Communication Officer (ADMINISTRATOR II) - #25-006095-0006 Job at Maryland in Ba

Overview

The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is a customer-oriented agency dedicated to ensuring accurate property assessments, maintaining business records, and providing essential tax-related information to state agencies and local jurisdictions. The department's core functions are divided into three primary areas: Business Services, Real Property Valuation, and Property Tax Credits. Join a forward-thinking government agency and play a key role in shaping how we connect with the public, support local businesses, and expand access to housing. We are seeking a Communications Officer to lead our communications strategy and strengthen community engagement. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an agency that is implementing innovative technologies and expanding outreach efforts across the state. Key responsibilities include: managing media relations and serving as the primary agency contact for press inquiries; developing and implementing a dynamic social media strategy; crafting clear, engaging, and accessible messages for diverse audiences; serving as the agency’s Public Information Act (PIA) Officer (experience preferred but not required). This position is a Political Special Appointment.

Grade

17

Location

Director’s Office Legislative Administration, 700 E. Pratt Street, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The main purpose of this position is to provide administrative and operational support to the unit while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. The role assists with special projects, supports team functions, and contributes to problem-solving and unit-wide discussions. It emphasizes a strong customer service approach when working with internal and external stakeholders, ensures timely communication, participates in training to address performance needs, and upholds the Department’s customer service policies and standards.

• Maintains discretion and confidentiality regarding sensitive matters at all times.
• Manages and assists with special projects as directed by the Administrative Coordinator.
• Provides support to other teams when appropriate, ensuring reasonable performance expectations are met.
• Actively contributes to team discussions and assists in addressing challenges faced by the unit as a whole.
• Demonstrates a customer service–focused approach when interacting with both internal and external stakeholders, recognizing that other programs may have differing priorities.
• Participates in training opportunities to address any job duty deficiencies.
• Regularly monitors and responds to emails in a timely manner.
• Adheres to the Department’s customer service policy.

Political Special Appointment Position.

Position Duties

Special Projects and Legislative Support

• Assist the Department in preparing for and supporting activities during the legislative session, as directed by the Administrative Coordinator and in coordination with the Legislative Director. Tasks may include drafting letters, tracking bills, and assisting with fiscal note language.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned to support departmental priorities and initiatives.
• Oversee the Department’s outward-facing communications and lead the development and execution of the overall communications strategy.
• Utilize appropriate software to design and produce graphics that support departmental initiatives.
• Manage press releases through the GovDelivery system, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency with departmental messaging.
• Coordinate with vendors to distribute Maryland Business Express press releases and related communications.
• Draft, review, and edit a variety of written materials, including letters from the Director and senior staff, press releases, form emails, email signatures, departmental mail campaigns, reports, website content, and related communications.
• Create and review presentations and promotional content to highlight the Department’s programs, services, and initiatives through email releases, social media, brochures, newsletters, infomercials, publications, signs, posters, pamphlets, bulletins, and other channels.
• Monitor and provide guidance on communications from departmental staff to the public, particularly in high-visibility areas.
• Analyze the effectiveness of the Department’s communications strategies and recommend and implement improvements.
• Maintain and update SDAT’s website, intranet, and social media accounts to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and accessibility.
• Develop and prepare promotional materials for MACo, MML, and other external events.
• Coordinate and schedule speeches, presentations, and events for the Director and senior staff to deliver to various stakeholder groups.
• Manage media relations and coordinate Public Information Act (PIA) requests, working closely with the Attorney General’s Office to ensure timely responses.
• Distribute daily press clips and respond to media inquiries as directed by the Administrative Coordinator.
• Proactively schedule and coordinate media availability for the Director and other senior staff members.
• Review all outgoing communications, including forms, emails, and other materials, to ensure accuracy, consistency, and that content is current.
• Attend community events and public forums, representing the Department at various gatherings, including those held on weekends or outside regular business hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, writing, digital media, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent work experience, or a combination thereof.

Experience: Two or more years’ experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs, preferably in a government, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization. Experience serving as a spokesperson or Public Information Officer (PIO/PIA).

• Notes: 1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.
• 2. Candidates may substitute for the possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.
• 3. Candidates may substitute for the possession of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
• 4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as described for the required experience.

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.

1. Experience managing media relations and press inquiries.
2. Experience with social media strategy development and execution across multiple platforms.
3. Ability to craft clear, compelling messaging for diverse audiences, including the public, stakeholders, and elected officials.
4. Experience developing and implementing comprehensive communications plans.
5. Knowledge of crisis communication and Public Information Act (PIA) requests (PIA officer experience helpful but not required).
6. Skilled in digital content creation, public speaking, and spokesperson duties.
7. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with lawmakers, journalists, and community partners.
8. Proficiency in using data and analytics to measure communication effectiveness.
9. Ability to work collaboratively with leadership and various agency departments.
10. Commitment to transparency, public engagement, and advancing agency initiatives through effective communication and the use of emerging technologies.

Note on Interview Materials: If you receive an interview invitation, you must provide two writing samples to bring with you: (1) a short writing sample reflecting your communication style (press release, social media post, or public announcement) with note if it was used professionally and a possible link; (2) a social media sample that includes a caption and a visual, plus a brief description of goal and strategy, and whether it was successful.

Limitations on Selection

Must be willing to work in Baltimore City.

Special Requirements

Candidates may be responsible for providing their own transportation as needed to access meetings, remote locations, and special projects as assigned.

Selection Process

Please provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications. 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. For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

Examination Process

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. Please report on all experience and education that is related to this position.

Benefits

As 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. State of Maryland Benefits include Personal Leave (six days for new employees, prorated), Annual Leave (ten days per year), Sick Leave (fifteen days per year), Parental Leave (up to sixty days), Holidays (at least twelve per year), and Pension benefits.

Further Instructions

Online applications are highly recommended. If unable to apply online, paper applications may be submitted to: State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Office of Human Resources, 700 E. Pratt, 2nd Floor, Suite 2700, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Materials must be received by 5pm on the closing date. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application. For questions, contact 410-767-1137 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258. For online help, contact Application.Help@maryland.gov. Maryland is an equal opportunity employer; veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.