Maryland Military Department is hiring: Communication Officer (ADMINISTRATOR II)

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. 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.

This position is a Political Special Appointment.

Grade: 17
Location of Position: 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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).

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.
• 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

• Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.
• 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.
• Candidates may substitute for the possession of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures, and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher-ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications

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

Interview Preparation

• If you receive an interview invitation, you must provide two writing samples: a short writing sample (press release, social media post, or public announcement) and a social media sample with a caption and a visual, including brief description of goal/strategy and success.

Restrictions and Special Requirements

• Must be willing to work in Baltimore City.
• Candidates may be responsible for providing their own transportation as needed to access meetings, remote locations, and special projects.

Selection and Examinations

• Selection: Provide information showing you meet qualifications. Applications due by closing date. Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified rankings valid for at least one year.
• Education from outside the U.S. requires a foreign credential evaluation prior to hire.
• Examination: Rating based on education, training, and experience related to the 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

• Personal Leave - six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date)
• Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year
• Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year
• Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child
• Holidays - at least twelve (12) holidays per year
• Pension - retirement pension accrual

Further Instructions

Online applications are highly recommended. If applying online is not possible, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Office of Human Resources, 700 E. Pratt, 2nd Floor, Suite 2700, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Paper materials must be received by 5pm on the closing date. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of completing the application.

Questions: 410-767-1137; MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258. For online system assistance, contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting a diverse workforce. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Veterans are appreciated for their service.