Introduction \n�\n\nWhen you join the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), you join a team of more than 5,000 employees across the state dedicated to positively changing the lives of more than 1 million Marylanders each year.�We do this by providing economic support, preventive services, and caring for children and adults.�\n\n\n\nWe aim to deliver services so that we more quickly meet the needs of the people we serve. At DHS, we grapple with hard questions to find new ways to foster a culture of bold innovation. We do this to ensure that in Maryland, we leave no one behind.�\n\n\n\nThis is a Management Services position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n GRADE 20\n\n LOCATION OF POSITION \n\nMaryland Department of Human Services�\nOffice of the Secretary\n25 S. Charles St.�\nBaltimore, MD 21201\n\n\n\n Main Purpose of Job This position is to support the Director of Communications in handling all media-related activities, including strategy development, media response, message development, and spokesperson/interview preparation. Additionally, the candidate will manage all Public Information Act (PIA) requests that come into the department. This position requires the expertise, skills, and ability to handle very sensitive, strategic and high profile media relations.\n POSITION DUTIES \n\n Responds to the Department's media inquiries and coordinate�interviews for administration leadership, including the secretary, deputy�secretaries, program directors, and others authorized to speak on behalf�of the department, local directors of social services and their teams,�representatives of Human Services commissions; draft and respond to�media inquiries.�\n Writes speeches and talking points.\n Organizes press�conferences and enhances the public perception of the department.\n Provides counsel for and coordination of the Department's media�strategy for the Secretary's office and all three administrations of the�department, including Social Services, Family Investment, and Child�Support.\n Researches, manages, and responds to Maryland Public Information�Act requests, ensuring quality work and timely deliverables.\n Pitches interviews; prep interview participants and conduct media�training; draft and review departmental press releases, reports,�letters, talking points, etc.\n\n\n MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Experience: Four years of experience in journalism, copy editing, and or research.\nNotes:�Candidates may substitute a Bachelor's degree in Journalism for the required experience.\nThis position requires�on-call availability.\n\n\n\n DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS The successful candidate will have demonstrated many or preferably all of the following:\nExperience working with local news organizations.\n SELECTION PROCESS \nPlease make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. It is important that you report all related education and experience that is relevant to this recruitment qualifications. We will not consider information submitted after this date.� Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list. The resulting list may be used for future vacancies with this agency.\n\n BENEFITS \n\nAs an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health�insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.�CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS:�STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS.\n\n Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).\n Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.\n Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.��\n Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.\n Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.��\n Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.\n Positions may be eligible for telework.\n\n\n\n FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to, Department of Human Services, Employment�Services, Attention: Stacey Nelson, 25 South Charles St, Room 1116-L, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.\n\n\nIf you have any questions concerning the recruitment process for this position, please email Stacey Nelson at stacey.nelson1@maryland.gov; include the job title and recruitment # in the subject line.\n\n\nIf you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.\n\n\nTTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.\n\n\nAs an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.\n\n\n