Public Affairs Specialist

Position Overview

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all public affairs and communications related to the Juvenile Services Education Program (JSEP), ensuring consistency with Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) messaging and standards

• Plan, develop, and disseminate written, digital, and multimedia communications that highlight educational programming, student outcomes, compliance activities, and system initiatives.

• Translate complex educational, performance, and accountability data into clear, accessible materials for leadership, oversight bodies, partner agencies, families, and the public.

• Draft and manage executive briefings, reports, fact sheets, presentations, newsletters, website content, and social media or digital updates as required.

• Support legislative, audit, accreditation, and compliance-related communications by preparing accurate documentation and timely responses.

• Coordinate with executive leadership, program staff, and external partners to gather information and ensure messaging accuracy and alignment.

• Maintain branding, tone, and quality standards across all JSEP communications and materials.

• Respond to time-sensitive public inquiries or information requests and support crisis or rapid-response communications when needed.

• Improve transparency and stakeholder engagement by proactively documenting and communicating program achievements, improvements, and initiatives.

Experience: Four years of experience in public information, public relations, journalism or other related experience in publicity or promotional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 30 semester credit hours in one or more of the following subjects: English, journalism, public relations, writing or other similar and related areas of study for the required experience. 

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in public affairs specialist classification or public affairs specialty codes in the information and arts field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

The assessment will involve a rating of your application based on your education, training, and/or experience as it relates to the position's requirements. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Please report all relevant experience and education. For education obtained outside the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of equivalent American education, as determined by a Foreign Credential Evaluation Service, at the time of hire. Please complete the supplemental questionnaire, if applicable. They will be used when rating applications. Please note that your answers on the supplemental questionnaire must correspond to the information provided on your completed application to receive credit. Missing or incomplete supplemental questionnaires may impact the overall rating of your completed application.

If you are a Veteran applying for this position, please submit your DD 214 Long Form with your completed application to receive proper credit.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application process is strongly recommended. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a completed paper application and supplemental questionnaire via email or fax to the addresses provided below. For fax or mail submissions, please ensure that each page includes your first and last name, the recruitment number (located at the top of the posting), and the last four digits of your Social Security number. All paper application materials must be received by 5:00 PM on the closing date of the recruitment. Applications received after this time, or those submitted with incorrect forms, will not be accepted. Postmarks will not be considered.

Maryland Department of Juvenile Services

OHR-Recruitment & Examination Unit

217 E. Redwood Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Attn: Recruitment Team, Recruitment #26-001690-0001

Fax number 410-333-4188

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.

Should additional information regarding this recruitment be required, please contact the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Recruitment and Examination Unit at djs.careers@maryland.gov. Include the Recruitment Title/Number that is located at the top of the bulletin.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

DJS values the experience gained by Veterans while serving our country. Veterans are welcome to apply for all current recruitments.

Bilingual applicants and people with disabilities are welcome to apply for all recruitments.