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 15
Annual Salary Range: $44,106 - $56,982 (with progression to $70,201)
LOCATION OF POSITION
Nancy S. Grasmick State Education Building
200
West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Main Purpose of Job
This is a professional position responsible for researching,
developing coordinating, and providing information to the press and public and
for developing media advisories releases, talking points, memos, brochures, and
web pages in response to education initiatives and inquiries and requests for
responses to public information act requests.
POSITION DUTIES
Designs, writes and edits publications, talking points and
graphical presentations using social media and web media format; collaborates
with MSDE’s divisions and web master to develop and improve publications and
enhance web communications; updates and revises existing MSDE publications;
drafts talking points, speeches, Op-Eds, and PowerPoint presentations as needed
for external and internal audiences; serves as back-up to the Communications
Director in responding to queries from the press; assists with developing
strategic communications plans to coincide with various MSDE policies and
programs and in the planning and conducting communications/media events and
projects; tracks and coordinates responses to Public Information Act (PIA)
requests.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: 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:
- Applicants may substitute additional
experience as described above on a year-for-year basis for the required
education.
- Applicants 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.
SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS
One year of experience developing written, web-based, and social media presentations.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of website media design, media
communications, and graphical representation; knowledge of social media
platforms; knowledge of public information concepts, communication,
and marketing principles; skill in developing written, oral and public
communications using a variety of computer software and web content tools;
skill in researching information and constructing presentations of information
in a clear and concise format; ability to write quickly and effectively, and
accurately in a variety of writing styles; ability to establish harmonious and
productive relationships with the media
and publishers; ability to organize multiple tasks and events; ability to work
effectively as part of a team.
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. 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.
For education obtained outside of the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation will be required prior to hire. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.
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.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
To apply for this position online go to MSDE Jobs on JobAps (or complete an MSDE Application on marylandpublicschools.org). On-line applications (and resumes) are the preferred method for receiving your application/attachments. Using this method will allow applicants to access their documents for future recruitments for which they apply and verify that the appropriate documents (resume-credentials) have been attached to the recruitment that requires them. Applicants must include their resume and provide sufficient information on the application to document that they satisfy the minimum qualifications for this recruitment. Please do not put "See Resume" in the job duties section of your application; your application will not be considered.
Proof of eligibility to work in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and travel throughout the state are required. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.
If you utilize fax or regular mail as the option to submit required attachments, you will need to resubmit these documents each time you apply for a new position that requires the attachments. Additionally, you must include the following information on each page of the attachment you submit in order to ensure that we append the attachments to the correct recruitment: First and Last Name, Recruitment Number, and the last 4 digits of your SS# and indicate application for – Public Affairs Officer II, Education Media Communications #085077 - JobAps #20-002378-0003. Mailing Address: Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Human Resources, 200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. Fax: 410-333-8950 – This fax number is for Department of Education recruitment actions only.
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. For inquiries or an MSDE Application, contact 410-767-0019 or TTY/TDD 410-333-3045 or visit our website at http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/.
Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities available upon request.
