Associate Director of Communications and Marketing

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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Public Service Manager III

Date: June 2, 2026

Closing Date: June 15, 2026

Job Class Code: MA34

Grade: 34 (Confidential)

Salary: $84,697.60 - $120,265.60 per year

Position Number: 20002-4952

Location: Portland

-Limited Period Position-

This position allows for partial telework with management approval.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Core Responsibilities:

As the Associate Director of Communications and Marketing for the Office of the Health Insurance Marketplace (OHIM), you will help lead the development and implementation of communications, marketing, media and public relations strategies to raise awareness about CoverME.gov and engage target populations in utilizing CoverME.gov to shop for and enroll in health and dental coverage. This includes educating the public on the value of health insurance coverage, and how to shop for and enroll in coverage through the CoverME.gov marketplace. You will help tell the stories of Mainers who benefit from marketplace coverage in ways that help others better understand the value of marketplace coverage, and the impact of the marketplace and its role in the broader health care coverage and delivery landscape. You will ensure that communications and marketing materials are clear, consistent, on brand, and easily understood by consumers, partners and stakeholders.

You will be responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of internal and external communications, marketing, and consumer engagement campaigns and public-facing materials. You will serve as a brand ambassador both internally and externally. You will lead media relations for the team and serve as a liaison with communications colleagues within the Department of Health and Human Services and other state government agencies and offices.

Key Responsibilities:

Marketing:

• With support from the marketing vendor team, develop and oversee implementation of a comprehensive multi-channel communications and marketing plan that outlines key messages, target audiences, and timing
• Oversee OHIMs marketing contract to ensure compliance and accountability. Serve as day-to-day point of contact for the marketing services contract. Lead marketing services RFP processes, as needed
• Contribute to the development of target audiences and consumer profiles of target audiences

Media and Public Relations:

• Develop and maintain relationships with key media contacts
• Work in collaboration with DHHS Commissioners Office communications team to respond to media requests and identify opportunities for media coverage of OHIM/CoverME.gov
• Draft and distribute press releases and occasional blog posts.
• Research and prepare media and background materials to support media engagement and prepare media spokespeople.
• Track media coverage of OHIM/CoverME.gov. Identify any coverage needing follow-up. Share relevant media coverage of health insurance marketplaces, Affordable Care Act and other relevant policy and programming with the OHIM team.
• Prepare presentations and talking points on OHIM/CoverME.gov for a variety of internal and external audiences including partners, the public, and the Legislature
• Serve as brand ambassador and CoverME.gov spokesperson, including delivering external presentations and public communications as needed
• Serve as communications and marketing consultant to the OHIM team, including communications coaching, monitoring progress on key objectives and initiatives, and providing general advice and guidance
• Identify and secure formal partnerships/sponsorships to raise brand awareness and engage target audiences. Develop internal memos for OHIM leadership outlining the opportunity

Brand and Message Integrity:

• Maintain the integrity of the CoverME.gov brand and identity by developing and/or reviewing/editing communications and marketing materials.
• Ensure that OHIMs internal and external communications are consistent, appropriate, and accessible, as well as aligned with brand voice and guidelines.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and partners to ensure clear, accessible information for target audiences.

Strategic Planning:

• Utilize market research findings to inform Marketing and Media Relations strategic plans, including message development and efforts to increase brand awareness and engage consumers/targeted audiences
• Track and analyze the impact of communications efforts using relevant metrics, providing reports to inform future strategy and decision making.

Supervision and Management:

• Supervise Member Communications Specialist
• Oversee website vendor, including regular check-ins and tracking of deliverables
• Oversee management and tracking of social media channels
• Review, finalize, and sign off on all public- and consumer-facing materials, documents and communications, ensuring high quality, on-brand representation of OHIMs work

Minimum Qualifications:

In order to qualify for this position, you must have an eight (8) year combination of education and/or experience that includes a bachelors degree in communications, marketing, public relations, public/community health, health administration, health education, or a closely related field -AND- four (4) years of proven experience in marketing, communications, and/or public relations management, with a background in health or technology sectors preferred. Professional experience must include experience with multiple disciplines including public or media relations, promotion, marketing and/or communications. Directly related professional experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

The background of well-qualified candidates will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Knowledge and experience with the fundamentals of multiple disciplines are needed, including the principles and ethics of public relations, promotion, marketing and government/business communications.
• Experience building strategic partnerships to promote brand awareness and engage target audiences.
• Experience managing and coaching staff.
• Demonstrated excellence in written communications, including policy, media, business and persuasive writing.
• Strong oral communication skills with proven ability to effectively engage diverse audiences one-on-one and in groups to communicate seemingly complex topics in a way that is easily understood. Ability to work with all levels of business and community leaders, as well as members of the public and individual consumers.
• Strong attention to detail, as well as organizational and project management skills to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, both individually and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated leadership skills that showcase responsibility for guiding communications and marketing plans and projects from inception through completion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Software and Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva, and other design software. Graphic design experience or skills is a plus.
• Familiarity with various communications tools and platforms, including social media, email marketing software, and content management systems. Experience with Drupal or other website design and content management software. Experience with ActiveCampaign, Mailchimp, Constant Contact or other automated email and SMS solutions. Experience with Hootsuite or other social media management/planning tools.
• Knowledge of the Affordable Care Act, health coverage programs, or the private health and/or dental insurance markets is a plus.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If youre currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.

Agency information:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.

The Maine DHHS Office of the Health Insurance Marketplace (OHIM) operates CoverME.gov, Maines Health Insurance Marketplace.

Application Information:

For additional information about this position please contact Laura Seckel at laura.seckel@maine.gov .

To apply, please upload a recent resume (if available) and cover letter addressing each of the preferred skills/experience areas in the minimum qualification section.

Please submit all documents or files in PDF or Word format.

To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.Hernandez@Maine.gov

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto"Dirigo" or "I lead"as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,845.82 - $15,112.76 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements .
• Dental Insurance The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($395.72 annual value).
• Retirement Plan The State contributes the equivalent of 18.91% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a childincluding non-birthing and adoptive parentsreceive six weeks of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act .

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness .

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If youre looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, wed love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.