(DOE-010-26) Government Representative 1 (Communications Director)

Notice of Vacancy

Reference Number : DOE-010-26
Title : Government Representative 1 (Communications Director)
Range/Title Code : X98/55512
Salary : $145,000.00 - $161,000.00
Position Number: TBD
Issue Date : June 5, 2026
Closing Date : June 22, 2026
Core Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location : Trenton, New Jersey
Division : Office of the Chief of Staff, Office of Communications

Description

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) is seeking a Communications Director to develop the Department’s external communications strategy and manage the day-to-day operations of the Office of Communications. This role ensures clear, consistent, proactive, and mission-driven messaging reaches key audiences - including educators, school officials, stakeholder groups, parents, and the media - and resonates with the broader public. The Director oversees press relations, digital communications, storytelling, and coordinated messaging, while building systems that standardize communication practices across the agency.

Under the leadership of Governor Sherrill and Commissioner Laux, the NJDOE is focused on supporting districts and schools in improving student outcomes. The Communications Director will be a key part of this effort by leveraging NJDOE’s new capacity for data and analytics and fulfilling a mandate for greater transparency and stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate will drive a compelling narrative centered on the DOE’s work to improve outcomes, opportunity, and the well-being of New Jersey’s 1.4 million students, while elevating the visibility of school districts, educators, and statewide initiatives. They have experience working in high-stakes and fast-paced environments. They are a quick-learner on matters of public policy and government processes. They are ready and eager to execute a social media strategy promoting the bright spots and dynamic learning seen during Commissioner’s school visits, public appearances, and other NJDOE engagements.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications Leadership
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned to NJDOE priorities and statewide education goals.
• Establish systems and standards for agency-wide communications to ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment.
• Serve as an advisor to senior leadership on messaging.
• Develop and maintain brand voice across all platforms.
• Ensure all communications reflect the Department’s mission, values, and commitment to equity and student success.

Media Relations & Public Affairs
• Serve and/or oversee the primary point of contact for press and media inquiries.
• Manage proactive rapid-response communication, including drafting statements, press releases, talking points, and crisis communications.
• Manage media relations and maintain relationships with media members, influencers, and community leaders.
• Support the Commissioner speaking engagements by preparing talking points and overseeing event social media coverage.

District Storytelling & Content Development
• Lead a statewide storytelling strategy that highlights NJDOE initiatives, district achievements, educator impact, and student success.
• Partner with school districts to identify and amplify compelling narratives.
• Produce high-quality written, visual, and multimedia content that reflects the diversity and strength of New Jersey’s education system.
• Ensure storytelling is aligned with statewide priorities and reinforces key messages.

Social Media & Digital Communications
• Oversee all NJDOE social media channels with a focus on responsive, engaging, and mission-driven content.
• Develop a proactive digital engagement strategy that builds trust, transparency, and accessibility.
• Oversee newsletter and relevant website.
• Monitor public sentiment and emerging issues to inform communications strategy.
• Ensure digital platforms are regularly updated, accessible, and aligned with branding standards.
• Track engagement across platforms and make data-driven decisions.

Team Leadership & Coordination
• Lead and manage a central communications team, including media, digital, and content staff.
• Coordinate a network of communications liaisons/division coordinators across the Department.
• Build capacity within divisions to strengthen decentralized communications while maintaining alignment.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on excellence, responsiveness, and impact.

Requirements

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 (6) years of experience in journalism, public relations, or a related field, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

Note: A Master's degree in Journalism or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Preferred Education/Experience

Three (3) – five (5) years of experience in government, advocacy, campaign communications, or education policy with demonstrated communications expertise; experience leading teams and coordinating cross-functional communication efforts; experience managing communications in a complex organization or government setting; familiarity with New Jersey’s education landscape and stakeholders; experience building communication systems and processes at scale; and digital strategy and social media management experience.

Employee Benefits

As a NJ State Department, NJDOE offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Pension
• Deferred Compensation
• Health (medical, prescription drug, dental & vision care) and Life Insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Tuition Reimbursement*
• Flexible and Health Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
• 13 paid holidays
• Benefit Leave (vacation days, sick days and administrative leave days)
• Telework*
• Alternate Work Week Program*

*Pursuant to Department’s policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.

Open to the Following

In accordance with the New Jersey First Act P.L. 2011 c.70, effective September 1, 2011, new public employees are required to obtain New Jersey residency within one (1) year of employment.

Applicants must meet the requirements listed above.

Interested candidates may apply via: .

Authorization to Work

Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States according to the Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement regulations. Note: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorships for work visas.

SAME Applicants

If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program, visit their website at: nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml , email: [email protected] , or call the Civil Service Commission at (609)-292-4144, option 3.

EOE/AA Statement

The New Jersey State Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer, has an Affirmative Action Program, and will not discriminate against any person because of race, creed, religion, color, national origin/nationality, ancestry, age, sex/gender (including pregnancy), marital status/civil union partnership, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, domestic partnership status, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, disability, (including perceived disability, physical, mental, and/or intellectual disabilities), or liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, and is committed to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.