Introduction 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 is ideal for a strategic, creative communicator who is passionate about public service and makes a meaningful impact in our communities. 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. • 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 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 QUALIFICATIONSPreference 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. If you receive an interview invitation, you must provide two writing samples to bring with you, which are as follows: 1. Provide a short writing sample (such as a press release, social media post, or public announcement) that reflects your communication style. Note if it was used professionally and include a link if possible. 2. The other should be a social media sample you have developed for any platform, as long as it includes both a caption and a visual (e.g., graphic, photo, video). Please include with the social media sample a brief description of your goal and strategy for the post, as well as if it was successful and how you define that success. 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 make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider the 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. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. 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 Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded 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 - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year. Pension - State employees earn credit for a retirement pension. FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Office of Human Resources, 700 E. Pratt, 2nd Floor, Suite 2700, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Paper application materials must be received by 5pm in our office on the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the State Department of Assessments and Taxation at 410-###-####, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-###-####. If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-###-#### or ...@maryland.gov. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.