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Communication Director, Department of Human Services

DESIGNATED ADMIN MGR SENIOR I

Recruitment #23-005223-0002

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Introduction


When you join the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), you join a team of more than 5,000 employees across the state dedicated to positively changing the lives of more than 1 million Marylanders each year. We do this by providing economic support, preventive services, and caring for children and adults. 

We aim to deliver services so that we more quickly meet the needs of the people we serve. At DHS, we grapple with hard questions to find new ways to foster a culture of bold innovation. We do this to ensure that in Maryland, we achieve Governor Wes Moore’s pledge to leave no one behind.


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



GRADE

23

LOCATION OF POSITION

Department of Human Services
Communications Office
311 W. Saratoga Street
Baltimore MD 21201 

Main Purpose of Job

The Director of Communications serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team for Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) and reports to the Secretary. The Director of Communications is responsible for developing effective messaging and communication strategies both internally and externally. This position manages a team of thirteen communications professionals.  

As a key member of the DHS Leadership Team, the Director of Communications provides expert level consultation to the Secretary and other leadership staff including the Local Directors of Social Services, on issues including:

  • Sensitive priority public relations matters and communication of these matters to the press and other interested parties.  
  • Develops, designs and implements proactive media strategies for issues that arise through DHS administrations. 
  • Oversees and directs media relations activities which include determining the appropriate level of response to numerous media inquiries on a daily basis. Oversees the preparation of speeches and briefing materials for the Secretary. 
  • Manages and provides direction to ensure that the Department timely and appropriately responds to Public Information Act (PIA) requests. 
  • Provides advice to the Secretary on particular strategies for presentation of information to the press and public.  
  • Directs the Communications Office regarding best practices, industry standards and internal communications policy and procedures.  
  • Works collaboratively with the Governor's Communications Office. 
  • Oversees all aspects of the DHS brand and brand marketing.  

This position will require to be on-call to respond to questions or issues that emerge related to the department.

POSITION DUTIES

The position: 

  • Manages communications and media relations for DHS.  
  • Provides communications support to DHS Leadership while serving as an information resource to the media and the general public.  
  • Is responsible for developing effective messaging and communication strategies. 
  • Creates or oversees the creation of promotional and informative materials the Department will send to the public.  
  • Develops and oversees internal communications and communication strategies. 
  • Engages with all forms of media, including press releases and digital campaigns, print materials, social media, audio and video and more. 
  • Oversees of all proactive and responsive media relations. 
  • Works to increase and refine agency's utilization of social media. 
  • Oversees content for agency websites and guides website redesign. 
  • Develops press releases. 
  • Prepares talking points for media interviews and events. 
  • Responsibilities also include monitoring meetings with stakeholders, policymakers and advocates.   
  • The position manages, directs and leads the DHS Communications Office.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:  Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or similar field.

Experience: Seven years experience in strategic communications and media relations.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess:
  • Master's degree in communications or related.
  • Experience in strategic communications with a mission driven organization.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties are required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  It is important that you report all related education and experience that is relevant to this recruitment qualifications. We will not consider information submitted after this date.  Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list.  The resulting list may be used for future vacancies with this agency or other state agencies.

BENEFITS

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS:   STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

  • Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
  • Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
  • Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.
  • Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
  • Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year. 
  • Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.
  • Positions may be eligible for telework.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to, Department of Human Services, Employment Services, 311 W. Saratoga Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. 

If you have any questions concerning the recruitment process for this position, please email D. Greene at dhs.recruit@maryland.gov; include the job title and recruitment # in the subject line.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-0603 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.



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