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Communications Specialist

ADMINISTRATOR I

Recruitment #25-002586-0030

Introduction

If you are looking for an exciting career with great benefits, pension, generous leave, competitive salary, and the opportunity for advancement and professional growth, apply to join the DPSCS team today!

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates to fill important roles within our department. We are one of the largest departments in Maryland with nearly 12,000 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion. In order to fulfill our mission of promoting safety, we have increased security at our institutions while leading the way in innovative restorative justice projects that will help offenders reintegrate into society upon release.

As a member of the DPSCS team, you can have a fulfilling career, while also enjoying a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave), becoming vested in the State pension, supplemental retirement options, and even joining the Maryland State Employees Credit Union.

 

GRADE

16

LOCATION OF POSITION

Carroll County

6852 4th Street

Sykesville, Maryland 21784

POSITION DUTIES

The Communications Specialist is responsible for overseeing both external and internal communications, including memos, newsletters, and messaging across all platforms. This role involves managing the content and design of the Department’s websites, both the public-facing site and the internal intranet (SafetyNet) in collaboration with ITCD. Additional responsibilities include coordinating communications-related events, providing project management support, enhancing customer service, supporting performance improvement initiatives (e.g., managing performance data and unit processes), and cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders. The Communications Specialist will also collaborate with other Office of Communications teams: media relations, social media; and internal and external stakeholders to develop and execute communication campaigns and projects.

Job duties include:

  • Develop, design, and disseminate internal and external communications, including memos, newsletters, press releases, and digital messaging, to ensure consistent and accurate information flow.
  • Manage content updates for the Department’s websites (public-facing and SafetyNet intranet) in collaboration with ITCD, ensuring user-friendly design and functionality.
  • Coordinate communications-related events such as press briefings, town halls, and special initiatives, ensuring seamless execution and maximum outreach.
  • Collaborate with media relations and social media teams to create and execute communication and branding campaigns that align with departmental goals.
  • Monitor and analyze performance data related to communications strategies and recommend improvements to enhance effectiveness.
  • Serve as a liaison between internal stakeholders, external partners, and public representatives to foster transparent and positive relationships.
  • MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

    Applicants must meet all minimum qualifications to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.

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

    Experience: Four years of administrative staff or professional work.

    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 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.

    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.

    1. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, English, or a related field.
    2. Experience in communications, public relations, or a similar role.
    3. Proficiency with design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and social media platforms.

    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 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. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

    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. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

    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

    FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

    Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be emailed to hr.recruitmentuser@maryland.gov. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment.

    If you are submitting additional information, the preferred method is to upload it with your application. All uploaded additional information must be received by the closing date and time. If you are unable to upload, please email the requested information to hr.recruitmentuser@maryland.gov referencing the recruitment number in the subject line. Only additional materials that are requested will be accepted for this recruitment.

    For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, HRSD-Recruitment Division at 410-585-3999.

    TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

    Kimberly Banks

    Kimberly.Banks@maryland.gov



    If you are having difficulties with submitting your online application, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850.


    We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

    People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged 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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