Communications and Legislative Program Manager (Hybrid) - #251113-3242EX-001

State of Connecticut•Hartford, CT

32d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ready to lead communications and legislative engagement that strengthens transparency, outreach, and recovery-focused culture? Apply today and become a key leader at the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services! Join the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)! We are seeking a highly skilled and creative professional for a Communications and Legislative Program Manager position. This critical role will drive the agency's communications strategy, manage media relations, and oversee digital engagement. If you are a communications leader ready to make a meaningful impact in behavioral health and public service, we invite you to explore this opportunity. Read below to learn more! The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.

Requirements

A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
All state employees must adhere to Connecticut's Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.
Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing [email protected].
Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the 'Apply' or 'Apply Online' buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire's expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Communications, Public Administration, or related field.
Experience developing and executing internal and external communications strategies.
Experience using social media platforms to create engaging content.
Experience ensuring accuracy, consistency and attention to detail in all work products.
Experience writing creative, clear, engaging, and original content.
Experience conveying complex information to ensure understanding.
Experience managing cross-functional communication projects.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, and implement comprehensive communication strategies that promote agency programs, initiatives, and priorities.
Serve as the primary media contact; draft press releases, public statements, talking points, and key messages for leadership.
Oversee digital communications across social media, newsletters, intranet, and website platforms to ensure timely, accurate, and engaging content.
Manage the agency's brand identity and visual standards across all channels.
Develop outreach materials, public education campaigns, and agency reports.
Analyze communications metrics and digital engagement data to guide strategy and improve outcomes.
Monitor and report on media events, public statements, and social media posts.