Deputy Director of Communications

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. DWDAL is seeking a highly motivated Deputy Director of Communications who develops and implements strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks, possesses exceptional writing skills and a talent for storytelling, produces high-quality communications, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. Experience working within the public sector is a plus. Knowledge of workforce development, registered apprenticeship, adult education, correctional education, and/or grant-funded workforce programs is desirable.

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This position sits within the Office of the Assistant Secretary in MD Labor’s Workforce Division (DWDAL) and is in downtown Baltimore, near the Inner Harbor at 100 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

The Deputy Director of Communications is a strategic communications professional responsible for helping shape how DWDAL communicates its workforce programs, policies, and initiatives to diverse audiences. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this position serves as the division’s principal writer, develops strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks, and advises leadership on messaging and communications approaches that support program awareness, engagement, and participation across the division’s portfolio. As delegated and in the Director’s absence, this position provides operational oversight, supervision, and mentorship to Communications team members. This Management Service position serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

Writing, Editing, and Editorial Leadership

• Serve as the division’s principal writer and editor for communications supporting DWDAL’s workforce programs, policies, and initiatives.
• Produce high-quality written products, including executive speeches, event remarks, briefing documents, talking points, key messages, press releases, newsletters, website and social media content, and other communications products.
• Translate complex workforce policies, legislation, technical information, and program information into clear, concise, and compelling communications that effectively convey the importance and impact of  DWDAL programs.
• Review, edit, and provide editorial guidance on communications developed by staff to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and alignment with agency messaging, branding, and editorial standards.
• Ensure all written and digital content meets plain language principles and complies with Section 508, WCAG, and ADA accessibility requirements.

Strategic Communications Planning and Project Management

• Develop and implement strategic communications plans in support of the priorities and direction established by the Director of Communications.
• Develop messaging frameworks and recommend communications approaches, audience targeting, sequencing, and implementation strategies for workforce programs and initiatives.
• Coordinate communications planning across DWDAL program offices to promote consistent messaging and effective delivery of program information.
• Anticipate communications needs related to program launches, policy changes, grant announcements, events, milestones, and leadership priorities. 
• Manage multiple communications projects by establishing timelines, coordinating resources, monitoring progress, and ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule. 
• Plan, gather, and report on metrics to gauge the efficacy of communications work, and use these findings to inform future communications plans. 

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with executive leadership, program managers, subject matter experts, and external partners to identify communications needs and recommend messaging and communications approaches.
• Coordinate closely with the Department’s Office of the Secretary and other internal partners to support communications initiatives and ensure alignment with departmental communications priorities and standards.
• Build strong working relationships across the division to support effective communications planning and execution.

Operational Oversight and Supervision

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: At least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, public affairs, journalism, public relations, marketing, digital communications, or a related field, including at least six (6) years of supervisory experience. At least ten years of experience of professional experience in strategic communications, public affairs, journalism, public relations, marketing, digital communications, or a related field, including at least eight (8) years of supervisory experience, and at least eight (8) years of developing and implementing strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks plus eight (8) years serving as a principal writer.

• At least five (5) years of experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks. 
• At least five (5) years of professional writing and editing experience producing communications for executive, public, or stakeholder audiences, including speeches, talking points, press releases, briefing documents, and similar products.  
• At least four (4) years of experience managing multiple communications projects simultaneously, including establishing timelines, coordinating resources, prioritizing competing demands, and ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule.

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

• Five (5) or more years of experience serving as a principal or lead writer for executive speeches, remarks, briefing documents, talking points, press releases, newsletters, and other public-facing communications. 
• Five (5) or more years of experience  translating complex government programs, policies, legislation, or technical information into clear, plain-language communications that tell compelling stories and engage diverse audiences. 
•  Three (3) or more years of experience developing and reviewing digital and written communications to ensure compliance with Section 508, WCAG, and ADA accessibility requirements. 
• Professional proficiency in both English and Spanish.

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.

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 eligible (employment) list for at least one year. Cover letter and resumes are encouraged but not required. However, the application must be completed in its entirety or it will be subject to rejection.  All information concerning the qualifications, including any required documentation (diploma, transcript, certificate, etc.) must be submitted and received by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be considered. For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire. For further information, you may call International Consultants of Delaware, Inc. (302) 737-8715 or World Education Services Inc. 1-800-932-3897 or (202) 331-2925.

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.

The examination for this recruitment will be an evaluation and rating of the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is essential that the application is filled out completely and accurately, listing all relevant education and experience, addressing the specific qualifications shown above and submitting any required documentation (diploma, transcript, certification, license, etc.). Please include clear, detailed and specific information on your application regarding experience qualifications related to the minimum qualifications, desired, and/or selective qualifications of the position.

This is a full-time, permanent position that is eligible for full State benefits, including:

• Flexible hours and hybrid teleworking
• 12-13 paid holidays per year
• Paid leave, including annual, sick, personal, and compensatory
• State Pension (“defined benefit” plan).
• Tax-deferred supplemental retirement savings plans - 401(k) and 457 
• Comprehensive subsidized health, dental, and prescription plans with little to no deductibles, free generic subscriptions, and free preventive health services.
• Flexible Spending Account plans for Health Care and Daycare
• Free mass transit benefit
• State Employees Credit Union

To learn more, please visit STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application is STRONGLY preferred. However, if you are unable to apply online, or having difficulty with your login or password, please contact DBM's Helpdesk directly at (410) 767-4850 (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, except for holidays and weekends). After business hours, please submit an email request to Application.Help@maryland.gov. If you encounter difficulty attaching required or optional documentation, you may submit via mail or deliver in person. Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply. If you are seeking a veteran's preference, please submit a copy of your DD-214. The paper application must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment.  No postmarks will be accepted. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Maryland Department of Labor/ Office of Administration