Chief Community Relations

Summary Statement

This position oversees the Delaware Department of Agriculture's communications and marketing functions, including supervising staff, managing budgets, developing policy and recommendations and formulating marketing initiatives and strategies. The position is also responsible for media relations, including developing press releases, and other media materials, coordinating events with the Governor‘s Office, handling press inquiries, and responding to constituent questions and concerns.

Preferred Qualification

Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualification will still be eligible to compete for this position if job requirements are met.

Knowledge of agricultural communications with an emphasis on organizations, agvocacy, urban and rural agriculture.

6 months experience in graphics and printing work such as planning, designing, creating or producing artistic visual materials, utilizing various techniques and equipment for the development of informational/educational media such as publications, exhibits, outdoor signage, displays and brochures.

6 months experience in the use of Social Media as a public relations networking method (i.e., Facebook, Twitter).

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

Gathers, organizes, and formats information related to an agency's goals, objectives and services.

Promotes an agency's image consistent with the overall direction of the agency.

Coordinates timely and accurate responses and information to citizens, community groups or governmental agencies.

Encourages participation in the use of agency services.

Coordinates and conducts public meetings, media events or educational programs.

Ensures a mutual sharing of information with other agencies, media and the general public.

May supervise staff.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Chief, Community Relations

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

Three years experience in public relations or media relations to establish and promote a positive image and inform or influence specific audiences through the use of internal and external communications such as public forums, print or electronic media, speech writing, writing/editing, marketing, advertising, or special events.

Three years experience in gathering, organizing, formatting, translating, or interpreting information into forms more easily understood by the media or public, and disseminating the information through the use of print, broadcast or electronic media.

Three years experience in public speaking which includes gathering, preparing and presenting information to the public or media groups.

Three years experience in developing policies, procedures or programs for dissemination of information to the public or media groups.

Three years experience in determining and evaluating alternative courses of action to resolve or mitigate controversial issues.

Six months experience in managing public and media relations through subordinate staff.

Six months experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.

Additional Posting Information

A writing sample will be requested at the time of interview.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling or by visiting delawarerelay.com. You may also call or email for additional applicant services support.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.