DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS (DESIGNATED ADMIN MGR SENIOR I)
Posted 20 days ago
Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Maryland Military Department
Job overview
The Director of Communications leads the communications strategy for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, ensuring consistent and effective messaging aligned with agency goals.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves developing and implementing communications strategies, managing a communications team, overseeing media relations and content creation, handling crisis communications, and advising on reputational issues.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a competitive salary with benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, paid leave, pension, supplemental retirement options, and membership in 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 team leadership, media response experience, 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 diversity, equal opportunity, and supports veterans, people with disabilities, and bilingual candidates, promoting a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Company information
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is a large state agency focused on public safety, with a budget over $1 billion and innovative restorative justice initiatives.
Team overview
The Director leads a communications team responsible for cohesive messaging and media relations within the agency.
Job location and travel
The position is located in Sykesville, Carroll County, Maryland, with the address 6852 4th Street, Sykesville, MD 21784.
Application process
Applicants must submit a resume with their application by the closing date, preferably online, with options to email or fax paper applications; additional requested documents must be submitted timely.
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 for a major state agency.
Company overview
The Maryland Military Department is a state agency responsible for providing military and emergency management services to support the safety and security of Maryland's citizens. It oversees the Maryland National Guard, Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), and Maryland Defense Force, focusing on disaster response, homeland security, and community support. The department generates value by maintaining readiness for state and national emergencies while fostering partnerships with local communities and federal agencies. Established in the early 20th century, it has a long history of service, including disaster relief and military support during national crises.
How to land this job
Position your resume to showcase your leadership in developing comprehensive communications strategies and managing teams, aligning closely with DPSCS priorities and goals.
Highlight your expertise in media relations, crisis communication, and creating diverse communication materials such as press releases, digital campaigns, and social media content to match the job's core responsibilities.
Apply through multiple platforms including the Maryland Military Department's official career portal, LinkedIn, and any state government job boards to maximize your application visibility.
Connect with current communications staff or leadership at Maryland Military Department on LinkedIn; start conversations by referencing recent DPSCS initiatives or asking about the department's approach to crisis communication and media strategy.
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 screenings.
Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored resume submissions, identify multiple application channels, and facilitate LinkedIn networking, saving you valuable time and increasing your chances of landing this senior communications role.
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