25-16-S Principal Public Information Assistant

Location: Hamilton Township,New Jersey,United States

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 #                          25-16-S 

TITLE                                   Principal Public Information Assistant

ISSUE DATE                        July 30, 2025

CLOSING DATE                  August 20, 2025           

SALARY                               $73,706.89 - $108,073.49*

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 Principal Public Information Assistant will assist the Communications Bureau Chief in coordinating a wide range of internal and external communications and public outreach activities for the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. This position will also serve as a project manager, overseeing bureau deliverables and supporting strategic communications, agency events, and executive engagements by leading and coordinating advance team operations as needed.

This role requires working in a fast-paced environment and being flexible with operational priorities. 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.

• Plan and track communications tasks and projects, timelines, and deliverables using project management tools; leverage AI to streamline workflows, enhance quality control, accelerate content production, and ensure team coordination.
• Compile and report on communications performance metrics, including web, email, and social media.
• Lead and execute digital strategies across web, email, and social media platforms; manage social media accounts and postings; create and oversee content, including graphics, videos, and photos, and capture event visuals for agency use, media distribution, and archival purposes.
• Provide logistical support, conduct outreach, and prepare briefing materials, speeches, and talking points for external engagements, stakeholder meetings, and executive events; coordinate with internal divisions and bureaus to ensure alignment and readiness.
• Write, edit, and format content, including press releases, media advisories, and newsletters.
• Support event coordination and promotion of agency events.
• Monitor media inquiries and maintain an up-to-date media contact database.
• Maintain records, content calendars, communication plans, and brand documentation.
• Perform other duties, including 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. Seven (7) 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 three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR

3. Possession of a master's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or English; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.

Note: "Professional experience" re