Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from State of Maryland
Job overview
The Director of Communications Designated Admin Mgr Senior I at the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services leads the agency's communications strategy to ensure consistent, accurate messaging aligned with departmental goals.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves developing and implementing communications strategies, managing a communications team, overseeing content creation and media relations, handling crisis communications, and advising on reputational issues.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers competitive salary, state pension, medical and dental coverage, paid leave including personal, annual, sick, and parental leave, holidays, and access to the Maryland State Employees Credit Union.
Experience and skills
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, or Communications and five years of relevant experience; a Master's degree can substitute for two years of experience. Preferred qualifications include leadership experience, media relations, content creation, and crisis management skills.
Career development
The job offers opportunities for advancement and professional growth within a large state department with nearly 12,000 employees.
Work environment and culture
The department values safety, innovation in restorative justice, diversity, and equal opportunity, encouraging applications from veterans, people with disabilities, and bilingual candidates.
Company information
The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is a large Maryland state agency with a $1 billion budget focused on public safety and offender reintegration.
Team overview
The candidate will lead the communications team and work closely with the Secretary's Office and Chief of Staff.
Job location and travel
The position is located in Sykesville, Carroll County, Maryland.
Application process
Applicants must submit a resume with their application by the closing date, provide detailed qualifications, and may need to complete an assessment based on education and experience. Online applications are preferred, with alternative submission methods available.
Unique job features
This is a Political Special Appointment position serving at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority, involving high-level strategic communications and crisis management within a major state agency.
Company overview
The State of Maryland operates as a governmental entity providing a wide range of public services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety. It generates revenue through taxes, federal grants, and various fees. Historically significant, Maryland was one of the original thirteen colonies and has a rich history in American politics and culture. The state government is structured into multiple departments and agencies, each responsible for specific functions, ensuring the efficient delivery of services to its residents.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight leadership in communications strategy, emphasizing your ability to develop and implement comprehensive plans aligned with organizational priorities, as this is central to the Director of Communications role at DPSCS.
Showcase experience managing communications teams and coordinating media relations, including crisis communication and handling high-profile public appearances, to align with the job’s focus on leadership and media oversight.
Apply through multiple platforms such as the State of Maryland’s official careers website, LinkedIn, and any relevant government job boards to maximize your application visibility for this political special appointment.
Connect with current communications staff or leadership within DPSCS on LinkedIn; start conversations by referencing recent DPSCS initiatives or expressing interest in their approach to restorative justice communications to break the ice.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description like 'communications strategy,' 'crisis management,' 'media relations,' 'team leadership,' and 'public safety communications' to ensure it passes initial automated screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate applying across multiple channels, tailor your resume with relevant keywords, and identify LinkedIn contacts within DPSCS, saving you time and increasing your chances of landing an interview.
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