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Deputy Director of Media Relations

Administrative Program Manager IV

Recruitment #21-005475-0004

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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.


This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.


GRADE

Sate Salary Grade 22
Salary Range: $70,983 - $116,257

LOCATION OF POSITION

200 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

Under the direction of the Senior Executive Director of Communications and Community Engagement this position is responsible for managing the Maryland State Department of Education’s media relations and strategies to promote MSDE’s multi-year strategic plan and Blueprint for Maryland’s Future initiatives, mission, values, schools, work force and communities. The incumbent will develop and execute MSDE’s external communications strategy, including activities related to media relations, editorial/thought leadership, spokesperson development and reputation management through traditional and emerging media formats. The position closely works with the agency Executive Team and Division Heads to identify programs, innovation, success stories and great customer service to tell MSDE’s story. The selected candidate will work with the Senior Executive Director regarding the strategic initiatives, identify media relations opportunities through evolving issues, project management, crisis communications and rapid response situations.  Additionally, this position also helps develop strategic plans for consistent dissemination of accurate, timely information, develops partnerships with other business units and other agencies to collectively communicate MSDE, as well as Maryland State  Board of Education, priorities, and proactively and positively position messages to  enhance customer and constituent knowledge and opinion.

POSITION DUTIES

  • Advises and coordinates the Department’s proactive media relations strategy to promote MSDE's strategic plan and Blueprint for Maryland's future initiatives, mission, values, schools, workforce and communities.
  • Responds to the Department’s media inquiries and coordinate interviews for the Superintendent, Executive leadership, program directors, and others authorized to speak on behalf of the department, research responses to media inquiries; draft and edit press releases, talking points, letters to the editor, and other written materials as needed
  • Coordinates and conducts press conferences
  • Serves as agency spokesperson, responding directly to interview requests and providing statements on behalf of the Department
  • Develops and maintains relationships with media partners and influencers
  • Conducts media training and prepares interview participants
  • Drafts and reviews departmental press releases, reports, letters, talking points, scripts for video, podcasts, etc., as needed
  • Supervises Public Relations Specialist and Public Information Act Coordinator
  • Oversees social media platforms, ensuring quality work and timely deliverables

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE: Six years of progressively responsible experience in communications and media relations, Two years of this experience must be in managing and supervising staff

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of public information, media relations concepts, communication, and marketing principles; knowledge of education and school reform initiatives; skill in developing written, oral and public communications using a variety of computer software; skill in researching information and constructing presentations of information in a clear and concise format; ability to write quickly 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.

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees. Proof of eligibility to work in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and possible 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.

SELECTION PROCESS

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. 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 a cover letter with 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.

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 the application is for: Deputy Director of Media Relations, #069178 (JobAps #21-005475-0004); 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. For inquiries or an MSDE Application, contact 410-767-0019 or TTY/TDD 410-333-3045 or visit our website at www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/OHR/Employment.aspx

 

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request



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