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DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

DESIGNATED ADMIN MGR SENIOR I

Recruitment #25-005223-0002

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Introduction

If you are looking for an exciting career with great benefits, pension, generous leave, competitive salary, and the opportunity for advancement and professional growth, apply to join the DPSCS team today!

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates to fill important roles within our department. We are one of the largest departments in Maryland with nearly 12,000 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion. In order to fulfill our mission of promoting safety, we have increased security at our institutions while leading the way in innovative restorative justice projects that will help offenders reintegrate into society upon release.

As a member of the DPSCS team, you can have a fulfilling career, while also enjoying a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave), becoming vested in the State pension, supplemental retirement options, and even joining the Maryland State Employees Credit Union.

 

GRADE

23

LOCATION OF POSITION

Carroll County

6852 4th Street

Sykesville, Maryland 21784

POSITION DUTIES

This is a Political Special Appointment position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.  A resume must accompany your application.

The Director of Communications on behalf of the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services will develop a comprehensive and proactive communications strategy for the Agency. The Director has bottom-line responsibility for ensuring that all communications are strategically positioned, consistent, accurate, and conform to the goals and objectives of the Secretary's Office. Responsibilities include:

Leadership and Strategy  
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with DPSCS priorities.  
• Managing a team of communications staff to ensure cohesive messaging.
• Developing long-lead press opportunities and strategies to include identifying high-profile events and announcements, long-lead stories at both the state and national level, and speaking engagements for key Agency staff.
• Providing regular briefings to the Chief of Staff.

Content Creation and Media Relations  
• Overseeing the creation of internal and external communication materials, including press releases, digital campaigns, print materials, social media, audio, and video. 
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships with key media outlets.  
• Providing oversight for all aspects of the Secretary’s public appearances, including briefing documents, press outreach materials, location and event details.

Crisis Management  
• Serving as the key communications facilitator and liaison during crisis and emergency situations
• Creates and ensures integration of strategic external communications plans, media relations, stakeholder outreach and rules of engagement/crisis procedures for Agency personnel

Counsel and Recommendations  
• Providing counsel and recommendations on policy and action in the management of reputational issues and crises affecting the Division.
• Providing regular briefings to the Chief of Staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all minimum qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Public Relations or Communications.

Experience: Five (5) years of experience in developing and implementing effective communication strategies and support.

Note: A Master’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration or Business Administration may be substituted for two (2) years of professional experience


DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

1. Experience leading and managing a communications team.

2. Experience responding to media requests.

3. Experience overseeing the creation of communication materials to include press releases, digital campaigns, print materials, social media, audio, and/ or video. 

4. Experience addressing and managing crisis situations.

5.     Experience developing long-lead press opportunities and speaking engagements for staff.


LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. Please upload your resume to this application.

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 eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position and your answers to the supplemental questions. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and not write "see resume.”

BENEFITS

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

• Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date)
• Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year
• Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year 
• Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child 
• Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year
• Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be emailed to hr.recruitmentuser@maryland.gov or faxed to 410-484-5928. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment.

Kimberly Banks

Kimberly.Banks@maryland.gov


If you are submitting additional information, the preferred method is to upload it with your application. All uploaded additional information must be received by the closing date and time. If you are unable to upload, please email the requested information to hr.recruitmentuser@maryland.gov referencing the recruitment number in the subject line, or fax to 410-484-5928 (providing a cover sheet with your contact information, recruitment name, recruitment number and the number of pages faxed). Only additional materials that are requested will be accepted for this recruitment.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, HRSD-Recruitment Division at 410-585-3999.

If you are having difficulties with submitting your online application, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

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




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