GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS SPECIALIST 2
Career Family: GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS SPECIALIST
Governmental Relations Specialist 2 is a state title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
It is a middle Governmental Relations Specialist grade, between Governmental Relations Specialist 3 below and the better-paid Governmental Relations Specialist 1 above. On paper it calls for a bachelor's degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $69,668 to $101,951, and state payroll currently lists 3 people in the title, led by Law and Public Safety.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 3 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 3 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Governmental Relations Specialist 2 appears on the State payroll at 3 departments, most of them at Department of Law & Public Safety.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Law & Public Safety | 1 |
| Department of Corrections | 1 |
| Department of Health | 1 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Governmental Relations Specialist series
- Governmental Relations Specialist 3 — $58,222 – $84,763
- Governmental Relations Specialist 2 — $69,668 – $101,951 (this title)
- Governmental Relations Specialist 1 — $83,582 – $122,832
Promoting to Governmental Relations Specialist 1 raises the top of the band by about $20,881. Its top salary lands around the 48th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 3 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $92,265. The agencies employing the most are:
- Law and Public Safety (1)
- Corrections (1)
- Health and Senior Services (1)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the direction of a Governmental Relations Specialist 1, or other supervisory officer in a state department, institution, or agency, performs the work involved in investigating, analyzing, and drafting of correspondence for the Governor, the Commissioner and /or the Director; prepares and delivers speeches; conducts research with other divisions and prepares reports; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Prepares difficult written responses to correspondence referred by the Governor's Office and legislators in reference to inquiries concerning controversial subjects and consumer complaints. Assists in developing and preparing correspondence for the the signature of the Governor, Commissioner, and/or other department manger. Presents speeches and meets with the public and others concerning current policy issues. Follows up on the status of pending investigations relating to complaints. Performs the duties necessary for the research, preparation, and distribution of reports, speeches, bulletins, pamphlets and other informational materials designed to acquaint the general public with functions, goals, programs, regulations, policies and procedures of the department. As directed, analyzes and researches policy issues for the Governmental Relations Specialist 1, involving all the divisions within the department, other state and federal agencies, or county and municipal governments. Interacts with other departmental staff with respect to research and inquiries concerning the application of the department's rules, regulations, and statutes. Based on research, prepares, sound, accurate, and informative reports of varied types containing findings, recommendations, and conclusions. When required, acts as a departmental representative at conferences and seminars. Attends meetings, conferences, committee hearings, and other group meetings pertinent to the work of the department, and prepares reports. Drafts and writes technical correspondence and newsletters in the course of official duties. Maintains the essential records and files. Other duties as assigned. May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Ability to acquire knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations and policies affecting the programs and activities of the department. Ability to acquire knowledge of the procedures involved in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, and the presentation of such information. Ability to acquire considerable knowledge of the basic principles and materials used in journalism and public relations. Ability to write and deliver speeches on current issues and policies of the department. Ability to acquire knowledge of agency programs, policies, and objectives and reports. Ability to analyze and interpret basic law and regulations and to collect, analyze, and interpret technical and other factual data. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, information, and statistical reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to deliver speeches and maintain liaison with the public and other state and federal agencies. Ability to organize work assignments and develop effective work methods. Ability to prepare, review and edit written material and to proofread copy. Ability to learn and utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. CODES: P22- JMR 6/23/93
Note
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. Six (6) years of professional experience in written and verbal communication. Such experience may include, but is not limited to the following: interpreting technical material and/or rules, regulations, and statutes to the public; working in a significant area concerned with consumer services, journalism, communication education, public affairs. OR Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgement and make accurate and informed decisions.