Chief Community Relations

Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). today!

Incumbent will serve as the chief of community relations for DPH, acting as a supervisor in the Office of Communications. They will provide oversight of the Division’s community relations officers who serve as communications liaisons to DPH’s many sections and programs. Responsibilities include full review of public-facing items from all DPH programs as well as oversight of division-wide marketing projects, events, reports, and more.

The position includes a State Health Operations Center (SHOC) role which will be activated in the event of an emergency.

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 for Chief, Community Relations

• 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.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

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

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…