Director of Communications & Legislative Affairs - AHS

The Director of Communications & Legislative Affairs is a member of the Policy & Planning Leadership Team within the Family Services Division (FSD) of the Department for Children and Families (DCF). This position provides strategic leadership in legislative and communications initiatives impacting Vermont's child protection and youth justice systems. Collaboration is central to this role, requiring engagement with staff, subject matter experts, interagency partners, youth, families, kin and foster parents, legal partners, and community stakeholders to ensure policies and system improvements reflect diverse perspectives and meet the needs of Vermont's children and families.

Key responsibilities include:
* Legislative Strategy & Policy Development: The position leads and supports FSD's legislative priorities, ensuring alignment with AHS, DCF, and the Family Services Management Team (FSMT). Responsibilities include tracking and analyzing legislation, drafting testimony, and providing recommendations on proposed bills. This role also coordinates legislative reports, conducts bill reviews, and ensures that legislative matters are effectively communicated and implemented within FSD.
* Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Serving as the primary liaison for legislative and public communications, this role ensures FSD's priorities are clearly conveyed to internal and external audiences. Responsibilities include developing key messaging, drafting public statements, preparing reports, and crafting innovative communication strategies. The position collaborates with lawmakers, state agencies, advocacy organizations, and the media to ensure accurate representation of FSD's work while fostering collaborative relationships. An area of focus is integrating voices of lived experience into FSD's priorities and communication.
* Media Relations & Crisis Response: The position develops communication and crisis response strategies in collaboration with AHS, DCF, and FSD leadership. This includes managing high-profile public inquiries, responding to legislative or media inquiries, and advising leadership on addressing sensitive issues. The role requires balancing transparency with confidentiality while maintaining the integrity of FSD's work. Additionally, this position proactively promotes positive stories about FSD's impact, including prevention efforts, family reunifications, achieving permanency for children and youth, innovative programs, and staff dedication. Through press releases, public awareness campaigns, and social media strategies, the position helps build public trust and engagement in FSD's mission.
* Branding & Accessibility Compliance: The position ensures all FSD publications, forms, and documents adhere to Vermont's branding and accessibility standards. This includes developing clear, professional, and accessible materials that align with state policies. A key priority is ensuring materials for youth and families are understandable, engaging, and family-friendly-using plain language and inclusive communication strategies to make critical information accessible to those we serve.

While this position is based in Waterbury, there is an opportunity for a hybrid (in office/remote) schedule. Travel to the State House will be necessary during the legislative session and statewide travel will be required periodically.

This position, Director of Communications & Legislative Affairs - AHS (Job Requisition #52227), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contactlindsay.barron@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Duties are performed in a standard office setting or in the Legislature during the legislative session. Limited state travel may be involved for which private means of transportation may be required. Quick deadlines for important reports and need for sensitive communication under challenging and difficult situations may be required. Interacts and communicates directly with senior Agency leaders, state and federal government administrators, staff, legislators and constituents under stressful conditions. Must manage many complex administrative and policy related issues at once, including intense interactions with a variety of constituents and deadline pressures.

Bachelor's degree AND five (5) years or more of experience at a professional level in the field of human services, public administration, public health, public policy, governmental relations, journalism, or public relations.

OR

Master's degree AND three (3) years or more of experience at a professional level in the field of human services, public administration, public health, public policy, governmental relations, journalism, or public relations.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.