Public Affairs Officer I

Role Overview

This position is a full-performance public relations role supporting the Queen Anne's County Department of Health in Centreville, Maryland. The successful candidate will design and carry out a broad communications strategy, manage how the agency shares information with the public, build strong working relationships with journalists and other media outlets, and create and circulate informational, promotional, and educational materials.

In addition to external communications, the role helps expand and sustain partnerships with State and local government bodies, businesses, service providers, and community groups across Queen Anne's County.

Work Location

MDH, Queen Anne's County Department of Health
Centreville, MD 21617

Key Duties

• Plan and execute a complete public relations program for the county health department.
• Serve as the primary point for coordinating agency-to-public communication.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with press contacts and media organizations.
• Draft and distribute publications used for information sharing, promotion, and education.
• Support and reinforce partnerships with government agencies, businesses, service providers, and community stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should have six years of experience in public information, public relations, journalism, or a closely related publicity or promotional field.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university may be used in place of part of the experience requirement if it includes at least 30 semester credit hours in English, journalism, public relations, writing, or a similar field, plus two years of relevant experience.

Military service experience may also count on a year-for-year basis when it was performed as a commissioned officer in public affairs specialist classifications or public affairs specialty codes within the information and arts field.

Selection Process

Only candidates who satisfy the minimum and any selective qualifications will move forward. Applications may be reviewed through a rating process based on education, training, and work experience as they relate to the role. Applicants must provide complete and accurate details, including all relevant education, employment history, dates, and hours worked. If a degree was earned outside the United States, employment is contingent on providing a foreign credential equivalency evaluation before starting work, and it may be requested before interview.

Applications must be fully submitted by the closing date. Information added after that deadline will not be considered. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted, and resumes cannot replace a completed application.

Qualified candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for at least one year, and this list may be used to fill similar roles in this or other State agencies.

Benefits

State of Maryland benefits are available for this position.

Application Instructions

Online applications are strongly preferred. If online submission is not possible, a paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be mailed or delivered to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper materials must arrive by 5:00 PM on the closing date; postmarks are not accepted.

If supporting documents are required, the preferred method is to upload them. If upload is not possible, requested materials may be faxed to 410-333-5689. Only documents specifically requested for this recruitment will be accepted, and all required materials must be received by the deadline.

For recruitment-related questions, contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251. For help with user account issues or general questions about the online application system, contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity

Reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-767-1251 or using MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

The State of Maryland thanks veterans for their service, encourages applications from people with disabilities and bilingual candidates, and is committed to recruiting, retaining, and advancing a workforce that reflects the diversity of the State.