NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness

OPPORTUNITY

The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness is seeking to hire a full-time position assigned to the Communications Bureau within the Director's Office.

We offer a generous benefit package for our full-time employees which includes vacation, personal and sick leave as well as 13 annual paid holidays, medical, dental and prescription plans, retirement plans, life insurance, flexible spending account plans, commuter Tax$ave program and professional development courses. For more information on careers at NJOHSP please visit: Careers | New Jersey OHSP.

This position is in the unclassified service and applicants must meet the minimum job requirements specified below. 

POSTING #                          25-18-S

TITLE                                   Public Information Assistant

ISSUE DATE                        August 13, 2025

CLOSING DATE                  August 22, 2025           

SALARY                               $56,253.35 - $79,332.50*

LOCATION                           Hamilton, New Jersey

                                             (Statewide Travel Required)

JOB DESCRIPTION 

The Communications Bureau strives to extend NJOHSP’s messaging, initiatives, and programming. It relies on a variety of modern and time-tested tools to reach target audiences, ranging from partners to the media to the broader public. These tools include traditional media, social media, press releases, and engaging with media trends as they occur.

The Public Information Assistant (PIA) will support the internal and external communications and public outreach activities for NJOHSP. The PIA will help draft, edit, gather, prepare, coordinate, and distribute informative products, materials, and resources related to current and proposed NJOHSP programs. This position will also support the daily execution of public information efforts, including digital content (website and social media), media relations, and event coordination. The ideal candidate is a strong writer and detail-oriented communicator who can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

Non-traditional work hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required with or without advance notice. Travel may also be necessary to fulfill these duties.

• Help write, edit, and format content such as press releases, media advisories, and newsletters.
• Support digital communication efforts across web, email, and social media platforms; assist with managing social media accounts and help create content, including graphics, videos, and photos, and capture event visuals for agency use, media distribution, and archival purposes.
• Help monitor media inquiries and maintain an up-to-date media contact database.
• Assist with preparing briefing materials, speeches, and talking points for external events, stakeholder meetings, and executive engagements; support coordination with internal divisions and bureaus to ensure readiness.
• Assist with logistics, outreach, and promotion for agency events.
• Maintain records, content calendars, communication plans, and branding materials.
• Help compile and report on performance metrics, including web, email, and social media.
• Perofrm other tasks and support general administrative tasks, as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester-hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.

Education/Experience: 

(1) Five (5) years of professional experience in the collection, analysis, preparation, and dissemination of information in a public relations and/or public information program in a public or private agency or organization. OR

(2) Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR

(3) Possession of a master's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or English.

Note: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.

License: Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Preference: Preference will be given to candidates with strong communication, writing, and editing skills across press, digital, and executive formats, with proficiency in the Associated Press Stylebook. Experience in photography, video creation, and proficiency with design and multimedia tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud), along with technical proficiency in web content management systems, email delivery platforms, and social media channels, is highly desirable.

Resume Note: Eligibility determinations will be based upon information presented in resume only.  Applicants who possess foreign degrees (degrees earned outside of the U.S.) are required to provide an evaluation indicating the U.S. equivalency.

NJ SAME Program Applicants: If you are applying under the NJ SAME Program, your supporting documents must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date of the posting.

*Salary: For newly hired individuals, the starting salary will normally be at the minimum of the salary range. For current state employees, salary will be a promotional calculation.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Applicants should be aware that all NJOHSP employees must be a U. S. Citizen due to the fact that they need to be eligible to obtain a Secret or Top-Secret Clearance from the federal government.  U. S. citizenship is a requirement for obtaining such clearance.  Additionally, a criminal and personal background investigation is conducted on all NJOHSP personnel.The inability to obtain or maintain the required clearance will be a basis for dismissal from employment.  

REMOTE WORK OR ALTERNATE WORKWEEK PROGRAM: NJOHSP currently offers a hybrid work schedule of up to 2 days remote work provided you meet the requirements of NJOHSP’s Pilot Telework Program. NJOSHP also offers a flexible workweek with one day off per week or per pay period.  Approval is based on nature of work and operational needs.

NJ RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: In accordance with the New Jersey First Act P.L. 2011 c70, effective September 1, 2011, new public employees are required to obtain New Jersey residency within one (1) year of employment.

NJ ETHICS REQUIREMENTS: Applicants accepting employment with NJOHSP are required to adhere to the Conflicts of Interest Law N.J.S.A. 52:13D-12 et seq., the Uniform Ethics Code N.J.A.C. 19:61-1.1. et seq., and LPS Supplementary Ethics Code which may limit or preclude outside activities and/or outside employment.  Employees in certain positions are required to annually file financial disclosure statements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: NJOHSP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our staff.  We strongly encourage people from all groups and communities to apply.

SAME Applicants: If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your Schedule A or B letter must be submitted along with your resume and any other required supporting documents indicated on the announcement by the closing date indicated below.  For more information on the SAME Program please visit https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: CSC-SAME@csc.nj.govor call CSC at (609) 292-4144, option 3.

NJOHSP provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application hiring process, please notify the agency via careers@njohsp.gov and request the ADA Coordinator contact you.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

TO APPLY: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, writing sample, resume and state of NJ application for employment.  All submissions must be received no later than 4 p.m. on the closing date. Failure to submit all required documentation may result in your disqualification from consideration.