Asst To The Commissioner, Public Information - Anticipated Vacancy

State of Maine•Augusta, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maine Department of Public Safety is seeking an Assistant to the Commissioner, Public Information, who serves as the Department’s Public Information Officer. The position responds to media inquiries on significant Maine law enforcement issues, manages the Department’s public relations program and social media platforms, and writes and edits news releases, reports, speeches, and other informational materials. It coordinates public outreach and media relations throughout Maine, provides media training, and develops processes to facilitate information flow between the Department and the media. The Public Information Officer provides media support to DPS entities, including the Maine State Police, Bureau of Highway Safety, Fire Marshal’s Office, and Maine Drug Enforcement. The role also maintains and edits the state’s official homicide list and advises Department managers on public communication strategy trends affecting crime response, media relations, and legislative oversight. Hours are often outside the regular business day. This position reports to the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field, and at least eight years of experience in media and/or public relations; related professional experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in public speaking forums.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including meeting expectations and following through on commitments.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and accept new challenges.
Commitment to effectiveness and efficiency.
Ability to work and plan beyond immediate pressures.

Nice To Haves

Public speaking experience.
Proven media relations experience.
Knowledge of the legislative process.
Experience developing and implementing training.
Familiarity with the State’s budgetary and legislative process.

Responsibilities

Coordinate, direct, and respond to news media inquiries about sensitive and significant law enforcement matters, including homicides, major criminal investigations, and Department programs and activities.
Gather and coordinate information from subject-matter experts across the Department and from other entities inside and outside state government.
Manage the Department of Public Safety public relations program, including public outreach, statewide media coordination, and updates to Department social media platforms.
Provide media training throughout the state.
Write and edit news releases, Department reports, speeches, and other informational materials.
Confer with media representatives, photographers, and the public to build awareness of agency activities.
Compile, edit, and maintain the state’s official homicide list.
Advise Department managers on trends in public communication strategy.
Provide media support to entities within the Department of Public Safety.

Benefits

13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and at least three weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
State-paid 85%–100% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; health insurance premium credit may reduce employee-only premiums by 5%.
State-paid 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State contribution of 18.86% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.
Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
Employee assistance program through the Living Resources Program.
42 consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.
Additional wellness benefits.