Associate Director of Communications and Marketing

Public Service Manager III

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Date: June 2, 2026
Closing Date: June 15, 2026
Job Class Code: MA34
Grade: 34 (Confidential)
Salary: $84,697.60 - $120,265.60 per year
Position Number: 20002-4952
Location: Portland
-Limited Period Position-
This position allows for partial telework with management approval.
Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
Core Responsibilities:
As the Associate Director of Communications and Marketing for the Office of the Health Insurance Marketplace (OHIM), you will help lead the development and implementation of communications, marketing, media and public relations strategies to raise awareness about CoverME.gov and engage target populations in utilizing CoverME.gov to shop for and enroll in health and dental coverage. This includes educating the public on the value of health insurance coverage, and how to shop for and enroll in coverage through the CoverME.gov marketplace. You will help tell the stories of Mainers who benefit from marketplace coverage in ways that help others better understand the value of marketplace coverage, and the impact of the marketplace and its role in the broader health care coverage and delivery landscape. You will ensure that communications and marketing materials are clear, consistent, on brand, and easily understood by consumers, partners and stakeholders.
You will be responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of internal and external communications, marketing, and consumer engagement campaigns and public-facing materials. You will serve as a brand ambassador both internally and externally. You will lead media relations for the team and serve as a liaison with communications colleagues within the Department of Health and Human Services and other state government agencies and offices.
Key Responsibilities:
Marketing:
With support from the marketing vendor team, develop and oversee implementation of a comprehensive multi-channel communications and marketing plan that outlines key messages, target audiences, and timing
Oversee OHIM's marketing contract to ensure compliance and accountability. Serve as day-to-day point of contact for the marketing services contract. Lead marketing services RFP processes, as needed
Contribute to the development of target audiences and consumer profiles of target audiences
Media and Public Relations:
Develop and maintain relationships with key media contacts
Work in collaboration with DHHS Commissioner's Office communications team to respond to media requests and identify opportunities for media coverage of OHIM/CoverME.gov
Draft and distribute press releases and occasional blog posts.
Research and prepare media and background materials to support media engagement and prepare media spokespeople.
Track media coverage of OHIM/CoverME.gov. Identify any coverage needing follow-up. Share relevant media coverage of health insurance marketplaces, Affordable Care Act and other relevant policy and programming with the OHIM team.
Prepare presentations and talking points on OHIM/CoverME.gov for a variety of internal and external audiences including partners, the public, and the Legislature
Serve as brand ambassador and CoverME.gov spokesperson, including delivering external presentations and public communications as needed
Serve as communications and marketing consultant to the OHIM team, including communications coaching, monitoring progress on key objectives and initiatives, and providing general advice and guidance
Identify and secure formal partnerships/sponsorships to raise brand awareness and engage target audiences. Develop internal memos for OHIM leadership outlining the opportunity
Brand and Message Integrity:
Maintain the integrity of the CoverME.gov brand and identity by developing and/or reviewing/editing communications and marketing materials.
Ensure that OHIM's internal and external communications are consistent, appropriate, and accessible, as well as aligned with brand voice and guidelines.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and partners to ensure clear, accessible information for target audiences.
Strategic Planning:
Utilize market research findings to inform Marketing and Media Relations strategic plans, including message development and efforts to increase brand awareness and engage consumers/targeted audiences
Track and analyze the impact of communications efforts using relevant metrics, providing reports to inform future strategy and decision making.
Supervision and Management:
Supervise Member Communications Specialist
Oversee website vendor, including regular check-ins and tracking of deliverables
Oversee management and tracking of social media channels
Review, finalize, and sign off on all public- and consumer-facing materials, documents and communications, ensuring high quality, on-brand representation of OHIM's work
Minimum Qualifications:
In order to qualify for this position, you must have an eight (8) year combination of education and/or experience that includes a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, public/community health, health administration, health education, or a closely related field -AND- four (4) years of proven experience in marketing, communications, and/or public relations management, with a background in health or technology sectors preferred. Professional experience must include experience with multiple disciplines including public or media relations, promotion, marketing and/or communications. Directly related professional experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
The background of well-qualified candidates will demonstrate the following competencies:
Knowledge and experience with the fundamentals of multiple disciplines are needed, including the principles and ethics of public relations, promotion, marketing and government/business communications.
Experience building strategic partnerships to promote brand awareness and engage target audiences.
Experience managing and coaching staff.
Demonstrated excellence in written communications, including policy, media, business and persuasive writing.
Strong oral communication skills with proven ability to effectively engage diverse audiences one-on-one and in groups to communicate seemingly complex topics in a way that is easily understood. Ability to work with all levels of business and community leaders, as well as members of the public and individual consumers.
Strong attention to detail, as well as organizational and project management skills to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, both individually and as part of a team.
Demonstrated leadership skills that showcase responsibility for guiding communications and marketing plans and projects from inception through completion.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Software and Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva, and other design software. Graphic design experience or skills is a plus.
Familiarity with various communications tools and platforms, including social media, email marketing software, and content management systems. Experience with Drupal or other website design and content management software. Experience with ActiveCampaign, Mailchimp, Constant Contact or other automated email and SMS solutions. Experience with Hootsuite or other social media management/planning tools.
Knowledge of the Affordable Care Act, health coverage programs, or the private health and/or dental insurance markets is a plus.
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Agency information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.
The Maine DHHS Office of the Health Insurance Marketplace (OHIM) operates CoverME.gov, Maine's Health Insurance Marketplace.
Application Information:
For additional information about this position please contact Laura Seckel at laura.seckel@maine.gov.
To apply, please upload a recent resume (if available) and cover letter addressing each of the preferred skills/experience areas in the minimum qualification section.
Please submit all documents or files in PDF or Word format.
To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov
Benefits of working for the State of Maine