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Communications Specialist

Staff Specialist III Education

Recruitment #22-005298-0019

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Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

GRADE

State Salary Grade 18
Annual Salary Range: $ 63,588- $ 79,734 (with progression to $98,523)
*State Salary Guidelines apply for current State employees.

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 West Baltimore Street 
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

The Communications Specialist provides direct support to the Assistant State Superintendent and internal/external leaders at all levels to inform and engage key audiences, advance the Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services (DEI/SES) brand, promote project and program outcomes and expand internal and external stakeholder knowledge of statewide programs, offerings, and results. The Communications Specialist focuses on developing and implementing communications projects and programs to consistently inform and engage leadership stakeholder groups in a statewide system of services and supports for infants, toddlers, children, and with disabilities and their families in Maryland Public Schools, public agencies and nonpublic organizations

POSITION DUTIES

Plan and produce regional and Statewide early intervention and special education events/activities within a broader collaborative leadership planning process to provide engagement of local school systems, local lead agencies, State agencies, families and other key stakeholder groups.
  • Develop and manage protocols and processes for successful implementation of the regional and Statewide Birth-21 Special Education and Early Intervention Leadership meetings, Professional Leadership Institutes, and content specific, on-demand teleconferences and webinars.
  • Maintain a production schedule to support execution the Division’s robust professional learning and technical assistance model. Back map all activities related to Professional Learning Institutes and the Assistant State Superintendent’s presentations and public engagements and aggressively pursue staff deliverables (slides, data, graphics, visuals, notes, talking points) that support successful implementation.
  • Implement marketing strategies to promote statewide leadership events and activities and compel stakeholder engagement.
  • Create agenda framework to support ideation and content development, edit and finalize agendas. Confer with Division leadership staff to exchange information pertaining to the event and recommend content.
  • Manage the Assistant State Superintendent’s Advisory Council, all schedules, activities, reporting and follow up on assigned projects.
  • Proactively prepare Assistant State Superintendent for external speaking engagements and leadership meetings, including drafting PowerPoint presentations and coordinating staff to provide talking points and background information.
  • Design visuals to support understanding of the Division’s mission and vision and support the Assistant State Superintendent to communicate policy, innovations, protocol, results and strategies to stakeholders, including State, local, and Federal decision makers and policy makers. Produce and update publications and other collateral for public awareness and outreach. 
  • Create artwork to visually articulate complex concepts and strategies that are developed by the Assistant State Superintendent in support of improving Statewide results for children and families.
  • Coordinate language translation process using established protocols.
  • Lead social media marketing and engagement activities
  • Promote, as appropriate, cause awareness/themed initiatives and activities on a national, State or local level. Partner with leadership stakeholders.
  • Provide technical direction for any digital display systems designed to inform and engage internal staff and visitors.
  • Maintain Division branding guidelines and serve as communication liaison to internal and external staff regarding all branding and messaging of the Assistant State Superintendent.
  • Maintain up to date content on MSDE, DEI/SES, and Maryland Learning Links websites.
  • Ensure 508 Compliance of all resources released.
  • Maintain the Division calendar of statewide events. Feed timely information to and from staff and Division-wide calendars to support internal and external awareness of meetings and special events that are facilitated or attended by the Assistant State Superintendent. Maintain and update protocol and processes.
  • Manage operations for activities presented under the Division’s robust professional learning and technical assistance model, including leadership meetings and professional learning institutes; coordinate with staff to ensure effective/efficient planning and implementation, registration processes, venue logistics, and technical support with review for Assistant State Superintendent at least one week prior to the activity, or sooner if requested.
  • Research, complete, and communicate outcomes of special projects assigned by the Assistant State Superintendent.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


EDUCATION:  A Master’s Degree or equivalent 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work in Business/ Marketing, Communications, Education, Multimedia, Journalism, Digital media or a related area.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of professional experience with communications. Social media, marketing and /or advertising, promoting products, services and programs is preferred. Also experience promoting programs for nonprofit organizations, public settings, government, or advocacy groups will be considered.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Knowledge of the principles of high quality social and digital media products.
  • Skill in oral and written communications.
  • Skill in the production of high quality live and pre-recorded video and audio packages and impressive digital/print media products.
  • Ability to show and tell high-quality, compelling, and relevant multimedia stories, oversee pre-production, production, and post-production tasks to produce live and recorded multimedia programming, expertly shoot/record and edit educational multimedia products independently
  • Ability to develop content that can be repurposed for social media, advertising, and MCSS website.
  • Ability to apply the principles of marketing in the planning and implementation of digital and social media campaigns
  • Ability to present information in a creative, tasteful, brand-conscious, and effective manner.
  • Ability to exercise a degree of creativity and imagination in recommending alternatives for problem solutions.
  • Ability to use social/digital media platforms, video sharing platforms, email newsletters platforms, and traditional print publications.
  • Ability to manage an organizational website.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Ability to clearly communicate orally & in writing.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

SELECTION PROCESS

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. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be in effect for at least one year.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must complete the MD State Government online application for employment -AND- submit their professional resume. The application and resume must clearly demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

 

If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application. Postmarks will not be accepted.  

 

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay. 

 

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

 

All application materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.




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