Salary : $76,115.00 – $86,160.00 Annually
Location : Providence, RI
Job Type: Non-Union (99)
Job Number: 1194-50911-4
Department: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Division: Policy, Information & Communications
Opening Date: 08/05/2023
Closing Date: 8/14/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
Restrictions/Limitations: Restricted/Limited to Federal funding
Pay Grade: 132A
Classification: Classified
Scheduled Work Days; Hours of Work: Monday – Friday; 8:30am – 4:30pm
Work Week: Non-Standard
Bargaining Union: Non-Union (99)
Class Definition
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To be responsible for performing liaison activities between various minority and other community advocacy groups and organizations, and a state agency relative to the availability of state services provided by the agency for their constituencies; and to do related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of a senior executive with wide latitude for the use of independent judgment, work is reviewed periodically through conferences, reports and results obtained.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: As required, may supervise the work of subordinates assigned to assist where appropriate as specifically designated on a project basis.
Illustrative Examples of Work Performed
To be responsible for performing liaison activities between various minority and other community advocacy groups and organizations, and a state agency relative to the availability of state services provided by the agency for their constituencies.
As assigned, to represent the agency director in the planning, direction, coordination and supervision of special projects relating to the community on a statewide basis.
To act as a liaison between agency administration, service delivery personnel and the community in order to facilitate delivery of client services and programs.
To be responsible for establishing and maintaining a communications network between the groups served and the agency to ensure community input in the planning and programming of delivery services and programs.
To be responsible for representing the agency at meetings of community based groups providing information regarding agency policy and programs. As assigned, to represent the agency in the planning and coordination of special projects and programs relating to community involvement.
To assist in developing community resources for enhancing the delivery of service systems on project or program basis.
As assigned, to participate in the formulation and evaluation of agency policy as it relates to specific programs.
To be responsible for collection of statistical data for reports.
As assigned, to participate in the development and operation of agency external equal employment opportunity programs.
As assigned, to be responsible for preparing and/or developing external equal employment opportunity/affirmative action reports and statistics.
As assigned, to be responsible for coordinating agency efforts with other departments or agencies of state government, or federal government to accomplish goals.
To do related work as required.
Required Qualifications for Appointment
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A working knowledge of the principles and practices of community involvement in the delivery of services to targeted groups; a working knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations relating to community involvement in state and local programs; a working knowledge of outreach programs and the development of community based resources; a working knowledge of Equal Opportunity program development and federal and state laws and regulations regarding the development and operation of affirmative action plans and programs; a familiarity with programs operated by state government; the ability to plan, develop and implement a community oriented communication improvement plan; ; the ability to develop agenda’s address meetings and to write summary reports thereon; the ability to work effectively with a wide range of social service delivery staff in the development of policies and practices which impact on minorities and other targeted groups; and related capacities and abilities.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Education: Such as may have been gained through: graduation from a four year college of recognized standing with a Master’s Degree majoring in public administration, law, communications or other related field; and
Experience: Such as may have been gained through: considerable employment in a responsible capacity engaged in dealing with targeted minority populations, community groups or outreach community service oriented programs in a federal agency, a state agency, large municipality or a large private organization.
Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.
Supplemental Information
This position will work to plan, develop, and manage communications activities relevant to health equity initiatives developed by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and in collaboration with State partner agencies and community organizations. This position will work closely with Health Equity Zone (HEZ) program staff, the Health Equity Institute, and other agency staff to promote health equity best practices for communications and the HEZ as a local and national model for State partners, national partners, and local community partners. This position will also maintain and be responsible for communications activities that support RIDOH health equity and HEZ program goals and grant deliverables, which also includes continued COVID-19 recovery phase efforts. This position will work independently and in teams to prepare and execute strategic, evidence-based local and national public relations, health communications, and multi-media social marketing strategies relevant to RIDOH’s health equity initiatives. This position will develop, implement, and evaluate communications messages, materials, projects, plans, and campaigns, and manage related marketing and media vendor support. This position will provide communications support to RIDOH’s Health Equity Institute, the RIDOH HEZ program, RIDOH Center for Public Health Communication, community partners, and other internal/external collaborators, as needed. This position will ensure messaging and graphics adhere to State agency communications policies, translation needs, CLAS and ADA standard needs, cybersecurity protocols, agency style guide, brand standards, health literacy, plain language, graphic design, and data display standards. This position may be engaged in crisis and emergency risk communication in the event of a public health emergency response, including participating in a statewide Joint Information Center as needed. This position may be expected to participate in an after-hours on-call program.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Strong editing skills, with attention to detail • Experience in public health communications and/or public relations • Experience writing and developing communications materials, presentations, and written reports tailored to specific and non-technical audiences • Ability to research, develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based public health communication strategies, branding, and social marketing campaigns from concept to completion • Experience developing presentations and written reports for specific audiences • Proficiency using Microsoft Office products • Proficiency using virtual meeting online platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom, etc.) • Basic design/desktop publishing/newsletter skills • Strong understanding of health literacy, plain language, and Cultural and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards • Strong understanding of principles of health equity, health disparities, and the social determinants of health • Ability to create communications budgets and track invoices with vendors • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external partners from diverse backgrounds and demographics
For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits’ website at
Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.