UI Communication Director
Baltimore, MD - USA
Job Summary
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 Divisions mission and ensure clear accessible information for claimants employersstaff and stakeholders. Work is performed with substantial independence and accountability for outcomes that have significant publicoperational and reputational impact.
POSITION DUTIES
Duties of this position include but are not limited to:
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 Divisions 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 Divisions 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 Divisions 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 Departments 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: Bachelors degree in communications Public Administration Journalism Public Policy English or a relatedfield.
Experience: Six (6) years of professional experience in communications public affairs digital communications or arelated 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 applicantswho possess the following preferred qualification(s).Include clear and specific information on your application regardingyour qualifications.
- Masters 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. or World Education Services Inc.or .
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 freegeneric prescriptions and free preventative health services
Flexible Spending Account plans for Health Care and Daycare
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 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-(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.
Required Experience:
Director