Strategic Communications Deputy Director

MD; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Department of Labor (DWDAL) seeks a Deputy Director of Communications to shape how workforce programs and policies are communicated to diverse audiences across Maryland.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, this role leads writing, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and editorial supervision for the division. The position requires guiding the team and ensuring accessibility standards are met.

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 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.

Responsibilities

• Write and edit as the division’s principal writer for workforce programs, policies, and initiatives.
• Produce executive speeches, remarks, briefing documents, talking points, press releases, newsletters, and web/social content.
• Translate complex information into clear, plain-language communications.
• Review and provide editorial guidance to ensure accuracy and alignment with branding and standards.
• Ensure content meets plain language, 508, WCAG, and ADA accessibility standards.
• Develop and implement strategic communications plans in support of leadership priorities.
• Coordinate messaging across program offices for consistent delivery.
• Manage multiple projects with timelines and resources, reporting on metrics.

Skills

Strategic communications

Public affairs

Public relations

Marketing

Digital communications

Staff supervision

Stakeholder engagement

Editorial/writing

English/Spanish proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Maryland Department of Labor (DWDAL) seeks a Deputy Director of Communications to shape how workforce programs and policies are communicated to diverse audiences across Maryland.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, this role leads writing, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and editorial supervision for the division. The position requires guiding the team and ensuring accessibility standards are met.