Chief Public Affairs Officer

Department

Department of Health

Division

Public Relations & Information

Salary

$99,895.00 - $113,260.00

Job Profile

JC-02761400-99 - Chief Public Affairs Officer (Non-Union Executive Branch)

Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours

Monday - Friday; 9:00am - 4:30pm with weekend and after-hours as needed.

Non-Standard

Restricted/Limited to Federal funding

Job Requisition Number

JR103254 Chief Public Affairs Officer (Open)

Pay Grade

C00137 A

Classification

Chief Public Affairs Officer

Class Definition

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To serve in a highly responsible policy and communications capacity to the Director; to develop and implement the organizational brand strategy and provide guidance and assistance in the development of communications campaigns; to represent the Director, as needed, in communications and agreements with federal, state and local officials on matters relating to the department; to develop and maintain a continuous liaison with and between the department, the General Assembly, and other government officials; to develop and implement a strategic communications program that includes activities such as constituent and legislative affairs, media relations and planning, digital marketing communications, community outreach, and employee communications.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general direction of the Director with considerable latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgement; assignments are subject to review for results obtained and adherence to rules, regulations, and prescribed policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Plans supervise and reviews the work of subordinates and exercises functional supervision over other staff positions assigned to assist in performance and execution of any specific project.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• To serve in a highly responsible policy and communications capacity to the Director.
• To develop and implement the organizational brand strategy and provide guidance and assistance in the development of communications campaigns.
• To represent the Director, as needed, in communications and agreements with federal, state and local officials on matters relating to the department.
• To be responsible for developing and maintaining a continuous liaison with and between the various divisions of the Department, other state agencies, the General Assembly, and the Congressional Delegation.
• To develop and implement a strategic communications program that includes activities such as constituent and legislative affairs, media relations and planning, digital marketing communications, community outreach, and employee communications.
• To schedule, staff, and prepare the Director for briefings with internal and external parties, including federal, state, and local officials; community groups; media; and other stakeholder groups.
• To be responsible for the preparation and coordination of assignments and special projects which require departmental policy approval and authorization prior to implementation.
• To contact divisional officials for the purpose of obtaining information and recommendations for the use of the Director in planning, coordinating and directing the various communications services of the Department; to consult with such officials regarding legislation and existing laws and regulations for the purpose of obtaining recommendations relating to their purpose, content and need.
• To provide information to governmental officials, the public or interested parties in accordance with the established policies.
• To serve as the principal source within the Department for the preparation and release of media information material in accordance with instructions and policies.
• To be responsible for researching, writing and editing news releases, articles, and feature materials for use of the news media and advertising agencies; to schedule a continuous flow of informational material to the general public and affected communities for the purpose of providing timely information to improve public understanding and reception to departmental objectives.
• To maintain satisfactory relationships with all media representatives, educational institutions, community organizations and the general public to secure cooperation in the placement use and distribution of informational service.
• To keep departmental officials informed of the Director's decisions and recommendations on programs and policies; to contact such officials at frequent intervals relative to such decisions and recommendations and to make reports thereon.
• To oversee the development and maintenance of all departmental communications initiatives and activities, including constituent and legislative affairs, media relations (press, social, and digital) and planning, marketing, community outreach, and employee communications.
• To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of the principles practices and techniques of communication programs; a thorough knowledge of federal, state and local transportation programs; the ability to conduct fact-finding investigations of complaints raised by local officials, or civic groups, in connection with the effect of such state programs; a thorough knowledge of computers and Internet communications technology; a thorough knowledge of, and the ability to evaluate, the attitudes and reactions of interested and affected groups and their demands and needs for information about the department's programs and objectives; the ability to resolve such complaints and objections or to prepare reports thereon for consideration by the Director and/or departmental officials; the ability to review proposed legislation, existing laws and regulations and to report to the Director any need for amendment thereof; the ability to work in a liaison capacity; a thorough knowledge of computers and Internet communications technology; a thorough knowledge of, and the ability to evaluate, the attitudes and reactions of interested and affected groups and their demands and needs for information about the department's programs and objectives; the ability to research, write and edit news releases, articles, and feature materials for use of media and publicity agencies; the ability to communicate effectively with media representatives, educational institutions, community organizations and the general public; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Such as may have been gained through: possession of a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Journalism or a related field from a college of recognized standing; and

Experience: Such as may have been gained through: considerable employment in a highly responsible position involving responsibility for the research, analysis, policy development and dissemination of information.

Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

Supplemental Information

This position will manage communications for Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) initiatives related to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) grant. The individual in this role will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing communications plans and campaigns for RHTP initiatives, including outreach to healthcare professionals, community partners, rural health stakeholders, and the public.
• Drafting, editing, approving, and disseminating communications content, such as program announcements, marketing and educational materials, presentations, website content, social media content, newsletters, reports, and related materials.
• Managing the design, production, translation, remediation for ADA compliance, and dissemination of communications materials.
• Reviewing and approving messages and materials and materials to ensure adherence to RIDOH and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services policies related to communication, branding, style, accessibility, health literacy, and culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
• Liaising with communications staff from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, contracted communications and marketing vendors, and other State agencies and partner organizations to direct and support the development and implementation of paid, earned, and organic campaigns.
• Supporting stakeholder communication and engagement efforts, such as newsletters, meetings, presentations, webinars, listening sessions, and press events.
• Supporting RIDOH's Public Information Officer and interagency staff to draft timely and accurate responses to media inquiries and prepare press releases and media interview briefing materials.
• Monitoring and responding to external inquiries and providing communications support and expertise for emergent needs, including after hours or on the weekend as needed.
• Doing related work as needed.

For more information about the Rural Health Transformation Program in Rhode Island, visit https://eohhs.ri.gov/initiatives/rural-health-transformation-program

Benefits

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.

Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.