Remote 25-16-S Principal Public Information Assistant

OPPORTUNITY

The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness is seeking to hire a full-time position assigned to the Communications Bureau within the Directors Office.

We offer a generous benefit package for our full-time employees which includes vacation, personal and sick leave as well as 13 annual paid holidays, medical, dental and prescription plans, retirement plans, life insurance, flexible spending account plans, commuter Tax$ave program and professional development courses. For more information on careers at NJOHSP please visit: Careers | New Jersey OHSP .

This position is in the unclassified service and applicants must meet the minimum job requirements specified below.

POSTING # 25-16-S

TITLE Principal Public Information Assistant

ISSUE DATE July 30, 2025

CLOSING DATE August 20, 2025

SALARY $73,706.89 - $108,073.49*

LOCATION Hamilton, New Jersey

(Statewide Travel Required)

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Communications Bureau strives to extend NJOHSP’s messaging, initiatives, and programming. It relies on a variety of modern and time-tested tools to reach target audiences, ranging from partners to the media to the broader public. These tools include traditional media, social media, press releases, and engaging with media trends as they occur.

The Principal Public Information Assistant will assist the Communications Bureau Chief in coordinating a wide range of internal and external communications and public outreach activities for the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. This position will also serve as a project manager, overseeing bureau deliverables and supporting strategic communications, agency events, and executive engagements by leading and coordinating advance team operations as needed.

This role requires working in a fast-paced environment and being flexible with operational priorities. Non-traditional work hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required with or without advance notice. Travel may also be necessary to fulfill these duties.

Plan and track communications tasks and projects, timelines, and deliverables using project management tools; leverage AI to streamline workflows, enhance quality control, accelerate content production, and ensure team coordination.

Compile and report on communications performance metrics, including web, email, and social media.

Lead and execute digital strategies across web, email, and social media platforms; manage social media accounts and postings; create and oversee content, including graphics, videos, and photos, and capture event visuals for agency use, media distribution, and archival purposes.

Provide logistical support, conduct outreach, and prepare briefing materials, speeches, and talking points for external engagements, stakeholder meetings, and executive events; coordinate with internal divisions and bureaus to ensure alignment and readiness.

Write, edit, and format content, including press releases, media advisories, and newsletters.

Support event coordination and promotion of agency events.

Monitor media inquiries and maintain an up-to-date media contact database.

Maintain records, content calendars, communication plans, and brand documentation.

Perform other duties, including administrative tasks, as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester-hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.

Education/Experience:

1. Seven (7) years of professional experience in the collection, analysis, preparation, and dissemination of information in a public relations and/or public information program in a public or private agency or organization. OR

2. Possession of a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR

3. Possession of a masters degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or English; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.

Note: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the professions principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to ones own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.

License: Appointees will be required to possess a drivers license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Preference: Preference will be given to candidates with strong communication, writing, and editing skills across press, digital, and executive formats, with proficiency in the Associated Press Stylebook. Ideal candidates will have experience in project management, event coordination, and public-facing communications. Experience in photography, video creation, and proficiency with design and multimedia tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud), along with technical proficiency in web content management systems, email delivery platforms, and social media channels, is highly desirable.

Resume Note: Eligibility determinations will be based upon information presented in resume only. Applicants who possess foreign degrees (degrees earned outside of the U.S.) are required to provide an evaluation indicating the U.S. equivalency.

NJ SAME Program Applicants: If you are applying under the NJ SAME Program, your supporting documents must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date of the posting.

*Salary: For newly hired individuals, the starting salary will normally be at the minimum of the salary range. For current state employees, salary will be a promotional calculation.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Applicants should be aware that all NJOHSP employees must be a U. S. Citizen due to the fact that they need to be eligible to obtain a Secret or Top-Secret Clearance from the federal government. U. S. citizenship is a requirement for obtaining such clearance. Additionally, a criminal and personal background investigation is conducted on all NJOHSP personnel. The inability to obtain or maintain the required clearance will be a basis for dismissal from employment.

REMOTE WORK OR ALTERNATE WORKWEEK PROGRAM: NJOHSP currently offers a hybrid work schedule of up to 2 days remote work provided you meet the requirements of NJOHSP’s Pilot Telework Program. NJOSHP also offers a flexible workweek with one day off per week or per pay period. Approval is based on nature of work and operational needs.

NJ RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: In accordance with the New Jersey First Act P.L. 2011 c70, effective September 1, 2011, new public employees are required to obtain New Jersey residency within one (1) year of employment.

NJ ETHICS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants accepting employment with NJOHSP are required to adhere to the Conflicts of Interest Law N.J.S.A. 52:13D-12 et seq., the Uniform Ethics Code N.J.A.C. 19:61-1.1. et seq., and LPS Supplementary Ethics Code which may limit or preclude outside activities and/or outside employment. Employees in certain positions are required to annually file financial disclosure statements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: NJOHSP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our staff. We strongly encourage people from all groups and communities to apply.

SAME Applicants: If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your Schedule A or B letter must be submitted along with your resume and any other required supporting documents indicated on the announcement by the closing date indicated below. For more information on the SAME Program please visit , email: View email address on click.appcast.io or call CSC at View phone number on click.appcast.io, option 3.

NJOHSP provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application hiring process, please notify the agency via View email address on click.appcast.io and request the ADA Coordinator contact you. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

TO APPLY: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, writing sample, resume and state of NJ application for employment. All submissions must be received no later than 4 p.m. on the closing date. Failure to submit all required documentation may result in your disqualification from consideration.