TITLE:  Director of Communications and Special Projects (Program Manager Senior I)

STATUS OF POSITION:  Full-Time, Contractual Position

SALARY:  $62,741 - $88,171 (This reflects a salary reduction per Executive Order 01.01.2009.11 State Employees' Furlough and Temporary Salary Reduction Plan.  See the hiring manager for further details)

LOCATION:  Department of Juvenile Services, Office of Communications, 120 West Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD  21201

DUTIES:  The Director of Communication (“CD”) supervises and manages the Public Information Officer, and Webmaster.  The CD is responsible for ensuring all inquires to the Department are responded to in a timely fashion and the information that is distributed to the public is accurate and up to date.       This includes all media requests, public information act requests, press releases, brochures, newsletters, intranet, website and constituent correspondence.  The CD must also be available 24-hours a day 7 days a week to respond to emergencies and guide the Public Information Officer on proper statements and ensure timely posting by the webmaster.   The CD will assist and support the development of TV production under the Special Assistant of Operations.

The CD is also responsible for maintaining regular communication between the Office of the Secretary, the entire DJS staff and the Governor’s Office. To accomplish this task, a weekly newsletter, the I-Bulletin, is internally published and circulated to all DJS staff and all members of all DJS’ advisory boards.  There are also several reports such as media logs, Accomplishment Reports, Capital for the Day Briefings, critical incident reports and press briefings that are generated for the Governor’s Office on a regular on-going basis.  The CD works closely with the Secretary to ensure that the Department’s message is consistent with the Agency’s goals and overall vision.

As the Director of Special Projects (“ DSP”), this individual is also responsible for overseeing, planning, implementing and coordinating the production of several agency annual events such as the State Fair, Victims Awareness Week, Headquarters Holiday Party, Employee Appreciation, Maryland Charity Campaign and various graduation ceremonies.  The DSP also supports, coordinates and assists in the development of DJS projects, summits and conferences.  The DSP is also the lead in managing the implementation of Interagency Strategic Planning for the Department. 

Lastly, the CD/DSP is responsible for accompanying the Secretary and addressing issues when the Chief of Staff is not available.

EDUCATION:  Bachelor Degree from an accredited college or university is required.  Juris Doctor preferred but not required.

EXPERIENCE:  Experience with media relations, writing press releases, website and project management.  Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential as well as the ability to multi-task and manage people.  Experience working in politics, the legislator and/or a legal background in juvenile or criminal justice is a plus but not required.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  If interested, please submit a cover letter, resume/MS-100 (State of MD application) and verification of education to Robert Johnson at the Department of Juvenile Services, 120 West Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD  21201 or e-mail via the link provided.

CLOSING DATE:  Open until filled.

THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE SERVICES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER