Director of Communications & Policy

The Agency of Education (AOE) is seeking a Director of Communications and Policy. This position will oversee the AOE Communications team and will provide executive level support to the Agency on matters of communication strategy and legislative policy. This position is a critical member of AOE's leadership team, and will provide support for policy analysis and development while ensuring alignment with Agency's communication strategies.

The Director of Communications and Policy will oversee a small team of digital communications and policy specialists and will interact regularly with other divisions within the Agency, external field partners including education leaders, staff, and partner organizations, representatives from other State Agencies, and legislators. This position will also work in close partnership with the Agency Secretary and leadership team, and will act as a senior advisor to Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and CFO on communications, legislative and policy needs. Building, fostering and managing relationships with State Agency, legislative leaders, and educational organizations is a critical function of the role and essential for success.

The Director will be expected to maintain an in-depth understanding of education policy and strategic initiatives. They will work closely with the Secretary and Deputy Secretary to align short-and-long-term priorities and ensure that each are adequately supported by AOE's communications and legislative initiatives.

In the communications space, the Director will oversee and manage the Agency's press and media requests, web production, internal copywriting and editing services, and delivery of critical Agency information both to Agency staff and external (including public) partners.

Successful candidates must demonstrate an advanced understanding of the key principles of communications analysis, planning, and execution of content development, and must be able to achieve and maintain a deep understanding of the State legislative process, including the ability to analyze policy proposals and bills and align with appropriate AOE technical experts.

This position offers the opportunity for significant remote work based within Vermont and contiguous states but will require regular in-office functions as determined by the Secretary. Of note, in-office presence is required for the majority of the Vermont legislative session (January-May).

This position is classified as aDirector of Policy Strategy and Outreach by the Department of Human Resources.

This position,Director of Communications & Policy (Job Requisition #52045), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Courtney O'Brien at courtney.obrien@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting, or in the General Assembly during the legislative session, with travel for external meetings or field work, for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required, as well as some out-of-state travel. This position is subject to State Personnel Policies and Agency of Education guidelines for telework, however significant in-person work will be required during the legislative session (roughly January 1 through May) annually.

Bachelor's degree or higher in marketing, communications, public administration, political science, policy, or related field AND six (6) years or more of experience in public policy, government relations, public sector communications, journalism, or public relations INCLUDING at least two (2) years in a supervisory or managerial role.

Master's degree in public administration, business administration, policy, education, media, communications, or related field.
Professional Certification(s) in leadership, management (e.g. VTLEAD, VTCPM), or communications and media relations (e.g., APR, FEMA PIO courses).

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.