Deputy Director of Communications (ADMIN PROGRAM MANAGER I)

State of Maryland; Baltimore, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Hybrid teleworking

12-13 paid holidays per year

Paid leave

State Pension (defined benefit)

401(k) and 457

Health, dental, and prescription plans

Flexible Spending Account

Free mass transit benefit

State Employees Credit Union

Job summary

Maryland Department of Labor seeks a Deputy Director of Communications to shape how workforce programs are communicated to diverse audiences. You will be the division's principal writer, develop strategic plans, and advise leadership on messaging and engagement efforts from the Baltimore office.

The role requires strong writing, editorial leadership, and collaboration across program offices, with oversight of the Communications team in a fast-paced public sector environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; in communications/public relations or a related field.
• Eight+ years in strategic communications/public affairs with supervisory experience.
• Experience writing for executive audiences and translating policy into plain language.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the division's principal writer and editor for workforce communications.
• Develop strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks.
• Coordinate across program offices to ensure consistent messaging.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Communications team and mentor staff.
• Ensure content complies with accessibility standards (Section 508, WCAG, ADA).

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CMS (Content Management System)

Social media management tools

Job description

Introduction

The MD Labor Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning (DWDAL) operates a statewide network of workforce programs and partnerships through its six program offices, which administer workforce development, registered apprenticeship, adult education, correctional education, strategic workforce initiatives, and the statewide network of American Job Centers, helping individuals gain the skills needed for successful careers while strengthening Maryland’s economy. The Communications team leads strategic communications for the division’s workforce development initiatives. The team develops and executes communications strategies, digital content, executive communications, and public outreach initiatives that elevate DWDAL’s programs and connect Marylanders with workforce resources. Working closely with executive leadership and program offices, the team helps ensure clear, consistent, and impactful communications across the division and with agency leadership, external partners, and audiences. DWDAL is seeking a highly motivated Deputy Director of Communications who develops and implements strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks, possesses exceptional writing skills and a talent for storytelling, produces high-quality communications, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. Experience working within the public sector is a plus. Knowledge of workforce development, registered apprenticeship, adult education, correctional education, and/or grant-funded workforce programs is desirable.

GRADE

STD0019

LOCATION OF POSITION

This position sits within the Office of the Assistant Secretary in MD Labor’s Workforce Division (DWDAL) and is in downtown Baltimore, near the Inner Harbor at 100 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Main Purpose of Job

The Deputy Director of Communications is a strategic communications professional responsible for helping shape how DWDAL communicates its workforce programs, policies, and initiatives to diverse audiences. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this position serves as the division’s principal writer, develops strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks, and advises leadership on messaging and communications approaches that support program awareness, engagement, and participation across the division’s portfolio. As delegated and in the Director’s absence, this position provides operational oversight, supervision, and mentorship to Communications team members. This Management Service position serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

