UI Communication Director (PROGRAM MANAGER SENIOR II)

Location of Position

100 South Charles Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Grade

24

Main Purpose of Job

The Maryland Department of Labor is seeking a qualified and experienced communications professional to serve as the Communications Director for the Division of Unemployment Insurance (DUI). This position plays a key leadership role in managing and directing communications that support the Division’s mission and ensure clear, accessible information for claimants, employers, staff, and stakeholders. Work is performed with substantial independence and accountability for outcomes that have significant public, operational, and reputational impact.

Position Duties

• Strategic Communications Leadership and Program Management: Develops and implements strategic communications plans that support the mission, priorities, and operational initiatives of the Division of Unemployment Insurance. Provides leadership and direction for the Division’s communications program and staff to ensure accurate, timely, and coordinated messaging to internal and external audiences. Advises Division leadership and the Office of the Secretary on communications strategies related to unemployment insurance programs, policy changes, legislative matters, and high‑visibility issues.
• Content Development and Editorial Oversight: Directs the development, review, and publication of clear, accurate, and accessible communications for claimants, employers, staff, and other stakeholders. Oversees production of omnichannel content including website materials, Maryland Unemployment Insurance Portal (BEACON) messaging, phone scripts, policies and procedures, and legislative testimony. Establishes editorial standards, maintains the Division’s plain language style guide, and manages a communications content calendar to ensure timely and consistent messaging across platforms.
• Digital Communications, Media Relations, and Public Engagement: Oversees the Division’s digital communications presence, including website content and social media platforms, ensuring timely updates reflecting program changes, federal and state requirements, and operational guidance. Monitors engagement and public response to communications and adjusts strategies to improve information delivery. Supports responses to media inquiries, tracks and analyzes media coverage, and coordinates with the Department’s Office of Communications to ensure consistent messaging and public information.
• Communications Coordination, Compliance, and Special Initiatives: Coordinates communications activities across Division units and with Department leadership to ensure consistent and accurate messaging. Ensures communications comply with applicable accessibility standards, including WCAG, ADA Title II, Section 508, and State records retention policies. Supports special communications initiatives, outreach events, and other projects that support Division operations and Department priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, public administration, journalism, public policy, English, or a related field.
• Experience: Six (6) years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, digital communications, or a related field, including at least two (2) years of experience managing staff or leading a communications program.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, public administration, journalism, public policy, English, or a related field.
• Experience working within the Maryland State government or a large public‑sector organization.
• Ability to simplify complex government ideas and communicate in plain language for a diverse audience across communication channels.
• Proficiency in using graphic design and 508 compliance best practices to develop accessible visual communications. Knowledge of Unemployment Insurance programs, federally funded benefit programs, or workforce systems.
• Experience coordinating communications through an executive office.

Special Requirements

Personnel employed in this classification will have access to federal tax information and must undergo a state and FBI criminal background check as a condition of employment. All candidates are subject to a background check against files maintained by the Division of Unemployment Insurance (MD Labor/DUI) to determine whether any monies are owed to MD Labor/DUI as a result of unemployment insurance overpayment/fraud. Any unpaid debt may have an impact on whether or not a candidate is offered employment.

Benefits

• Flexible hours and hybrid teleworking
• Paid holidays 12‑13 per year
• Generous paid leave package (annual, sick, personal, and compensatory leave)
• State Pension (defined benefit)
• Tax‑deferred supplemental retirement savings plans (401(k) and 457)
• Comprehensive, subsidized health, dental and prescription plans with little to no deductibles, free generic prescriptions, and free preventative health services
• Flexible Spending Account plans for Health Care and Daycare
• State Employees Credit Union