PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

This is a Contractual Position with limited State of Maryland Benefits

Work that Matters. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is a national leader in the financing and development of affordable housing and community development lending. As such, the primary function of the Community Development Administration is to encourage and support homeownership in Maryland. We are good but strive to be great. To make this happen our team needs members that will challenge the status quo, effectively communicate ideas and issues, independently bring forth practical and efficient solutions, believe change is good and want to come to work knowing that what they do makes a difference in their neighborhood.

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7800 Harkins Road Lanham, MD 20706.

The Department of Housing and Community Development Headquarters is located in Prince George's County across from the New Carrollton Metro stop.

The Communications Assistant will serve as the primary backup to the Customer Service Manager/Ombudsman, responding to customer inquiries via phone, emai land social media. The Communications Assistant will also assist in the development of public relations materials and disseminate communications materials to the media, stakeholders and constituents, including but not limited to articles, press releases, social media content and videos. Support marketing and communications staff on special projects as needed; and, update the Department website and social media on a regular basis.

Education: 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.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute experience in public information, public relations, journalism or other related experience in publicity or promotional work on a year-for-year basis for the required 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.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of Associate Press (AP) writing style
• Knowledge of social media tools
• Knowledge of basic web editing tools

Please provide sufficient information on your application to document that you meet the minimum qualifications for this recruitment. Unofficial transcripts, certifications or diplomas to document educational or certification qualifications are required. Educational credentials from foreign countries must be evaluated by an approved education review service. This evaluation must be submitted with your application. For further information, you may call International Consultants of Delaware, Inc. (302) 737-8715 or World Education Services Inc. 1-800-932-3897 or (202) 331-2925. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year. Eligible list may be used to fill future vacancies of the same classification. Successful candidates must document eligibility to work in the U.S. upon hire.

Please note: The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is not sponsoring new employees in application of the H-1B Visa at this time due to budgetary constraints. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986. Federal regulations prohibit H1B Visa candidates from paying sponsorship fees, all sponsorship fees must be assumed by the potential employer

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position. Qualified candidates may be subject to a Written Examination.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program (the Program), have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits. Leave may be granted to a temporary/contractual employee who has worked 106 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred. However, if you wish to submit a paper application, you may mail your application and materials to:

Mr. Christopher Schrader

Department of Housing and Community Development

Office of Human Resources

7800 Harkins Road, Lanham, MD 20706

All application materials must be received by the filing deadline. If you are unable to upload your transcripts into the system, please send via email to Christopher.Schrader@maryland.gov. Please include the following information in the body of the email:

• Attn: Mr. Christopher Schrader, HR Generalist
• Your First and Last Name
• Recruitment #
• Classification (Job Title) of Recruitment

Incorrect application forms, or resumes in place of the application, will not be accepted. If you are interested in these positions and cannot apply online please fill out the paper application. For questions concerning these positions, please call 301-429-7414.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.