(DOE-010-26) Government Representative 1 (Communications Director) at New Jersey Department of Education | Trenton, NJ | $145K/yr – $161K/yr

(DOE-010-26) Government Representative 1 (Communications Director)

Trenton, NJ (On-site)

$145K/yr – $161K/yrMid Level6+ years expFull time

Posted 3 months ago

Job Summary

Own the external communications engine for a state education department, shaping strategy, brand voice, and storytelling while steering press relations, rapid response, and executive messaging across districts and digital channels.

Strategic Communications: Develop and own a comprehensive strategy aligned to statewide education goals.
Media Relations & Public Affairs: Manage press inquiries, rapid-response, and relationships with media and community leaders.
District Storytelling & Content: Lead statewide storytelling and partner with districts to amplify narratives across written, visual, and multimedia content.

Job Description

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned to NJDOE priorities and statewide education goals.
Establish systems and standards for agency-wide communications to ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment.
Serve as an advisor to senior leadership on messaging.
Develop and maintain brand voice across all platforms.
Ensure all communications reflect the Department’s mission, values, and commitment to equity and student success.
Media Relations & Public Affairs: Serve as primary point of contact for press and media inquiries.
Manage proactive rapid-response communication, including drafting statements, press releases, talking points, and crisis communications.
Manage media relations and maintain relationships with media members, influencers, and community leaders.
District Storytelling & Content Development: Lead a statewide storytelling strategy highlighting NJDOE initiatives, district achievements, educator impact, and student success.
Partner with school districts to identify and amplify compelling narratives.

Requirements

Education Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.
Six (6) years of experience in journalism, public relations, or a related field, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.
Note: A Master's degree in Journalism or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Preferred

Three (3) – five (5) years of experience in government, advocacy, campaign communications, or education policy with demonstrated communications expertise; experience leading teams and coordinating cross-functional communication efforts; experience managing communications in a complex organization or government setting; familiarity with New Jersey’s education landscape and stakeholders; experience building communication systems and processes at scale; and digital strategy and social media management experience.

Benefits

Employee Benefits As a NJ State Department, NJDOE offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Pension
- Deferred Compensation
- Health (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life Insurance
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Tuition Reimbursement*
- Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
- 13 paid holidays
- Benefit Leave (vacation days, sick days and administrative leave days)
- Telework*
- Alternate Work Week Program*

New Jersey Department of Education

The New Jersey Department of Education supports schools, educators and districts to ensure all of New Jersey's 1.4 million students have equitable access to high quality education and achieve academic excellence.

Founded in 1904

Trenton, New Jersey, USA

464 employees

nj.gov/education