PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (Contractual)

Maryland ABLE, an investment savings program for people with disabilities, utilizes participation in disability-related outreach including: presentations at conferences; outreach during expos; and other interpersonal contact as its most critical outreach and marketing strategies.  Outreach and marketing needs are statewide and Maryland ABLE's limited staff must be supplemented at various times throughout the year by additional part-time contractual employees, called "Ambassadors". Regional Maryland ABLE Ambassadors are trained to deliver accurate and complete information about the Maryland ABLE program throughout the state to people with disabilities and their families.  In addition, Maryland ABLE's marketing efforts increase during March, April, May, October and November, historically busy times of year in the disability community, which increases the need for Ambassadors during these months of the year.  Each ABLE Ambassador contract position cannot exceed 200 hours within the contract year, and would include additional reimbursement for state travel in accordance with state travel guidelines.

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Southern Maryland region which includes the following counties: 

Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, and St. Mary's

Deliver accurate and complete information to people with disabilities and their families about the Maryland ABLE program by participating in disability-related outreach including presentations at conferences, outreach during expos, and other forms of interpersonal contact on a statewide basis to market the Maryland ABLE investment/savings program for people with disabilities.

• Contacting the presentation or event host prior to the meeting to confirm arrangements;
• Accurately locating the site of the presentation (such as school, government office building, hotel, etc.); 
•  Arriving at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled meeting or presentation;
• Bringing a sufficient number of marketing materials for the expected number of attendees;
• Welcoming participants, delivering  the presentation with accuracy while engaging the participants;
• Accurately responding to all questions.

Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 30 semester credit hours in one or more of the following subjects: English, journalism, public relations, writing or other similar and related areas of study.

Experience: None

Note:

1. Additional experience in public information, public relations, journalism or other related experience in publicity or promotional work may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in public affairs specialist classification or public affairs specialty codes in the information and arts field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.  

• Ability to learn and clearly explain all aspects of the program.
• Ability to describe the challenges to saving and asset limitations for people with disabilities.
• Demonstrated public speaking experience.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel regionally to presentations and events.
• Ability to work primarily in the evening and on weekends.

All candidates will be subject to a background investigation including criminal and credit history.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application (and on separate pages, if necessary) to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  Candidates must be able to provide professional references.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.  We will not consider information submitted after this date.  Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of completing the employment application.

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 before hire.

The evaluation must be submitted with your application.  Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position.  You may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire.  The supplemental questionnaire may be used as part of the rating process.  Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.

The online application is strongly preferred.  If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application, supplemental questionnaire, and supportive documents to:

Department of Budget and Management Recruitment and Examination Division

Attention: Mr. Chris Langley

301 West Preston Street, Room 608

Baltimore, MD  21201

All mail or faxed documents must include the applicant's name and the job number and must be received by the closing date.  Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application, if you have any questions concerning the recruitment process for this position, please call 410-767-4911 or email: chris.langley@maryland.gov.  

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.  We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.  Bilingual’s applicants are encouraged to apply.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.