POSITION DUTIES

Writing, Editing, and Editorial Leadership Serve as the division’s principal writer and editor for communications supporting DWDAL’s workforce programs, policies, and initiatives. Produce high-quality written products, including executive speeches, event remarks, briefing documents, talking points, key messages, press releases, newsletters, website and social media content, and other communications products. Translate complex workforce policies, legislation, technical information, and program information into clear, concise, and compelling communications that effectively convey the importance and impact of DWDAL programs. Review, edit, and provide editorial guidance on communications developed by staff to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and alignment with agency messaging, branding, and editorial standards. Ensure all written and digital content meets plain language principles and complies with Section 508, WCAG, and ADA accessibility requirements. Strategic Communications Planning and Project Management Develop and implement strategic communications plans in support of the priorities and direction established by the Director of Communications. Develop messaging frameworks and recommend communications approaches, audience targeting, sequencing, and implementation strategies for workforce programs and initiatives. Coordinate communications planning across DWDAL program offices to promote consistent messaging and effective delivery of program information. Anticipate communications needs related to program launches, policy changes, grant announcements, events, milestones, and leadership priorities. Manage multiple communications projects by establishing timelines, coordinating resources, monitoring progress, and ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule. Plan, gather, and report on metrics to gauge the efficacy of communications work, and use these findings to inform future communications plans. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement Collaborate with executive leadership, program managers, subject matter experts, and external partners to identify communications needs and recommend messaging and communications approaches. Coordinate closely with the Department’s Office of the Secretary and other internal partners to support communications initiatives and ensure alignment with departmental communications priorities and standards. Build strong working relationships across the division to support effective communications planning and execution. Operational Oversight and Supervision As delegated and in the Director’s absence, oversee day-to-day Communications team operations to ensure continuity of communications activities. Assign and review work, monitor project timelines, mentor Communications team members, and provide constructive editorial feedback. Assist with coordinating workloads, maintaining quality standards, and supporting Communications team operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: At least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, public affairs, journalism, public relations, marketing, digital communications, or a related field, including at least six (6) years of supervisory experience.
• Notes: The following experience can be substituted in lieu of a bachelor's degree: At least ten years of experience of professional experience in strategic communications, public affairs, journalism, public relations, marketing, digital communications, or a related field, including at least eight (8) years of supervisory experience, and at least eight (8) years of developing and implementing strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks plus eight (8) years serving as a principal writer.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants must meet all selective qualifications in addition to the minimum qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.
• At least five (5) years of experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans and messaging frameworks.
• At least five (5) years of professional writing and editing experience producing communications for executive, public, or stakeholder audiences, including speeches, talking points, press releases, briefing documents, and similar products.
• At least four (4) years of experience managing multiple communications projects simultaneously, including establishing timelines, coordinating resources, prioritizing competing demands, and ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
• Five (5) or more years of experience serving as a principal or lead writer for executive speeches, remarks, briefing documents, talking points, press releases, newsletters, and other public-facing communications.
• Five (5) or more years of experience translating complex government programs, policies, legislation, or technical information into clear, plain-language communications that tell compelling stories and engage diverse audiences.
• Three (3) or more years of experience developing and reviewing digital and written communications to ensure compliance with Section 508, WCAG, and ADA accessibility requirements.
• Professional proficiency in both English and Spanish.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

All candidates are subject to a background check against files maintained by the Division of Unemployment Insurance (LABOR/DUI) to determine whether any monies are owed to LABOR/DUI as a result of unemployment overpayment/fraud. Any unpaid debt may have an impact on whether or not a candidate is offered employment. Candidates selected for an interview will be required to submit two writing samples to bring with you: One should be a writing sample of 500-1,000 words. Samples may be speeches, press releases, news articles, blog posts, or similar professional writing samples. The other should be a social media sample you have developed for any platform, as long as it includes both a caption and a visual (e.g., graphic, photo, video). Please include a brief description of your goal and strategy for the post. Also describe if the post was successful and how you define that success.

SELECTION PROCESS

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 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.

Cover letter and resumes are encouraged but not required. However, the application must be completed in its entirety or it will be subject to rejection.

All information concerning the qualifications, including any required documentation (diploma, transcript, certificate, etc.) must be submitted and received by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be considered.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire. For further information, you may call International Consultants of Delaware, Inc. [phone] or World Education Services Inc. 1-800-932-3897 or [phone].

BENEFITS

This is a full-time, permanent position that is eligible for full State benefits, including:

• Flexible hours and hybrid teleworking
• 12-13 paid holidays per year
• Paid leave, including annual, sick, personal, and compensatory
• State Pension ("defined benefit" plan).
• Tax-deferred supplemental retirement savings plans - 401(k) and 457
• Comprehensive subsidized health, dental, and prescription plans with little to no deductibles, free generic subscriptions, and free preventive health services.
• Flexible Spending Account plans for Health Care and Daycare
• Free mass transit benefit
• State Employees Credit Union

To learn more, please visit STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS.

Maryland Department of Labor is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of LABOR that all persons have equal opportunity and access to employment opportunities, services, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.