GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS SPECIALIST 1
Career Family: GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS SPECIALIST
Governmental Relations Specialist 1 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 the top of the Governmental Relations Specialist ladder, a grade above Governmental Relations Specialist 2. 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 $83,582 to $122,832, and state payroll currently lists 2 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. 2 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 2 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Governmental Relations Specialist 1 appears on the State payroll at 2 departments, most of them at Department of Law & Public Safety.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Law & Public Safety | 1 |
| Department of Community Affairs | 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
- Governmental Relations Specialist 1 — $83,582 – $122,832 (this title)
Its top salary lands around the 69th 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 2 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $101,613. The agencies employing the most are:
- Law and Public Safety (1)
- Community Affairs (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 general direction of a supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, conducts research and analyzes policy issues for the Commissioner, and/or supervises a staff engaged in the preparation of correspondence for the Governor and/or Commissioner, and the preparation of material concerning department programs for publication; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Investigates special public policy problem areas, and develops recommendations, as requested by the Commissioner and other department management. Monitors current and pending regulations for impact on consumers, paying special attention to the plain language mandates of the legislature and department. Represents the Commissioner at department boards, public meetings, and seminars. Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates. Serves as coordinator and Commissioner's representative on special task forces. Writes and presents speeches to general audiences concerning the department's views and policies, and coordinates speaking engagements. Plans and implements operation systems including computerized recordkeeping and data retrieval system for essential records and files. Analyzes, interprets, and answers complex correspondence referred by the Governor's Office and legislators in reference to inquiries concerning controversial subjects and consumer complaints. Develops and prepares correspondence for the signature of the Governor, Commissioner, and other department management. Acts as technical adviser with other departments on policy issues. Followsup on the status of pending investigations relating to complaints. Analyzes, interprets, and prepares technical reports and newsletters on policy issues for the various divisions within the department, other state and federal agencies, or county and municipal governments. Meets with the public and others to discuss current policy issues and to offer suggestions for problems that may arise. Interacts with other state and federal agencies, or county and municipal governments concerning the department's functions, aims, programs, regulations, policies, and procedures. Researches, compiles, prepares, formats, and distributes newsletters, news releases, speeches, bulletins, pamphlets and other information material designed to acquaint the general public with functions, goals, programs, regulations, policies, and procedures of the department. Meets and confers with other department staff with respect to research and inquiries concerning the application of the department's regulations and statutes. Attends meetings, conferences, committee hearings, and other group meetings pertinent to the work of the department and records thereon. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system used by the agency, office, or related units.
Requirements
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
Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies affecting the programs and activities of the department after a period of training. Knowledge of the procedures involved in collecting, analyzing, investigating, and interpreting data, often complex in nature, and the presentation of such information after a period of training. Knowledge of the basic principles and materials used in journalism and public relations after a period of training. Knowledge of the problems encountered in using factual data from various sources, drawing reasonable and correct conclusions, and making use of facts pertinent to specific cases in clear, concise, and public information form for bulletins, pamphlets, and speeches after a period of training. Knowledge of agency programs, policies, objectives, and reports thereon after a period of training. Ability to write and deliver speeches on current issues and policies of the department. Ability to analyze and interpret basic law and regulations and to collect, analyze, and interpret technical and other factual data. Ability to prepare and direct the staff in the preparation of clear, technically sound, accurate, information and statistical reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to maintain liason with the public and other state and federal agencies. Ability to organize complex assignments and develop work methods. Ability to prepare, review, and edit written material and to proof read copy. Ability to learn to 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 persons may not be eligible. CODES: R26- ECK 3/20/95
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. Seven (7) 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 for the public working in an area concerned with consumer services, journalism, communication education, public affairs. OR Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) 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.