Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications & Public Engagement

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications & Public Engagement serves as the primary architect for the Developmental Disabilities Administration’s (DDA) external and internal communications strategy. This role acts as a high-level advisor to the Chief of Staff and Director of External Affairs, and executive leadership, translating complex policy initiatives into accessible, transparent messaging. The position is responsible for driving integrated engagement strategies, managing media and legislative relations, and building trusted, long-term partnerships with participants, families, providers, and community stakeholders to advance the DDA’s mission and strategic priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public relations, public administration, public policy, marketing, English, social sciences, or a related field.
Six or more years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, or strategic engagement.
Master's degree from an accredited college or university will substitute for one year of general experience and a Doctorate will substitute for two years of general experience.
Additional experience will substitute on a year-for-year basis for the college degree.

Nice To Haves

Experienced communications and public affairs professional with demonstrated expertise in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, public policy, media relations, and government affairs.
Proven record of advising senior leadership, developing integrated communications strategies, managing complex or sensitive issues, and building trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, sound political and organizational judgment, and the ability to translate complex policies into clear, accessible messages.
Experience engaging individuals with developmental disabilities, families, providers, advocacy organizations, elected officials, and government partners.
Knowledge of developmental disabilities, health and human services, Medicaid, or other complex public-sector programs.
Experience with Maryland State government and legislative processes.
Commitment to transparency, accessibility, equity, person-centered engagement, public trust, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Serves as the primary architect for the Developmental Disabilities Administration’s (DDA) external and internal communications strategy.
Acts as a high-level advisor to the Chief of Staff and Director of External Affairs, and executive leadership, translating complex policy initiatives into accessible, transparent messaging.
Drives integrated engagement strategies.
Manages media and legislative relations.
Builds trusted, long-term partnerships with participants, families, providers, and community stakeholders to advance the DDA’s mission and strategic priorities.