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 and/or oversee the 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.

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.
• A Master's degree in Journalism or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
• Note: Applicants who do not meet the above educational requirements may substitute additional experience as indicated below on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to 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

• 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