Title:  Senior Communications Coordinator - Limited Service

Overview

The Health Department seeks an experienced communications professional who is passionate about making a significant impact on public health. Join our mission-driven communication team to ensure people in Vermont have the information they need to protect themselves and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. 

The Senior Communications Coordinator works closely with program staff and the Information Director on public health communication efforts across our Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Immunizations, and Public Health Laboratory programs.

Examples of responsibilities:
•    Lead public health campaigns with varying budgets to promote vaccination and other infectious disease prevention strategies.
•    Develop communication plans and public-facing materials, like partner messaging toolkits, social media content, printed materials, and more.
•    Design and write web page content to optimize user experience and accessibility.
•    Coordinate clear, effective, and accurate communications during public health emergencies.
•    Write statewide press releases and talking points.
•    Assume some responsibilities of the Information Director when they are temporarily unavailable. 

Knowledge, skills and abilities:
•    Demonstrated knowledge of public health principles and best practices in health communications. 
•    Ability to lead projects with minimal oversight.
•    Familiarity with marketing techniques.
•    Skilled at using data to inform communication and marketing strategies. 
•    Talent for understanding, synthesizing, and translating scientific and technical information into plain language. 
•    Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in a clear and concise manner across various platforms.
•    Experience overseeing the work of contracted agencies is preferred.

Candidates do not need to have experience in infectious disease, immunizations, or laboratory sciences. However, candidates with a curiosity about these topics and a desire to dive into the subject matter are encouraged to apply.

Employment details: 
•    Funding for this position is expected to be continued for at least two years. 
•    The Health Department supports a hybrid work environment to promote independence, flexibility, and work-life balance. The Senior Communications Coordinator will work in-person with our team at the Waterbury State Office Complex at least one day per week and must be able to attend other in-person meetings as required. 

Who May Apply

This position, Senior Communications Coordinator - Limited Service (Job Requisition #50843), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs. 
 
If you would like more information about the duration of this position or other details, please contact AHS.VDHPublicCommunication@vermont.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS:  Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.  In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in both office and field settings. Some work outside of normal office hours may be required. Stress may be encountered from tight deadlines, conflicting opinions, and as the result of public information and communication decisions.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma AND five (5) years of relevant experience in public health communications, marketing, advertising, public relations, or a closely related field. 

OR

Associate’s degree in public health, journalism, communications, marketing, advertisement, public relations, education or other closely related field AND four (4) years or more of experience at a professional level in the private or public sector in marketing, advertisement, communications, or public relations.

OR

Bachelor's degree in public health, journalism, communications, marketing, advertisement, public relations, education or other closely related field AND three (3) years or more of experience at a professional level in the private or public sector in marketing, advertisement, communications, or public relations.

OR

Master's degree in public health, journalism, communication, marketing, advertisement, public relations, education or other closely related field AND one (2) years or more of experience at a professional level in the private or public sector in marketing, advertisement, communications, or public relations.

OR

One (1) year or more as a Communications Coordinator II.

Total Compensation

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
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.