PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER I

Maryland 529 is an independent State agency responsible for administering the "Prepaid College Trust Plan" and the "College Investment Plan."  Both plans are the State's only qualifying 529 plans, named after the section of the Internal Revenue Code that permits states to establish and administer tax-advantaged college savings plans.  These two plans provide flexible and affordable options to help Maryland families save for future college expenses and reduce dependence on student loans and other forms of debt.  Each has its own set of features and benefits, and both offer generous federal and Maryland State tax incentives. This is a position specific recruitment for Maryland 529. 

13

217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 1350

Baltimore, MD  21201

The main purpose of this position is to assist the agency's marketing department in delivering accurate and complete information in the form of presentations to families about Maryland's two 529 college savings plans. This position also attends various community events, such as exhibits, fairs, etc., to set up and staff a table display, and distribute informational material while responding to questions form the public. In addition, our marketing efforts are especially heavily concentrated during our open enrollment period (typically December - April), which means that the need for this position peaks during this time of the year.

Primary duties include, but are not limited to:

• Volunteer/be assigned to events in your area;
• Accurately locate the site of the presentation/event (typically a school, could also be some other type of public facility such as a government office building);
• Bring a sufficient supply of marketing materials for the expected number of attendees;
• Deliver information with accuracy and in an interesting manner;
• Accurately and patiently responding to all questions.  If the Ambassador does not know the answer to a question, the Ambassador will obtain contact information and provide it to the Public Affairs Officer to respond within one to two business days.
• Complete the online feedback survey (regarding the number of attendees, the nature of their questions, general interest level, etc.) within 2-5 business days of the event;
• Bi-weekly submission of time sheets via SPS system;
• Submit expense reports for travel to the Public Relations & Marketing Manager, within 30 days of the event.

Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 30 semester credit hours in one or more of the following subjects; English, journalism, public relations, writing or other similar and related courses.

Experience: Two years experience in public information, public relations, journalism or other related experience in publicity or promotional work.

Note:

1. Additional experience as defined above may be substituted for the required college education on a year-for-year basis.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in public affairs classification or public affairs specialty codes in the information and arts field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.  

Strong preference will be given to applicants that possess the following: 

• Sufficient demonstrated financial experience to thoroughly understand and be able to clearly explain all aspects of the two college savings plans that are offered by Maryland 529;  
• Strong interest in encouraging families to save for future college costs;
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to presentations and events;
• Ability to work primarily in the evening and on weekends

Candidates must be willing to work in and around Montgomery and Prince Georges counties.

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

All candidates will be subject to a background investigation including criminal and credit history.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application (and on separate pages, if necessary) to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. Candidates must be able to provide professional references.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.  We will not consider information submitted after this date.  Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of completing the employment application. 

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

This evaluation must be submitted with your application. Successful candidates will placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position.  You may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire.  The supplemental questionnaire may be used as part of the rating process.  Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program (the Program), have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents.  As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred.  If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application, supplemental questionnaire, and supportive documents to:

Department of Budget and Management

Recruitment and Examination Division 

301 West Preston Street, Room 608 

Attention: Ms. Kigen Waugh 

Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

Documents may also be faxed to (410) 333-7674, Attn: Ms. Kigen Waugh.

All mailed or faxed documents must include the applicant's name and the job number and must be received by the closing date.  The paper application must be received by the closing date.  Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

If you have any questions concerning the recruitment process for this position, please call 410-767-4933 or email: kigen.waugh@Maryland.gov.

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

TTY  Users: call via Maryland Relay.