Communications Specialist

The MD Labor Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning (DWDAL) operates a statewide network of workforce programs and partnerships through its six program offices, which administer workforce development, registered apprenticeship, adult education, correctional education, strategic workforce initiatives, and the statewide network of American Job Centers, helping individuals gain the skills needed for successful careers while strengthening Maryland’s economy. The Communications team leads strategic communications for the division’s workforce development initiatives. The team develops and executes communications strategies, digital content, executive communications, and public outreach initiatives that elevate DWDAL’s programs and connect Marylanders with workforce resources. Working closely with executive leadership and program offices, the team helps ensure clear, consistent, and impactful communications across the division and with agency leadership, external partners, and audiences.

STD0018

This position is located in downtown Baltimore near the Inner Harbor at 100 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.  This is a hybrid position that requires employees to work both in office and remotely.

The Communications Specialist – Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) provides communications, outreach, and public information support for the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning's Rural Health Transformation Program and related initiatives administered by the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI). The position develops, writes, edits, and coordinates communications materials that promote awareness of RHTP programs, funding opportunities, partnerships, events, outcomes, and workforce initiatives. Responsibilities include drafting press releases, social media content, website content, executive briefing materials, executive speeches, talking points, newsletters, reports, and other communications products; managing and coordinating website content and updates; providing photography and event support; and ensuring materials comply with accessibility requirements and Department standards. Reporting to the Director of Communications, the position works closely with the OSI Deputy Director, RHTP Program Managers, DWDAL leadership, and other internal and external stakeholders to support communications activities that advance the goals and objectives of the Rural Health Transformation Program.

Administrative and Communications Coordination

• Provide support for the planning and implementation of Rural Health Transformation Program communications and outreach activities.
• Coordinate communications projects and maintain project schedules, content calendars, and
• communications records.
• Compile, organize, and maintain files, digital assets, photographs, publications, and other communications materials related to RHTP activities.
• Coordinate with internal staff, contractors, vendors, and stakeholders to support communications and outreach initiatives.
• Track communications deliverables and maintain records related to communications activities and program milestones.

Communications, Publications, Website and Content Development

• Research, write, edit, design, and publish communications materials including press releases, fact sheets, newsletters, brochures, flyers, reports, announcements, success stories, and promotional materials.
• Develop social media content and digital communications materials to support awareness of Rural Health Transformation Program initiatives and activities.
• Draft website content and prepare materials for posting to the Maryland Department of Labor website and other digital platforms.
• Coordinate website updates by preparing content and submitting work requests to Information Technology staff for webpage updates, modifications, and creation of new webpages.
• Translate complex program, funding, workforce development, and policy information into clear, concise, and audience-appropriate communications.
• Assist with the preparation, production, and publication of communications materials supporting RHTP programs, grants, initiatives, and events.
• Ensure communications products comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ADA Title II requirements, Section 508 requirements, and Department standards.
• Compile and organize success stories, program outcomes, testimonials, and impact narratives for use in communications materials and reports.
• Photograph and document RHTP events, meetings, site visits, and other activities for use in publications, websites, social media, and promotional materials.

Executive Communications and Briefing Support  Event Support and Agency Representation

• Represent the Department and Division at meetings, conferences, webinars, stakeholder events, and other functions as assigned. 
• Provide communications support for RHTP-sponsored events, including event preparation, on-site communications assistance, photography, and post-event communications activities.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Six years of administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

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

• Four or more years of solid experience with writing communications products, including press releases, speeches, briefing documents, website content, social media content, and newsletters. 
• Four or more years of communications project management experience. 
• Two or more years of designing flyers, reports, and other deliverables. 
• Two or more years of developing materials in compliance with applicable accessibility standards and requirements (e.g., WCAG, ADA, Section 508), and applies accessibility best practices to written, digital, and multimedia content. Bachelor's degree in design and/or classes in communications. 
• Experience in photography.

If you receive an invitation to interview, you will be required to bring two writing samples with you:

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.

All candidates are subject to a background check against files maintained by the Division of Unemployment Insurance (LABOR/DUI) to determine whether any monies are owed to LABOR/DUI as a result of unemployment overpayment/fraud. Any unpaid debt may have an impact on whether or not a candidate is offered employment.

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information in the job duty section on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.