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PROGRAM MANAGER IV (052893)

Director of Community Engagement

Recruitment #24-005479-0049

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Introduction

This is a Management Service position with full Maryland State Benefits 
Work that Matters. The Community Engagement Director will be responsible for fostering connections with the communities and stakeholders served by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.  This role involves overseeing a three-person team that communicates directly with the public through customer service inquiries, outreach and event coordination, email distribution to stakeholders, dissemination of marketing materials, and letters to constituents, as well as  managing requests for public information.

As the primary liaison in the Department's Office of Public Affairs (OPA), the Director will gather insights to understand public perception of the Department.  These insights to understand public perception of the Department.  These insights will inform the Department's marketing efforts, communication strategies, and website enhancements, ensuring alignment with community expectations.  

The ideal candidate will join a dynamic OPA team of 16 communicators, graphic designers, marketing leaders, web user experience specialists, and outreach members.  As the leader of the community engagement team, the Director will drive the Department's outreach strategy, exploring innovative methods to expand our reach and establish DHCD as an award-winning agency in community engagement.

Under the leadership of Secretary Jake Day, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development employs over 400 staff across five divisions, guided by five key priorities: providing shelter for all, ensuring housing affordability, creating lovable places, righting past wrongs, and connecting all Marylanders.  With one of the highest employee retention rates among state cabinet agencies, DHCD offers a supportive, mission-driven environment where you can contribute to meaningful change and engage with communities throughout the state.

We are seeking a strong team leader who is eager to inspire new approaches to engage stakeholders, residents, and partners incisively.  DHCD, headquartered in Lanham, offers a flexible work schedule, telework options, training and career advancement opportunities, as well as a competitive salary and stat benefits. 
 

GRADE

22

LOCATION OF POSITION

7800 Harkins Road Lanham, MD 20706.

The Department of Housing and Community Development Headquarters is located in Prince George's County across from the New Carrollton Metro stop.

POSITION DUTIES

The Community Engagement Director will coordinate the activities of the community engagement team statewide, ensuring effective education of the public on resources related to rental assistance, homeownership, homelessness, foreclosure prevention, energy programs, small business lending, broadband access, and SSBCI initiatives. The Director will manage constituent services and customer service workflows, overseeing outreach efforts, project monitoring, and budget management. This role includes providing guidance and training to staff, conducting performance evaluations, and ensuring compliance with departmental policies and procedures.

The Director will lead efforts to gather insights on external perceptions of the department and its programs through polling and surveys, compiling data for analysis and reporting to senior leadership. Additionally, the Director will identify opportunities for departmental awards, coordinating submissions and tracking accolades to enhance communication materials and highlight the department’s achievements.

Finally, the Director will ensure timely fulfillment of Public Information Act requests, overseeing document reviews and the publication of public notices to maintain transparency and accountability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Seven years of experience in public information, public relations, Journalism, community engagement, outreach or other related experience in publicity or promotional work.  At least 1 year of this experience in a supervisory or other leadership capacity.

Notes:

Candidates may substitute possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 30 semester credit hours in one or more of the following subjects: English, journalism, public relations, writing or other similar and related areas of study and three years of experience in public information, public relations, journalism or other related experience in publicity or promotional work for up to three years of the required experience. Candidates may substitute additional experience as defined above on a year-for year Basis for the required education

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience developing outreach and community engagement strategies
  • Experience implementing survey and polling methodologies for accurate and informative insights
  • Experience planning events for external stakeholders 
  • Experience supporting public relations activities, such as drafting talking points and briefing materials

SELECTION PROCESS

Please provide sufficient information on your application to document that you meet the minimum qualifications for this recruitment. Unofficial transcripts, certifications or diplomas to document educational or certification qualifications are required. Educational credentials from foreign countries must be evaluated by an approved education review service. This evaluation must be submitted with your application. For further information, you may call International Consultants of Delaware, Inc. (302) 737-8715 or World Education Services Inc. 1-800-932-3897 or (202) 331-2925. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year. Eligible list may be used to fill future vacancies of the same classification. Successful candidates must document eligibility to work in the U.S. upon hire.  

Please note: The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is not sponsoring new employees in application of the H-1B Visa at this time due to budgetary constraints. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986. Federal regulations prohibit H1B Visa candidates from paying sponsorship fees, all sponsorship fees must be assumed by the potential employer.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred. However, if you wish to submit a paper application, you may mail your application and materials to:

Miles Peterson 

Department of Housing and Community Development

Office of Human Resources 

7800 Harkins Road, Lanham, MD 20706 

All application materials must be received by the filing deadline. If you are unable to upload your transcripts into the system, please send via email to miles.peterson@maryland.gov. Please include the following information in the body of the email: 

  • Attn: Miles Peterson, HR Generalist 
  • Your First and Last Name 
  • Recruitment # 
  • Classification (Job Title) of Recruitment

Incorrect application forms, or resumes in place of the application, will not be accepted. If you are interested in these positions and cannot apply online please fill out the paper application. For questions concerning these positions, please call 301-429-7566. 

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay. 

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

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



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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