Deputy Director of Media Relations (DOT Executive II)

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) is currently seeking a Deputy Director of Media Relations (DOT Executive II). This is a senior Public Information Officer (PIO) and is one of the primary spokespersons for the agency, issuing MDOT MVA's official statements to the press. The position handles both proactive and reactive media relations efforts and provides accurate and timely information to the media about MDOT MVA's projects, policies, and programs. The position serves as contact for the press, responding to various motor vehicle related inquiries on highway safety, trends and statistical data (statewide), national international trade media outlets.

This position also requires proactive messaging to media sources, including placing positive news stories in local and national media. This position assists in developing social media strategy and responds to customer inquiries on all social media platforms and supervisors the Digital Media Specialist.

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Proactively issuing news releases to hundreds of media representatives sharing MDOT MVA news on projects, programs, and other noteworthy agency news. Responds to media calls daily, researching simple to complex issues, investigating politically sensitive issues and coordinates with Director of Media Relations to determine agency messaging concerning the topic
• Assisting the Director of Media Relations, the Secretary's Office, and Governor's Office in the development and implementation of media events including press conferences
• Supervising the Digital Media Specialist in developing content including graphics, photos, videos and audio samples, for social media properties on Facebook, X, Instagram and BlueSky; scheduling content for evening, overnight and weekend posting; preparing and posting material for use on MDOT MVA's website
• Assisting the Communications and Media Section Manager for the Maryland Highway Safety Office on program and media direction, as well as planning and executing events
• Identifying appropriate Conversations with Chrissy (CWC) podcast topics to be reviewed and approved by the MVA Administrator, Chief of Staff and Director of Media Relations. Reaching out to the appropriate guests/employees of approved topics to schedule a recording date/time and works on the Administrator's talking points/potential questions for each episode

Ideal candidates will possess:

• Extensive Media Relations experience
• Extensive Copywriting, Content Writing, Internal Communication experience
• Strategic Communication Skills
• Experience handling rapid response situations
• Spokesperson and Public Speaking
• Government or Policy Knowledge
• Two (2) years of experience working in the State or Federal Government

The current vacancy exists at MDOT MVA, Office of Media Relations, which is located in Glen Burnie, MD (Anne Arundel County).

MDOT offers a generous and competitive benefits package. You can learn more about our amazing benefits here: MDOT Benefits Guide

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or other relevant fields

EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, including creating communication and marketing plans, providing advisement to senior leadership, coordinating with various media outlets, and proven leadership in setting and enhancing communication strategies. Must have strong writing skills and experience in writing press releases as well as writing different types of materials for different audiences. Experience in producing video, web, and social content is a plus. One (1) year of this experience must have involved one or more of the following: the supervision of other employees, overseeing and coordinating the general operations of a unit, applying rules and regulations, or exercising responsibility for the development of policies or procedures.

Experience working in a State government and/or transportation field is also strongly preferred.

Note:

U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as defined under the Minimum Qualifications may be substituted for the required education and experience on a year-for-year basis.

Employees in this classification will be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland. Must complete Driver Improvement Program (DIP) training.

To Apply:
Submit a DTS-1 application online at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/mdotmd. The application must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly describe the required work experience. Dates (month and year) must be stated. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all relevant experience on your application. This includes, but is not limited to, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other experience that is relevant to the position you are applying for. Description of duties that state, "see resume" will negatively impact consideration for this position. Applicants will not be contacted for additional information. Only applicants considered for this position will be contacted. Applications submitted online must be received by 11:59 PM if a closing date is noted. If you have general questions regarding employment opportunities with the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), please call 410-787-7719.

Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. will be required to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).

The MVA is not sponsoring new employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1BVisa at this time due to budgetary constraints. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Federal regulations prohibit H1B Visa candidates from paying sponsorship fees, all sponsorship fees must be assumed by the potential employer.

The MVA is an equal opportunity employer. The MVA does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, or sexual orientation.

The incumbent in this position is not a member of a covered bargaining unit.

The State of Maryland is dedicated to a drug-free workplace, and as a result, employees are subject to the State's Substance Abuse Policy to include possible drug testing. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request.

The selected candidate may be subject to background and reference checks. A conviction is not an automatic disqualification to employment. Erroneous, misleading, or fraudulent information on an application is sufficient grounds for rejection from the hiring process, withdrawal of an offer for employment or immediate discharge.

Relay Service: 1-800-201-7165 TTY: 1-800-492-4575 EEO/AA Employer

Issued:04/15/2025