Communications Director 3

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is actively seeking to fill the position of Communications Director, a role that is crucial for managing and enhancing the agency's public relations efforts within the Communications Office. This position offers a unique opportunity for a skilled professional to lead strategic communication initiatives, engage with various stakeholders, and effectively convey the department's mission and goals to the public. If you are passionate about environmental issues and possess a strong background in communications, we encourage you to apply today and become a vital part of our team dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and public awareness.

In this position, you will be responsible for crafting and implementing a proactive communication strategy for the Department, ensuring a cohesive presence across various channels, including digital platforms and social media. You will act as a strategic communications advisor to the Secretary and senior staff, aligning key messaging with the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) vision and the administration's priorities. Your role will also involve developing and executing a comprehensive branding and reputational strategy for the agency, which encompasses educational initiatives and public relations efforts. Additionally, you will coordinate responses to media inquiries, manage crisis communication during environmental emergencies, and oversee a diverse team of communications professionals throughout the agency. Your responsibilities will include planning and directing the Department's public relations program, which covers communications, media relations, public information, and promotional activities. You will guide professional and technical staff in organizing interviews between Department personnel and the media, as well as in preparing a variety of informational materials for dissemination across multiple media outlets. Furthermore, you will either write or oversee the writing of speeches and testimonies for the Secretary and other high-ranking officials, ensuring that all public-facing materials, including news releases and scripts for television and radio, are polished and effective. Establishing and nurturing strong working relationships with Department officials will be crucial, as you will serve as a liaison among various bureaus, other departments, the Governor's Office, and the media. Finally, you will analyze and assess the public relations implications of both proposed and existing Department programs and policies, providing valuable insights to the Secretary and other officials to inform decision-making processes.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time up to 2 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in the Rachel Carson State Office Building- Harrisburg.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Six years of professional experience in the field of public relations, including three years in a responsible administrative or supervisory capacity; and a bachelor's degree with major course work in journalism, communications, English, or a closely related field; or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

• You must have experience with strategic communications.
• You must have experience with digital media relations.
• You must have experience with managing multiple direct reports.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Your application must include a resume.
• You must attach a cover letter and resume to your application for review by the hiring manager. However, the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.