Director of Communications & Public Engagement

JobAps; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional growth and development

Healthy work-life balance

Job summary

State of Connecticut, Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is seeking a Director of Communications to establish and lead a centralized communications function for the agency. You will craft clear, accessible communications to staff, providers, families, and policymakers, guiding major initiatives and system changes.

You will develop an agency-wide communications plan, translate complex policy into plain language, and lead communications during high-impact events.

Qualifications

• Experience in communications, public affairs, and content development.
• Experience translating complex policy, program, data, or operational content into plain language communication.
• Experience producing communication materials across multiple formats, including reports, digital content, newsletters, and presentations.
• Experience supporting executive or leadership.
• Experience communicating and coordinating cross teamwork.
• Experience working in early childhood, government, or the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a centralized communications function for the Office of Early Childhood (OEC).
• Develop an agency-wide communications plan aligned with mission and major initiatives.
• Consult on strategic communications regarding program and policy changes.
• Improve internal communication processes across divisions and staff.
• Establish communications protocols and standards for consistent messaging.
• Produce high-quality deliverables: memos, newsletters, website and social content, presentations, FAQs, guidance documents, talking points, stakeholder updates.
• Translate complex policy and data into clear, actionable materials.
• Apply editing, formatting, visual design, and information organization skills to improve usability.
• Provide tools and coaching to improve communication quality across OEC.
• Prepare talking points and briefing materials; assist with media coordination as needed.
• Lead communications during sensitive or high-impact events or announcements.
• Ensure plain language, ADA compliance and translation processes.
• Use feedback and metrics to assess and improve communications.
• Maintain and strengthen OEC’s visual and narrative identity.

Skills

Communications experience

Public affairs

Content development

Plain language

Cross-team coordination

Executive support

Job description

State of Connecticut, Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is seeking a Director of Communications to establish and lead a centralized communications function for the agency. You will craft clear, accessible communications to staff, providers, families, and policymakers, guiding major initiatives and system changes.

You will develop an agency-wide communications plan, translate complex policy into plain language, and lead communications during high-impact events.