the Executive Director.

·   Preparing presentations to be given by the Executive Director.

·   Conducting research on national retirement and pension data trends.

·   Assisting in researching and reviewing legislative issues affecting the System.

·   Serving as liaison between the Executive Director and Senior Staff members.

 Perform other duties as assigned.

Education: 

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in communications or related field.

Experience:   

Twelve years of experience in media relations, journalism, communications, or related field.  AND Eight years of experience as a communications director with supervisory responsibilities.

Preference will be given to candidates with:

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the minimum for this recruitment.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. 

We will not consider the 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.  This list will be used by the hiring agency to select employees.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must accompany the application.

Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background check.

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position.  You may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire.  The supplemental questionnaire may be used as part of the rating process.  Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred.  If online access is not available, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire (by the closing date) to:

DBM/Recruitment & Examination Division

301 West Preston Street, Room 608

Baltimore, MD 21201

**Please include a cover letter and resume.  All mailed documents must include the applicant's name and the job number and must be received by the closing date. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

If you have any questions concerning the recruitment process for this position, please call 410-767-6352.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.  

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.