Introduction
The Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the State of Maryland. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has the general charge, supervision, and direction of the legal business of the State, acting as legal advisors and representatives of the major agencies, various boards, commissions, officials, and institutions of State Government. The OAG is also responsible for civil, and in some cases criminal, enforcement of consumer protection, civil rights, environmental, securities, antitrust, organized crime, fraud, and other laws intended to protect the public. As Maryland’s 47th Attorney General, Anthony G. Brown, leads the Office with a key focus on equity, justice, and fairness.
The OAG l is an equal opportunity employer that encourages all interested persons to apply regardless of race, color, religion or belief, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, pregnancy, family or parental status, veteran status, genetic information, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
The OAG views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving professional excellence and fostering and maintaining a culture where every employee can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the best pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. We honor, respect, and celebrate all differences, both visible and invisible, and are committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting individuals who have historically been underrepresented in the practice of law and professional careers.
GRADE
20
LOCATION OF POSITION
Office of the Attorney General
Communications Division
200 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is seeking applicants for a Director of Content for the Communications Unit. The incumbent will join a dynamic team of communications professionals working to advance and showcase the incredible work and achievements of the OAG and its dedicated staff.
This position is primarily responsible for creating content including but not limited to speeches, talking points, op-eds, press releases, quotes, and briefing memorandums for the Attorney General.
POSITION DUTIES
The Director of Content is responsible for reviewing content created by the Digital Media Manager on all social and digital media platforms. The Director of Content must be an expert at researching facts, topics, and statistics to develop writing speeches and op-eds using appropriate structure and flow; creating engaging and informative speeches and talking points; ensuring speech content reflects the voice and tone of the speaker; taking feedback from the speaker and other team members and incorporating feedback in speeches and talking points; and assisting the Communications Director and Deputy Communications Director in proactively pitching positive story ideas to local, regional, national and international media outlets, as well as responding to media inquiries, issues, and incidents as they arise.
This position will also assist in developing office-wide communications, messaging, and content on behalf of the Attorney General and for the OAG on our internal newsletter and intranet and public-facing website and social media pages, publications, and other messaging materials that are disseminated to the public or within OAG. The Director of Content will review and ensure external and internal content is reflective of the Attorney General’s priorities and voice and reflects the mission and principles of the OAG.
This position will also assist the Communications Director and Deputy Communications Director in responding to media inquiries and planning and preparing public events. The Director of Content also serves as an On-Call Public Information Officer for the OAG’s Independent Investigations Division one weekend a month which requires ability to work with media and law enforcement, draft press releases, and make decisions under deadline.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Creative Writing, Political Science, or a related field.
Experience: A minimum of five years' experience in speechwriting and media relations. A highly creative and engaging storyteller; possess superior writing and editing ability and must be able to provide examples of previous work for review and consideration.
In-office work will be required at headquarters located in Baltimore, MD. The position may provide some telework opportunities. Off-site work will also be required, based upon the event calendar. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be available one weekend a month to serve in on-call status as the On-Call Public Information Officer for the OAG’s Independent Investigations Division for which training will be provided.
Desired Or Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Strong media experience as this position will be working in a very active Communications unit and serving in the capacity of an on-call Public Information Officer.
- Expert ability to research topics and translate complicated legal ease into language that Marylanders can understand.
- Proven superior storytelling and writing skills.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be available one weekend a month to serve in on-call status as the On-Call Public Information Officer for the OAG’s Independent Investigations Division for which training will be provided.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.
Benefits
STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS
The successful candidate will be eligible for subsidized health benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage) and life insurance; leave, including annual (vacation), personal , sick, and paid parental leave, and will be eligible for participation in a contributory defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after ten years. State employees are eligible to participate in two supplemental retirement plans: the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and the 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan. The State also offers a free mass transit benefit for local bus and express bus services.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications are STRONGLY preferred. In addition to completing an application, please email a cover letter and resume by the closing date to Jennifer Donelan, Director of Communications at jdonelan@oag.state.md.us. Write “Director of Content” in the subject line.
If the online application is not available, please send your paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Yolanda Colkley, Fair Practices Officer 200 St. Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 or fax to 410 576-6447. In addition to application, submit a cover letter and resume as indicated above.
If you have specific questions about recruitment, please call 410-576-6440 or email jobs@oag.state.md.us
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
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