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Communication and Engagement Specialist

Administrator III

Recruitment #24-002588-0004

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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.

GRADE

State Salary Grade 18
Salary Range: $64,828 - $104,555 
*State Salary Guidelines apply for current State employees.

 

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS (see: Contractual Employees)

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 West Baltimore Street 
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

The Communication and Engagement Specialist supports the public relations projects and the flow of information from the Division of Early Childhood (DEC) to local education agencies, child care providers, and the advocacy community. Specifically, this position coordinates the preparation and distribution of various informational, promotional and educational publications supporting the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future initiatives, activities, grants, programs and events and provides outreach to specific communities to include multilingual customers and those populations historically underserved.

POSITION DUTIES

Supports the development and distribution of informational, promotional and educational resources and materials with regard to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future reform initiatives impacting early care, early childhood education, and school readiness.
  • Writes and edits material for a variety of content types including success stories, infographics, video scripts, fact sheets, newsletter articles, social media copy, presentations, and press releases.
  • Assists with the coordination, development and distribution of informational, promotional, and educational websites, publications, and materials impacting early care, early childhood education and school readiness. 
  • Maintains, updates, and manages Division of Early Childhood websites and social media interaction on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
  • Develops narrative, recommends design, and prepares draft documents for review and approval.
  • Plans and coordinates decision-making pertaining to early childhood engagement and assists the Office of Communications and Community Engagement with community outreach to early childhood stakeholders and constituents, including educators, parents, childcare providers, established education stakeholders, and early childhood advocacy organizations. 
  • Identifies, implements, and monitors tangible stakeholder engagement strategies that target multilingual providers and families.
  • Organizes early childhood community events around MSDE’s multi-year strategic plan and Blueprint for Maryland’s Future initiatives.
  • Develops materials for internal communications, including the DEC Digest e-newsletter, within DEC or for MSDE leadership.
  • Coordinates, attends and participates in various meetings and represents DEC and Office of Childcare on MSDE and other state committees and workgroups as appropriate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

Experience: Six years of administrative staff or professional work. Experience with event planning, grassroots organizing, and building partnerships along with bi-lingual skills in Spanish is desirable.

Notes:
  1. Candidates may substitute 30 college 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 two years 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.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

One year of experience in communications and public outreach.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Please include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
  • Knowledge and experience with education policies, issues, and regulations.
  • Knowledge of creating and executing marketing and outreach strategies.
  • Knowledge and skill in event planning, organizing, and building partnerships with school systems, childcare advocates. 
  • Knowledge of Early Childhood Education and Childcare programs.
  • Skill writing and editing material for a variety of content types including success stories, infographics, video scripts, fact sheets, newsletter articles, social media copy, presentations, and press releases.
  • Skill in planning and project management including establishing outcomes, determining evaluative measures, and tracking progress.
  • Skill in providing quality customer service through written and verbal communication.
  • Bi-lingual skills in Spanish Language Fluency and Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, professionalism, and flexibility to work with senior district administrators, teachers, and the general public.
  • Skill using Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Word and social media.
  • Superior writing skill for drafting correspondence and technical content with excellent readability, grammar, and punctuation.
  • Ability to create polished visual aids and media using graphic design and video editing software.
  • Ability to break down complex information into comprehensive parts through verbal and written responses. 
  • Ability to produce high quality work in a dynamic environment with meticulous attention to detail. 
  • Ability to engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment.

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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

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.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.

 





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