Deputy Communications Director
Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT, United States
Hybrid Eligibility: Employees may telework up to 50% or more, depending on the position and the needs of the division.
This person will work with communications supervisors and communications specialists to serve as key communications coordinator between the Office of Communications (OOC) and Department of Public Safety division directors. This person will help identify, prioritize, and execute their everyday and crisis communications needs in accordance with the Department of Public Safety’s strategic communications plan and as directed by the Director of Communications and the Office of the Commissioner. The position will be responsible for coordinating the external and internal strategic communications efforts of divisions within the Department of Public Safety. The person may respond to emergencies at any time of the day or night, on weekends and potentially on holidays. The person is under limited supervision/procedural control.
This position supervises the daily activity of the Office of Communications, including developing and creating solutions for supervisors who manage the daily work of the communications specialists serving multiple, diverse programs and stakeholders. This position keeps the director of communications informed about issues affecting the OOC.
The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Five (5) years of supervisory experience providing leadership and direction, coaching, mentoring, developing and performance management. Three (3) years’ experience working with journalists in a major media market. Additional qualifications and competencies will be evaluated during the probationary period including but not limited to: Strong writing abilities, both creative and technical, adapted to diverse audiences and objectives. Use independent judgment and creativity to address complex, high-profile issues and develop effective solutions. Manage and execute strategic communications, including media relations, crisis response, and multi-channel messaging. Clearly convey complex information to diverse audiences, including media, government officials, and the public. Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, fostering strong working relationships across diverse groups and communities. Demonstrate strong organizational, leadership, and technical skills to prioritize responsibilities, meet deadlines, and support communication efforts, including during emergencies or breaking news events. Use independent judgment and creativity to address complex, high-profile issues and develop effective solutions. *A bachelor’s degree or higher in Communications, Mass Communications, Public Relations, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of required experience. Preferred Qualifications
Four-year degree in communications, mass communications, public relations or similar. Experience working in government settings and collaborating with executive-level leadership. Background in crisis communications, including support during active emergency or first responder situations. Experience developing and executing creative marketing campaigns, with knowledge of social media, digital communications, and basic graphic design principles. Physical Requirements
Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others and moving and transporting light objects frequently. Even though the weights being moved and transported may be a negligible amount, a job in this category may require positioning self to move to a significant degree or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods. Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following: Criminal history Reference check SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former state employees only). Benefits
Paid vacation and sick leave 12 paid holidays each year Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
Fertility care, including IVF Diabetes care Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years) Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being Support to help you reach your career goals: Training, classes, and professional development Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov ) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourage individuals of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law. APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need. For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Internal Affairs/Affirmative Action Division at marna.johnson@state.mn.us or 651‑539‑1875 .
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Minimum Qualifications
Five (5) years of supervisory experience providing leadership and direction, coaching, mentoring, developing and performance management. Three (3) years’ experience working with journalists in a major media market. Additional qualifications and competencies will be evaluated during the probationary period including but not limited to: Strong writing abilities, both creative and technical, adapted to diverse audiences and objectives. Use independent judgment and creativity to address complex, high-profile issues and develop effective solutions. Manage and execute strategic communications, including media relations, crisis response, and multi-channel messaging. Clearly convey complex information to diverse audiences, including media, government officials, and the public. Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, fostering strong working relationships across diverse groups and communities. Demonstrate strong organizational, leadership, and technical skills to prioritize responsibilities, meet deadlines, and support communication efforts, including during emergencies or breaking news events. Use independent judgment and creativity to address complex, high-profile issues and develop effective solutions. *A bachelor’s degree or higher in Communications, Mass Communications, Public Relations, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of required experience. Preferred Qualifications
Four-year degree in communications, mass communications, public relations or similar. Experience working in government settings and collaborating with executive-level leadership. Background in crisis communications, including support during active emergency or first responder situations. Experience developing and executing creative marketing campaigns, with knowledge of social media, digital communications, and basic graphic design principles. Physical Requirements
Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others and moving and transporting light objects frequently. Even though the weights being moved and transported may be a negligible amount, a job in this category may require positioning self to move to a significant degree or may involve maintaining a stationary position for extended periods. Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following: Criminal history Reference check SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former state employees only). Benefits
Paid vacation and sick leave 12 paid holidays each year Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
Fertility care, including IVF Diabetes care Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years) Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being Support to help you reach your career goals: Training, classes, and professional development Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov ) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourage individuals of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law. APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need. For accommodations or questions about accessibility specifically relating to this job announcement, please email the Internal Affairs/Affirmative Action Division at marna.johnson@state.mn.us or 651‑539‑1875 .
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