UI Communication Director

Introduction

GRADE

24

LOCATION OF POSITION

100 South Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Main Purpose of Job

The Maryland Department of Labor is seeking a qualified and experienced communications professional to serve as theCommunications Director for the Division of Unemployment Insurance (DUI). This position plays a key leadership role in managingand directing communications that support the Division’s mission and ensure clear, accessible information for claimants, employers,staff, and stakeholders. Work is performed with substantial independence and accountability for outcomes that have significant public,operational, and reputational impact.

POSITION DUTIES

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to: Strategic Communications Leadership and Program Management Develops and implements strategic communications plans that support the mission, priorities, and operational initiatives of the Division of Unemployment Insurance. Provides leadership and direction for the Division’s communications program and staff to ensure accurate, timely, and coordinated messaging to internal and external audiences. Advises Division leadership and the Office of the Secretary on communications strategies related to unemployment insurance programs, policy changes, legislative matters, and high-visibility issues.� Content Development and Editorial Oversight� Directs the development, review, and publication of clear, accurate, and accessible communications for claimants, employers, staff, and other stakeholders. Oversees production of omnichannel content including website materials, Maryland Unemployment Insurance Portal(BEACON) messaging, phone scripts, policies and procedures, and legislative testimony. Establishes editorial standards, maintains the Division’s plain language style guide, and manages a communications content calendar to ensure timely and consistent messaging across platforms. Digital Communications, Media Relations, and Public Engagement Oversees the Division’s digital communications presence, including website content and social media platforms, ensuring timely updates reflecting program changes, federal and state requirements, and operational guidance. Monitors engagement and public response to communications and adjusts strategies to improve information delivery. Supports responses to media inquiries, tracks and analyzes media coverage, and coordinates with the Department’s Office of Communications to ensure consistent messaging and public information. Communications Coordination, Compliance, and Special Initiatives Coordinates communications activities across Division units and with Department leadership to ensure consistent and accurate messaging. Ensures communications comply with applicable accessibility standards, including Web Content Accessibility Guidelines(WCAG), ADA Title II requirements, Section 508 standards, and State records retention policies. Supports special communications initiatives, outreach events, and other projects that support Division operations and Department priorities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Administration, Journalism, Public Policy, English, or a related�field. Experience: Six (6) years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, digital communications, or a�related field, including at least two (2) years of experience managing staff or leading a communications program.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants�who possess the following preferred qualification(s).�Include clear and specific information on your application regarding�your qualifications. Master’s degree in communications, Public Administration, Journalism, Public Policy, English, or a related field. Experience working within the Maryland State government or a large public-sector organization. �Ability to simplify complex government ideas and communicate in plain language for a diverse audience across communication channels. Proficiency in using graphic design and 508 compliance best practices to develop accessible visual communications. Knowledge of Unemployment Insurance programs, federally funded benefit programs, or workforce systems.� Experience coordinating communications through an executive office.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Personnel employed in this classification will have access to federal tax information and must undergo a state and FBI criminal background check as a condition of employment.� All candidates are subject to a background check against files maintained by the Division of Unemployment Insurance (MD Labor/DUI) to determine whether any monies are owed to MD Labor/DUI as a result of unemployment insurance overpayment/fraud. Any unpaid debt may have an impact on whether or not a candidate is offered employment.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year. Resumes are strongly encouraged, please upload along with application Work Samples - Two (2) samples of work product must be provided as part of the application process, i.e.�public facing communications, mass email communications, etc. (Must be uploaded into application portal)� All information concerning the qualifications, including any required documentation (diploma, transcript, certificate, etc.) must be submitted and received by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be considered.� For positions that require Bachelor/Master Degree etc: Educational credentials from foreign countries must be evaluated by an approved education review service. This evaluation must be submitted prior to hire. For further information, you may call International Consultants of Delaware, Inc. (302) 737-8715 or World Education Services Inc. 1-800-932- 3897 or (202) 331-2925.�

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

This is a full-time, permanent position and eligible for full State benefits, which include: ● Flexible hours and hybrid teleworking ● Paid holidays 12-13 per year� ● Generous paid leave package (annual, sick, personal and compensatory leave)� ● State Pension ('defined benefit' plan)� ● Tax-deferred supplemental retirement savings plans (401(k) and 457)� ● Comprehensive, subsidized health, dental and prescription plans with little to no deductibles, free�generic prescriptions, and free preventative health services� ● Flexible Spending Account plans for Health Care and Daycare� ● State Employees Credit Union To learn more, please click this link:�STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

U.S. Military Veterans may qualify for additional bonus points towards certification. Any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing a U.S. Military form DD 214 verifying honorable discharge from service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). Permanent State employees do not need to submit proof of Veterans’ status. If you are unable to apply online, or encounter difficulty attaching required or optional documentation, you may submit via email to felicia.ransome@maryland.gov Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. PLEASE DO NOT FAX OR EMAIL UNSOLICITED DOCUMENTATION Completed applications, required documentation, and any required addendums may be mailed to: Maryland Department of Labor Office of Human Resources Attn: #26-005483-0010(UI Communication Director/FR) 100 S. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21201 The MD State Application Form can be found online Maryland Department of Labor is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of MDOL that all persons have equal opportunity and access to employment opportunities, services, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.

Salary : $111,484 - $117,439