Deputy Director, Communications and Community Engagement (Administrative Program Manager IV)

The Deputy Director of Communications and Community Engagement is responsible for managing the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE’s) media relations, strategic community engagement, and outreach to promote MSDE’s multi-year strategic plan and Blueprint for Maryland’s Future initiatives, mission, values, schools, workforce and communities.

Additionally, the Deputy Director will supervise staff responsible for conducting community-based town halls and other engagement activities, working with stakeholders to build collaborative relationships, to collectively communicate MSDE, as well as Maryland State Board of Education, priorities, and key messaging.

Responsibilities Include

• Provides overall strategic direction for community engagement.
• Conveys MSDE organization, policies, mission, and programs to community officials, state and local officials, school communities, parents, students and staff through various activities.
• Collaborates with outreach and engagement staff across other local education agencies and partner organizations.
• Oversees and coordinates event logistics.
• Coordinates and conducts press conferences. Develops and maintains relationships with media partners.
• Serves as agency spokesperson, responding directly to interview request and media inquiries.
• Drafts and reviews departmental press releases, reports, letters, talking points, scripts for video, podcasts, etc.
• Conducts media training and prepares interview participants.
• Supervises and provides direction for Communications and Community Engagement staff.
  
  

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

Experience: Six years of experience overseeing communications and community engagement programs; two years of this experience must include the management and supervision of staff.

Notes

• Candidates may substitute additional experience as defined above directly related to the position at the rate of one year of experience for each year of the required education.
• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university for one year of the required experience.
  
  

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Experience creating and executing marketing and outreach strategies
• Knowledge and experience with education policies, issues, and regulations
• Experience and skill in event planning, grassroots organizing, and building partnerships
• Working knowledge of school district systems and experience working with district-level administrators
• Experience working with media partners, creating press releases and conducting press conferences.
• Project Management experience
  
  

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.Applicants must consent to a State Police Investigation (fingerprinting) as a routine procedure for all employees with this Agency.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. The resulting list of eligible candidates will be in effect for at least one year.

State Of Maryland Benefits

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online.

All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application or mailed to the address listed.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.