DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS (Code 61452)
Career Family: DIRECTOR
In the unclassified service, Director of Communications is appointed rather than examined for, and its pay is often negotiated case by case.
Qualifying takes a bachelor's degree and 6 years of relevant experience. State payroll currently lists 5 people in the title, led by Children and Families.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 4 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 4 employers and how to apply →Why this title is unclassified
This specification cites N.J.S.A. 11A:3-4(1) (printed that way in the specification; the paragraph letter is (l)), state unclassified service.
(l) All other titles as provided by law or as the Civil Service Commission may determine.
A title in the State unclassified service sits outside Title 11A unless a provision says otherwise. In practice that means no competitive examination to get the job, and none of the career service protections that come with it: no permanent status after a working test period, and no right of appeal to the Civil Service Commission from a removal. Appointment and removal rest with the appointing authority.
The rule that allocates a title to this service is N.J.A.C. 4A:3-1.3.
Who employs this title
Director of Communications appears on the State payroll at 5 departments, most of them at Department of Children and Families.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Children and Families | 1 |
| Governor's Office | 1 |
| Office of the State Comptroller | 1 |
| Department of Treasury | 1 |
| Department of Corrections | 1 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 5 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $165,950. The agencies employing the most are:
- Children and Families (1)
- Chief Executive (1)
- Office of State Comptroller (1)
- Treasury (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 direction, has charge of the work programs and staff concerned with internal and external communications; directs the activities pertaining to communications including the writing of speeches and correspondence for executives, and the provision of information to the public regarding agency or departmental programs and policies; does related work as required.
Examples of work
- Directs the organization, development and administration of the work programs and staff concerned with internal and external communications; formulates and implements policies and procedures for the operation of communications programs.
- Makes recommendations regarding communications policies and operations.
- Directs all communications program activities including the development and issuance of public statements and responses to inquiries from the press and public.
- Directs all program activities related to the development and production of internal and external publications, such as annual reports, newsletters, and publications designed to provide information to the public.
- Directs the program activities related to researching, writing, issuing, and monitoring the status of correspondence for executive signature.
- Directs the work of staff responsible for developing artwork and graphics for publications and displays.
- Implements changes in existing communications policies as authorized.
- Represents agency officials as required.
- Directs the conduct of special communications projects.
- Manages the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
- Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties.
- Prepares reports as required.
- Directs the establishment and maintenance of essential and confidential records, reports and files.
- Will 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.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.
NOTE: Applicants who do not meet the above educational requirements may substitute additional experience as indicated below on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.
Experience
Six years of experience in journalism, public relations, or a related field, two years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.
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 methods and techniques used in collecting and analyzing factual data and its interpretation and publication through the media of print, radio, and television.
- Knowledge of sources from which accurate information can be gathered.
- Knowledge of methods and media for disseminating public information.
- Ability to review and edit written material and to proofread copy.
- Ability to prepare and direct the preparation of speeches and correspondence for executive use.
- Ability to direct programs related to internal and external communications.
- 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 essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
A Master's degree in journalism or related field may be substituted for one year of experience.