Chief Community Relations

State-of-Delawar; Smyrna (DE); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Delaware, Department of Health and Social Services, Chief, Community Relations role within the Office of Communications, leads public relations for DPH and oversees division-wide marketing and outreach efforts.

The incumbent will review all public-facing materials, coordinate communications across programs, and supervise staff as needed. SHOC responsibilities may activate during emergencies, ensuring clear, coordinated messaging to the public.

Qualifications

• Three years experience in public relations or media relations to establish and promote a positive image and inform or influence specific audiences through various communications.
• Three years experience gathering, organizing, formatting or translating information for the media or public, using print, broadcast or electronic media.
• Three years experience in public speaking presenting information to the public or media groups.
• Three years experience developing policies, procedures or programs for dissemination of information to the public or media.
• Three years experience evaluating alternative actions to resolve controversial issues.
• Six months experience in managing public and media relations through subordinate staff.
• Six months experience in staff supervision including planning, assigning, and evaluating work.

Responsibilities

• Gathers, organizes, and formats information related to an agency's goals, objectives and services.
• Promotes an agency's image consistent with the overall direction of the agency.
• Coordinates timely and accurate responses and information to citizens, community groups or governmental agencies.
• Encourages participation in the use of agency services.
• Coordinates and conducts public meetings, media events or educational programs.
• Ensures a mutual sharing of information with other agencies, media and the general public.
• May supervise staff.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Public speaking

Policy development

Strategic communications

Staff supervision

Job description

Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Summary Statement

Incumbent will serve as the chief of community relations for DPH, acting as a supervisor in the Office of Communications. They will provide oversight of the Division’s community relations officers who serve as communications liaisons to DPH’s many sections and programs. Responsibilities include full review of public-facing items from all DPH programs as well as oversight of division-wide marketing projects, events, reports, and more. The position includes a State Health Operations Center (SHOC) role which will be activated in the event of an emergency.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Gathers, organizes, and formats information related to an agency's goals, objectives and services.
• Promotes an agency's image consistent with the overall direction of the agency.
• Coordinates timely and accurate responses and information to citizens, community groups or governmental agencies.
• Encourages participation in the use of agency services.
• Coordinates and conducts public meetings, media events or educational programs.
• Ensures a mutual sharing of information with other agencies, media and the general public.
• May supervise staff.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Chief, Community Relations

• Three years experience in public relations or media relations to establish and promote a positive image and inform or influence specific audiences through the use of internal and external communications such as public forums, print or electronic media, speech writing, writing/editing, marketing, advertising, or special events.
• Three years experience in gathering, organizing, formatting, translating, or interpreting information into forms more easily understood by the media or public, and disseminating the information through the use of print, broadcast or electronic media.
• Three years experience in public speaking which includes gathering, preparing and presenting information to the public or media groups.
• Three years experience in developing policies, procedures or programs for dissemination of information to the public or media groups.
• Three years experience in determining and evaluating alternative courses of action to resolve or mitigate controversial issues.
• Six months experience in managing public and media relations through subordinate staff.
• Six months experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com. If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail].

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.