COMMUNICATION & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

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.

State Salary Grade 20

Annual Salary Range: $62,343 to 81,242 (with progression to $102,297)

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

MARYLAND CENTER FOR SCHOOL SAFETY

7125 Ambassador Road

Windsor Mill, Maryland  21244

The Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS), https://schoolsafety.maryland.gov/, is a small independent unit of government that provides grant funding, training, and other resources dedicated to promoting and enhancing safer school communities.

MCSS is looking for a dynamic individual to serve as our primary storyteller and message maker, enabling our agency to continue to build strong relationships with school safety partners.

The Communication and Engagement Manager reports directly to the MCSS Executive Director and is responsible for agency communications (e.g., digital media engagement, website management, public messaging, and digital/social/mass media), program and agency branding and marketing, government relations, and formal and informal stakeholder engagement initiatives.

The Communications and Engagement Manager is responsible for managing and integrating broad, comprehensive marketing, branding, public relations, communications and community program strategies for MCSS. The Communications and Engagement Manager is experienced with building community connections, public speaking, and being responsive to stakeholders. MCSS staff promptly address issues and concerns of both internal and external stakeholders, often on a moment's notice or in crisis situations.   

The Communications and Engagement Manager has various responsibilities including:

Managing multi-media and communication staff; managing and integrating broad, comprehensive marketing, branding, public relations, communications and community program strategies;  leading or overseeing information platforms including website, blog, podcast, and social media; monitoring and optimize web traffic by analyzing web analytics; leading and providing strategic support, direction, and mentorship to the MCSS Student Focus Group; providing administrative and strategic support to the School Safety Subcabinet and Advisory Board;  tracking legislative efforts by staying current on existing and proposed legislation and regulations at the federal, State, local, and national level; providing written and oral testimony before government committees and boards; and collaborating with stakeholders and advocates to build areas of common interest and recommending legislative, regulatory, and other public policy changes.  

In order to fulfill these responsibilities, this position requires strong professional communication (verbal and written) skills; solid managerial, supervisory, and leadership skills, with a proven ability to motivate and manage a team of skilled professionals; formal presentation (development and delivery) skills; and superior planning and research skills. The position requires the individual to have the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently, work collaboratively with stakeholders, and communicate effectively with internal and external individuals at varying levels.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.  

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of professional experience managing personnel and programs. Experience supervising staff and technical experience managing website and social media content is required.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualifications. NOTE: Your application must include clear and specific information regarding these qualifications.   

Experience working for or with public sector agencies at the federal, state, or local level. 

Experience conducting research and developing formal reports and documents (e.g., annual reports, legislative reports, research reports, guidelines, policies).

Technical experience with various office suite and document management platforms (e.g., Google, Adobe, Smartsheets, and Microsoft) and graphic or digital design software.

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.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

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.  

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  - Program Manager II – MCSS Communication and Engagement Manager - #316890 - (JobAps #22-005477-0020 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 are available upon request

Employees in this classification are subject to Substance Abuse Testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs. Applicants must also consent to a complete criminal and extended background investigation. 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.  

For immediate consideration please submit your application by  May 17, 2022.