State of Connecticut Executive Branch

DCJ Director of Communications (0514DM)

$47.94-$66.20 Hourly / $3,834.99-$5,295.68 BiWeekly /
$100,093.00-$138,217.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Division of Criminal Justice this class is accountable for managing agency communications and public relations programs.

GUIDELINES FOR JOB CLASS USE

This class is reserved for those responsible for overseeing all communications and public relations activities in the Division of Criminal Justice.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives executive direction from the Chief State’s Attorney.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May direct professional and clerical staff as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Directs operations of communications unit;
  • Coordinates, plans and manages communications, public relations, marketing, advertising and public information activities;
  • Formulates program strategies, goals and objectives to align with agency mission;
  • Develops and implements communications and related policies and procedures;
  • Interprets and administers laws pertaining to public information and disclosure;
  • Serves as advisor to the Chief State’s Attorney on communications, public relations, public information, advertising and promoting agency services;
  • Provides expertise to agency staff in handling media and in information delivery and response;
  • Oversees or directly prepares and distributes informational, public relations and marketing materials using a variety of media;
  • Prepares press releases; 
  • Conducts research and maintains statistics on agency projects and programs;
  • Prepares or assists in preparation of communications budget;
  • Develops and maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of the Division who might impact on program activities;
  • Serves as communications liaison officer to communities, organizations and general public impacted by agency policies and services;
  • Oversees agency response to Freedom of Information requests and ensures adherence to applicable statutes regarding disclosure;
  • Serves as agency spokesperson to media;
  • May oversee agency records retention program;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • communication methods and procedures;
    • public relations principles and practices;
  • Knowledge of
    • marketing principles and practices;
    • and ability to apply management principles and techniques;
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
    • relevant agency policies and procedures;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Eight (8) years of professional experience in communications, public information, public relations or journalism.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
  • A Master's degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(31)-Public Relations and Information

BARGAINING UNIT

(70)-DCJ EXEMPT MANAGERS

EEO

(1)-Officials And Administrators

SALARY INFORMATION

DM 32

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of DCJ Director of Communications in Salary Group DM 32 approved effective March 13, 2020. (Reviewed in accordance with Connecticut General Statute § 5-200a. Revised to modernize format and add Acknowledgement section.) Final No. 24-137

EFFECTIVE DATE

07/23/2024
CLASS: 0514DM; EST: 3/13/2020; REV: 7/31/2024;