Deputy Director of Communications (ADMIN PROGRAM MANAGER I)

DGS Office of External Affairs; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Deputy Director of Communications leads strategic communications for Maryland's Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning (DWDAL).

Reporting to the Director of Communications, this role serves as the division's principal writer, develops strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks, and supervises the Communications team to shape how DWDAL communicates its workforce programs and policies to diverse audiences across the state.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, public affairs, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• At least 5 years developing and implementing strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks.
• At least 5 years of professional writing and editing experience producing speeches, talking points, press releases, briefing documents, and similar communications for executive or public audiences.
• At least 4 years managing multiple communications projects simultaneously with competing deadlines.
• Experience translating complex government programs, policies, and technical information into clear, compelling communications.
• Preferred: experience with Section 508, WCAG, and ADA accessibility compliance for digital and written content.

Skills

Strategic communications

Public affairs

Public relations

Journalism

Speech writing

Writing & editing

Project management

Policy translation

Accessibility awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Deputy Director of Communications leads strategic communications for Maryland's Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning (DWDAL). Reporting to the Director of Communications, this role serves as the division's principal writer, develops strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks, manages multiple communications projects, and provides supervisory oversight to Communications team members. The position works to shape how DWDAL communicates its workforce programs and policies to diverse audiences across the state.

Key qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and at least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, public affairs, journalism, public relations, or related field, with at least 6
• At least 5 years developing and implementing strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks
• At least 5 years of professional writing and editing experience producing speeches, talking points, press releases, briefing documents, and similar communications for executive or public audiences
• At least 4 years managing multiple communications projects simultaneously with competing deadlines
• Experience translating complex government programs, policies, and technical information into clear, compelling communications
• Preferred: experience with Section 508, WCAG, and ADA accessibility compliance for digital and written content