PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER II

This is a position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Office of Communications. This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies for the position and may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification/function. Future vacancies may also be filled via other recruitments. The resulting eligible list will be maintained for one year.

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Annapolis, Maryland (Anne Arundel County)

The Department of Natural Resources, Office of Communications, is currently accepting applications for a Public Affairs Officer II (Publications and Marketing Manager).

The position is a hands-on position responsible for coordinating, creating, writing and/or editing and managing all print and digital communications from the department and its units. This includes managing the GovDelivery email communications platform with over 300,000 subscribers and managing the annual photo contest. This position is responsible for using graphics skills and software programs to design vector-based and raster-based graphics, signage and publications. This position is responsible administrative and supervisory staff work heading a highly complex and diverse public relations and public information program. An employee in this class is responsible for evaluating and assessing the informational, publicity and public relations needs of an agency and for planning, developing and directing a comprehensive program designed to fulfill those needs. The employee directs the gathering of data, assembling of information, preparation of news articles and the development of informational materials for the agency. The employee is also responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the internal control and release of news articles, feature stories and radio and television presentations. The work of this class often requires that the employee prepare, arrange for and deliver speeches, formal and informal talks and lectures to various civic and community groups and members of the general public interested in agency operations and services. Considerable personal contact is required with representatives of the various communications media.

An employee in this class receives general direction from the agency head or designated management official. Work effectiveness is evaluated in terms of the timeliness, quality and effectiveness of promotional and informational activities. The employee exercises general supervision over subordinate professional, technical and clerical personnel engaged in the agency's public relations and public information program.

Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year 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 courses.

Experience: Three years experience in public information, public relations, journalism or other related experience in publicity or promotional work.

Notes:

1. Applicants may substitute additional experience as described above for the required college education on a year-for year basis.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in public affairs 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.  

Applicants must meet the minimum and selective qualifications to be considered. Please include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

One year experience in publications production, marketing and content management experience in print and digital forms, such as managing an email marketing platform like Constant Contact, GovDelivery, Emily or Salesforce; and graphics production experience, including producing a magazine, posters, flyers and large-scale conference displays.

1. Knowledge of design principles and software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office), attention to detail, craftsmanship, proper tools/supplies, feedback from supervisors.  

2. Accomplished with using the Adobe Create Suite/Cloud, particularly InDesign/Photoshop/Illustrator.  

3. Knowledge of printing process/vocabulary, collaboration with vendors/outside agencies, punctuality.  

4. Proper grammar skills, recognition of big-picture themes, consistent language/messaging, consulting subject experts, feedback and familiarity with AP stylebook guidelines as well as agency style preferences.

Please make sure 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.

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.

Successful candidates may be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

Your application is part of the examination process. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position. The rating will be based on the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is important you provide all the experience and education related to this position completely and accurately. Verifiable volunteer experience will be considered; please include it on your application, if applicable.

You will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire.

Resumes will not be accepted. Please do not submit unsolicited documentation (cover letters, resumes, etc.).

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

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

Department of Natural Resources
Human Resources
580 Taylor Avenue, C-3
Annapolis, MD 21401

Specific inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to: Khia Poteat, e-mail: khia.poteat@maryland.gov

Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted.

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 applicants are encouraged to apply.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.