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COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST (ADMINISTRATOR II)

Office of Communications

Recruitment #24-002587-0093

Introduction

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS

 

This is a position specific recruitment. The resulting certified eligible list may be used to staff several current and future vacancies for this position/function only.


 

GRADE

17

LOCATION OF POSITION

Annapolis, MD

POSITION DUTIES

​​The Communications Specialist is responsible for crafting compelling and persuasive speeches and presentations for the Comptroller of Maryland and other members of the agency’s Executive Team as needed. 

This role requires a strong understanding of the organization's mission, values, and goals and an ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences and help construct a positive narrative around the agency’s work. The candidate who fills the Communications Specialist position should be a self-starter, mission-driven, and able to conduct research on a wide array of subjects. The Communications Specialist will be expected to demonstrate working knowledge of subject matter covered and functions performed by the Maryland Comptroller’s Office. The Communications Specialist will report to and work closely with the Director of Media Relations and subject matter experts to develop speeches that effectively communicate key messages and educate audiences on the work of the Office of the Comptroller. 

Speechwriting experience is required. Candidates should exhibit a passion for speechwriting and strong refined speechwriting skills. However, they should also have interest in varying aspects of communications and willingness to work as part of the team to fulfill priorities of the Communications Division, including, but not limited to drafting press releases and press statements, compiling news clips, public relations, and coordinating press events. The Communications Specialist reports to the Director of Media Relations.​


*Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Five years of administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

  1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.
  2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.
  3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
  4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for- year basis for the required experience.

Please note: Administrative Staff experience differs from general administrative experience. Administrative staff encompasses discretion and independent judgment directly related to policies, operations, or supervision of personnel. A candidate with administrative staff experience will demonstrate the ability to identify the root cause of issues, develop alternative courses of action and implement new policies or procedures. General administrative experience is routine support work that is often present in administrative assistant or other office roles.

 ** For education obtained outside of the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service. If you possess a degree obtained outside of the United States, please submit a detailed, course-by-course evaluation report from one of the U.S. equivalency evaluating members identified at http://www.naces.org/members.html.

 

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

​​• Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related discipline.
• At least three years of experience in journalism, communications, public relations, speechwriting or a related discipline. 
• Strong research and analytical abilities. 
• Excellent writing and copyediting skills. 
• Trustworthy. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must have a valid Maryland Driver's License and be able to travel to events​.
• Knowledge of public speaking.
• Experience in executive communications or government communications preferred.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.  
• Strong deadline management skills.  
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and deadlines. 
• Ability to develop engaging content that resonates with key audiences across Maryland. 
• Takes initiative and is committed to getting the job done. 
• Ability and interest in learning about tax policy and procedures. 
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to travel across Maryland as needed.

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be required to provide three writing samples, including at least one speech, to the hiring manager before the interview process begins. 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

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

SELECTION PROCESS

Please ensure you provide sufficient information on your application to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. Please indicate clearly any position-specific experience and ensure all education and experience sections are complete. Approval of your application will be based on a review of the information you submit. All qualified applicants are placed on an unranked list of candidates and will remain active on this list for at least one year. Incomplete information may result in the disqualification of your application.

All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date.

Upon appointment (new hires and/or transfers) must successfully undergo fingerprinting.  Disqualifying charges may include any felony; any crime of moral turpitude, e.g. embezzlement, fraud, tax evasion or bribery; any crime of identity theft or impersonation; any crime of assault or battery; and any crime relating to the use or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance other than marijuana, regardless of the age of the offense or the specifications of the position.

*Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you choose email as the option to submit your application/required additional information, you must include the following information on at least one the pages you submit. 

1. First and Last Name

2. Recruitment Number (located at the top of the bulletin)

3. The last four digits of your SS#

 If you have questions or concerns regarding this recruitment, please email kbeech@marylandtaxes.gov at Comptroller of MD, Office of Human Resources.

 If you are having 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 or  Application.Help@maryland.gov.

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

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

Please contact Stanley Harris at sharris@marylandtaxes.gov if you need reasonable accommodations.




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