Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications & Public Engagement

Maryland Department of Health; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Department of Health seeks a Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications & Public Engagement to lead the external and internal communications strategy for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). You will translate policy initiatives into accessible messaging and guide leadership on communications priorities in a fast-paced public sector environment.

As a senior advisor, you will drive engagement strategies, manage media and legislative relations, and build durable

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in communications, journalism, public relations, public administration, public policy, marketing, English, social sciences, or related field.
• Six or more years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, or strategic engagement.
• Master's degree substitutes for one year of general experience; Doctorate substitutes for two years.

Responsibilities

• Architect external and internal communications strategy for the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
• Serve as high-level advisor to Chief of Staff, Director of External Affairs, and executive leadership.
• Translate complex policy initiatives into accessible, transparent messaging.
• Drive integrated engagement strategies, manage media and legislative relations, and build trusted partnerships with participants, families, providers, and community stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Job description

Main Purpose of Job

The Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications & Public Engagement serves as the primary architect for the Developmental Disabilities Administration's (DDA) external and internal communications strategy. This role acts as a high-level advisor to the Chief of Staff and Director of External Affairs, and executive leadership, translating complex policy initiatives into accessible, transparent messaging. The position is responsible for driving integrated engagement strategies, managing media and legislative relations, and building trusted, long-term partnerships with participants, families, providers, and community stakeholders to advance the DDA's mission and strategic priorities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public relations, public administration, public policy, marketing, English, social sciences, or a related field. Qualified candidates must also possess six or more years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, or strategic engagement. Master's degree from an accredited college or university will substitute for one year of general experience and a Doctorate will substitute for two years of general experience. Additional experience will substitute on a year-for-year basis for the college degree.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The desired candidate should be an experienced communications and public affairs professional with demonstrated expertise in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, public policy, media relations, and government affairs. The successful candidate should also have a proven record of advising senior leadership, developing integrated communications strategies, managing complex or sensitive issues, and building trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, sound political and organizational judgment, and the ability to translate complex policies into clear, accessible messages are essential. Experience engaging individuals with developmental disabilities, families, providers, advocacy organizations, elected officials, and government partners is highly desirable. Knowledge of developmental disabilities, health and human services, Medicaid, or other complex public-sector programs, as well as experience with Maryland State government and legislative processes, is strongly preferred. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to transparency, accessibility, equity, person-centered engagement, public trust, and continuous improvement.

SELECTION PROCESS

This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies. EOE.