Repost**Special Education Communications Specialist (Staff Specialist III Education)

This position is responsible for supporting the public relations projects and the flow of information from the Division of Early Childhood (DEC) to local education agencies, childcare providers, and advocacy community, and to coordinate the preparation and distribution of various informational, promotional, and educational publications supporting the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future initiatives. Also, the position facilitates engagement activities, grants, programs, and events and provides outreach to specific communities (e.g., multilingual customers).

Supports the development and distribution of informational, promotional and educational resources and materials regarding the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future reform impacting early care and education and school readiness.

• Writes and edits outreach material for a variety of content types including success stories, infographics, video scripts, fact sheets, newsletter articles, social media copy, presentations, and press release.
• Assists with the coordination, development and distribution of informational, promotional and educational websites, publications, and materials impacting early care and education and school readiness.
• Assists with maintaining, updating, and managing the Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services internal and external websites
• Maintains and manages social media interaction on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to enhance communication with the public.
• Develops narratives, recommends design, and prepares draft documents for review and approval.
• Provides final draft to Communications and Engagement Manager, Assistant State Superintendent and other Division leadership.
• Plans and coordinates decision-making pertaining to early childhood engagement in accordance with the goals and objectives of MSDE policy and procedures.
• Assists the Office of Communications and Community Engagement with community outreach to special education stakeholders and constituents, including educators, parents, childcare providers, established education stakeholders, advocacy organizations and others.
• Leads, supports, identifies, implements, and monitors tangible stakeholder engagement strategies that target multilingual providers and families.
• Organizes early childhood community events around MSDE’s multi-year strategic plan and Blueprint for Maryland’s Future initiatives.
• Implements social media and e-communication strategies for community engagement activities in alignment with the guidelines from the MSDE Office of Communications and Engagement.
• Supports the development of materials for internal communications and meetings, including the Branch Chief and Section Chief Meetings, Local Director’s Meetings, Assistant Superintentendent’s Advisory, Blueprint Special Education Workgroup, for MSDE leadership.
  
  

EDUCATION: A Master’s Degree or equivalent 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work in the following disciplines: Education, English, Journalism, Communications, Instructional Design or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of professional work experience in providing public information, marketing, or outreach activities. This experience in an education setting or promoting instructional programs is preferred.

NOTE: Two additional years of experience directly related to the position option may be substituted for the required Master’s Degree.

Applicants must meet the selective qualification(s) to be considered. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

One year of professional experience in professional communication, writing, editing, proofreading, AP style, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

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

• Knowledge of public information concepts, communication, and marketing principles.
• Experience working with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Smartboard, and Canva
• Knowledge of childcare education, and school reform initiatives regarding Early Childhood development and student with disabilities.
• Experience in developing written, oral and public communications using a variety of computer software.
• Experience in researching information and constructing presentations in a clear and concise format.
  
  

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.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 the information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year. The selected candidate will be subject to a criminal history background check as the final step in the selection process. Please do not put "See Resume" in the job duties section of your application and or supplemental questionnaire. Your application will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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 the applicant is unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, C/o Marcia Cooper Stokes, 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, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, 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.