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DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

DESIGNATED ADMIN MGR SENIOR I

Recruitment #24-005223-0006

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Introduction



The Maryland Department of Labor (Labor) is seeking a Director of Communications in the Office of the Secretary to lead the department’s messaging strategy and position Labor as the State’s leading authority and driver for workforce development, apprenticeships, paid family and medical leave, and consumer and employee protections. The successful candidate will lift up the work of the department, promote the priorities of the Moore-Miller Administration, pursue proactive messaging, and develop and maintain relationships with media contacts. 
Labor is looking for a candidate who is a strong writer, enthusiastic, a quick study, able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and excited to join a team that seeks to make a difference in the lives of Marylanders!  

This Political Special Appointment position serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority. A resume and a writing sample must accompany your application. Please email documents to Laura.Vykol1@maryland.gov, in addition to submitting your application via JobAps.

GRADE

23

LOCATION OF POSITION

Office of the Secretary
1100 N. Eutaw Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Main Purpose of Job

The director will develop and implement proactive communications to lift the work of the department and reach key stakeholders. This role serves as the primary contact between departmental leadership and the Governor's communications office, as well as members of the news media.

POSITION DUTIES

The duties of the Director of Communications include, but are not limited to,

Leadership and Strategic Messaging 
  • Develops a messaging strategy to lift the work of the department and engage key stakeholders;  
  • Communicates vital information to the public, including education about services and initiatives;  
  • Serves as the primary liaison between department leadership and the Governor’s communication office; and
  • Leads communications professionals in each of Labor’s seven main divisions, as well as directly supervises one communications officer.

Content Management and Media Relations 
  • Provides direction, review, editing, and approval for Departmental messaging across all seven divisions, including press releases and media inquiries, talking points, promotional and public service media campaigns (print, radio, television, digital/mobile), event planning/collateral and special projects; Drafts and edits speeches or remarks for the Secretary of Labor; 
  • Advises, coordinates, and manages media responses and strategy; and 
  • Develops and maintains relationships with the news media, including daily interactions with news outlets and contacts.

Information Analysis and Results-Driven Strategy 
  • Promotes strategic messaging through information analysis and stewardship of content, in conjunction with departmental leadership; and 
  • Directs and supports communications best practices, including brand direction and communications policy development. Develops messaging for public-facing materials. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university. 

Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience in public relations, communications, or journalism/marketing work. 

Substitutions: A Master’s degree in Journalism, public relations, communications, or Business Administration may be substituted for two years of professional experience. 

Members of the Armed Forces may substitute experience year-for-year for the required education or experience. 

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.

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, business administration, government, or public policy. 

The ideal candidate will have strong writing and interpersonal skills, computer and video marketing experience, an understanding of how to use digital media effectively and experience working with the media. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

All candidates are subject to a background check against files maintained by the Division of Unemployment Insurance (Labor/DUI) to determine whether any monies are owed to Labor/DUI as a result of unemployment insurance overpayment/fraud. Any unpaid debt may have an impact on whether or not a candidate is offered employment.

SELECTION PROCESS

All information concerning the qualifications, including any required documentation (diploma, transcript, certificate, etc.) must be submitted and received by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be considered. Applications that meet minimum and/or selective qualifications will be referred to the hiring unit for interview selection. Units will select those candidates most closely demonstrating the qualifications for interview.

A resume and cover letter are strongly encouraged for this position. Please upload one Word or PDF file that includes your combined cover letter and resume in the college transcript upload function under the “Other” tab.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

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. A technical interview may also be included in the process.

BENEFITS

This is a full-time, permanent position and eligible for full State benefits, which include:

● Flexible hours and hybrid teleworking 
● Paid holidays 12-13 per year 
● 6 additional “personal days” at the beginning of every year 
● Generous paid leave package (annual, sick, personal and compensatory leave) 
● State Pension ("defined benefit" plan) ● Tax-deferred supplemental retirement savings plans (401(k) and 457) ● Free parking 
● Comprehensive, subsidized health, dental and prescription plans with little to no deductibles, free generic prescriptions, and free preventative health services 
● Flexible Spending Account plans for Health Care and Daycare 
● State Employees Credit Union

To learn more, please click this link: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

U.S. Military Veterans may qualify for additional bonus points towards certification. Any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing a U.S. Military form DD 214 verifying honorable discharge from service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). Permanent State employees do not need to submit proof of Veterans’ status. 

If you are unable to apply online, or encounter difficulty attaching required or optional documentation, you may submit via mail or deliver in person. Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing.

PLEASE DO NOT FAX OR EMAIL UNSOLICITED DOCUMENTATION

Completed applications, required documentation, and any required addendums may be mailed to:

Maryland Department of Labor/Office of Administration
Attn: Ernestine Hyman 24-005223-0006
1100 N. Eutaw Street, Rm. 100
Baltimore, MD 21201

The MD State Application Form can be found online

If you have any questions about this recruitment, please contact Ernestine Hyman at 410-230-6298 or email me at ernestine.hyman1@maryland.gov.

Maryland Department of Labor is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of MDOL that all persons have equal opportunity and access to employment opportunities, services, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.



Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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