Chief Community Relations

State of Delaware; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A key position overseeing the Delaware Department of Agriculture's communications and marketing functions. The role includes managing staff, developing policies, and handling media relations. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in public relations and media communications.

Qualifications

• At least three years of experience in public relations or media relations.
• Six months of experience managing public and media relations through subordinate staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversees communications and marketing functions for the Delaware Department of Agriculture.
• Develops press releases and coordinates events with the Governor's Office.

Skills

Public Relations

Media Relations

Communication

Job description

Summary Statement

This position oversees the Delaware Department of Agriculture's communications and marketing functions, including supervising staff, managing budgets, developing policy and recommendations, and formulating marketing initiatives and strategies. The position is also responsible for media relations, including developing press releases and other media materials, coordinating events with the Governor's Office, handling press inquiries, and responding to constituent questions and concerns.

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualifications will still be eligible to compete if they meet the job requirements. Knowledge of agricultural communications, with an emphasis on organizations, agvocacy, urban and rural agriculture, is preferred. Candidates should have at least 6 months of experience in graphics and printing work—such as planning, designing, creating, or producing artistic visual materials using various techniques and equipment for informational and educational media like publications, exhibits, outdoor signage, displays, and brochures. Additionally, 6 months of experience in using social media as a public relations networking method (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) is preferred.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are core and fundamental to all positions in this class series and are not exhaustive. Incumbents may perform similar duties not listed here. Key responsibilities include:

1. Gathering, organizing, and formatting information related to agency goals, objectives, and services.
2. Promoting the agency's image consistent with its overall direction.
3. Coordinating timely and accurate responses and information to citizens, community groups, or governmental agencies.
4. Encouraging participation in agency services.
5. Coordinating and conducting public meetings, media events, or educational programs.
6. Ensuring mutual sharing of information with other agencies, media, and the public.
7. May supervise staff.

Job Requirements

For the Chief, Community Relations position, applicants must demonstrate competence in:

• At least three years of experience in public relations or media relations to promote a positive image and inform or influence audiences through various communication channels.
• At least three years of experience in gathering, organizing, translating, or interpreting information for media or public dissemination.
• At least three years of public speaking experience, including preparing and presenting information to the public or media groups.
• At least three years of developing policies, procedures, or programs for information dissemination.
• At least three years of experience in resolving or mitigating controversial issues.
• Six months of experience managing public and media relations through subordinate staff.
• Six months of staff supervision experience, including planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating work.

Additional Posting Information

A writing sample will be requested at the interview stage.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. The State of Delaware participates in the Federal E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility.

Benefits

For details on the benefit package, visit https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

Applications and supplemental questionnaires are evaluated based on education, training, and experience related to the job requirements. Complete and accurate information is essential. All correspondence will be via email; keep contact information current. View all correspondence in the 'My Applications' tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the process. TDD users can request assistance by calling [phone] or visiting delawarerelay.com. Additional support can be requested by contacting [phone] or [e-mail]. Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce, including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression.