JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE, DEP

JOB CODE: 28596

DEFINITION: This is professional managerial work directing the operations of the External Affairs Office in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The employee in this job directs professional staff engaged in a variety of activities involving community and stakeholder engagement, small business advocacy and compliance assistance, and environmental education. Work involves serving as the department’s primary liaison to external stakeholders whose interests are affected by DEP programs and initiatives; developing and implementing policies and outreach strategies related to stakeholder engagement, environmental education, and community revitalization; and leading cross-program projects and initiatives of department-wide significance. Work includes advising the Secretary and executive leadership on policy, regulatory, and communication matters informed by stakeholder input and engagement efforts and ensuring alignment between agency programs, administration priorities, and legislative mandates. Work is assigned in the form of broad goals, objectives, and special assignments by the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection and is reviewed through reports and conferences for program effectiveness and the attainment of goals and objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Leads the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and strategies governing external communications and stakeholder engagement activities.

• Directs the planning, development, and implementation of outreach, stakeholder engagement, and environmental education programs.

• Oversees the work of the Community Engagement Office, the Small Business Ombudsman Office, and the Environmental Education and Information Center to ensure their activities support the department’s stakeholder engagement and education goals.

• Oversees the evaluation of outreach and engagement activities to assess their impact on communities, businesses, and stakeholders.

• Coordinates with program and executive offices, including legislative affairs, communications, and environmental justice, to align outreach efforts and ensure consistent external messaging.

• Represents the department in meetings with public officials, business leaders, advocacy groups, and community organizations to communicate agency priorities and gather input.

• Serves as the department’s principal representative on national or state-wide initiatives related to public engagement, environmental education, and community partnerships.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of stakeholder engagement, community outreach, and public relations.

• Knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and regulatory processes.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of program planning and evaluation.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and interpret legislation, regulations, policies, and public feedback to inform outreach strategies.

• Ability to develop and implement policies, outreach strategies, and public-facing initiatives.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Six years of professional experience in community outreach or in the development, promotion, or administration of environmental policies, including two years in a supervisory capacity, and a bachelor's degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes two years of professional supervisory experience in community outreach or in the development, promotion, or administration of environmental policies.