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 22
Salary Range: $103,421 to $127,637
LOCATION OF POSITION
Nancy S. Grasmick
Education Building
200 West Baltimore
Street
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
Preference will be given to applicants who
possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and
specific information on your application regarding your 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;
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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
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. Successful candidates
will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be in effect for
at least one year.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Applicants must
complete the MD State Government online application for employment -AND- submit
their professional resume. The application and resume must clearly
demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications for
the position. Applications must be complete to be considered
including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an
attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online
application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.
If you are unable to
apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and
be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200
W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental
questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper
application. Postmarks will not be accepted.
Inquiries can be made
to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made
for individuals with disabilities. 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. TTY Users: Call via Maryland
Relay.
Proof of eligibility
to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control
Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this
position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.
As an equal
opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and
promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.
Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to
apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
All application
materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.