Deputy Director - Public Affairs

Department of Environmental Quality; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) seeks a Deputy Public Affairs Director to assist the Public Affairs Director in leading the public affairs team and directing internal and external communications, public relations, and outreach. The role supports DEQ’s mission with strategic messaging and media relations.

The Office of Public Affairs coordinates communications, outreach, and information dissemination while advising senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Public Affairs, Media, Journalism, English or related field.
• Five years of experience in communications, public relations, or publicity work.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Supervises Public Information Officers and other staff.
• Advises on media response, outreach, public events, and communication efforts.
• Ensures accuracy and consistency in all external communications and supports senior and division leadership in internal communication efforts.
• Manages the public records tracking and fulfillment process.
• Serves as a spokesperson for DEQ.
• Advises staff and leadership on communications strategy and outreach practices.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Public Affairs, Media, Journalism, English or related field

Job description

Agency Dept of Environmental Quality Division Public Affairs Job Classification Title Public Information Manager (NS) Position Number 60014106 Grade NC19

About Us

The primary mission of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the lead stewardship agency for the protection of North Carolina's environmental resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health, and works to advance in all-of-the-above energy strategy that fits North Carolina's needs. DEQ also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DEQ facilities and through the state's school system. DEQ touches the lives of all North Carolinians in many ways to enhance and ensure our quality of life.

Description of Work

This position serves as a Deputy Public Affairs Director and assists the Public Affairs Director in managing the public affairs team. This position plays a key role in conducting internal and external communications, public relations and public outreach programs to support the mission of the Department of Environmental Quality.

Other Key Responsibilities

• Supervises Public Information Officers and other staff.
• Advises on media response, outreach, public events, and communication efforts.
• Ensures accuracy and consistency in all external communications and supports senior and division leadership in internal communication efforts.
• Manages the public records tracking and fulfillment process.
• Serves as a spokesperson for DEQ.
• Advises staff and leadership on communications strategy and outreach practices.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Recruitment Range: $67,122 - $97,814 Important: This posting closes at 11:59:59 PM the night BEFORE the End Date above.

The Office of Public Affairs

The Office of Public Affairs is responsible for supporting the department’s initiatives and objectives through communications, outreach, and dissemination of information to the public in a professional manner. The office coordinates the department’s communications, public information and outreach efforts through interaction with residents and the news media, publication production, special events and public information programs and initiatives, and serves in an advisory position to the Secretary and senior management regarding a broad array of internal and external communications issues. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more. This position currently qualifies for a hybrid telework option with routine office and remote workdays. The NC Department of Environmental Quality trusts our employees to be self-motivated and successful in hybrid/remote roles. Telework options are subject to change at the discretion of management.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Public Affairs, Media, Journalism, English or related field from an accredited institution and five years of experience in communications, public relations, or publicity work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid driver's license is required for this position.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today!

State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.