DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS (GOV.REP. 1)

BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES

NOTICE OF VACANCY

POSTING: 07 – 2026

OPENING DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2026

CLOSING DATE: FEBRUARY 13, 2026

TITLE: DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS (GOV.REP. 1)

WORKWEEK: 35 HOURS (NL)

EXISTING VACANCIES: 1

SALARY: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00

DIVISION/OFFICE: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

OPEN TO: GENERAL PUBLIC
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is seeking a Deputy Director to join our Communications Division.

As the state’s utility regulator and lead agency implementing Governor Murphy’s Clean Energy agenda, we are looking for a dynamic individual skilled in writing and media relations, with social media experience.

An ideal candidate is a visionary who works well as part of a team and is motivated by the fast pace of government and the opportunity to implement progressive clean energy and climate change policies.

The Deputy Director will report to the Director of Communications providing writing, editing, project management and supervisory support.

The Deputy Director works closely with NJBPU leadership to promote the agency’s mission, policy priorities, and accomplishments, particularly the state’s leading role when it comes to developing and implementing clean energy.

WORK RESPONSIBILITIES
Contribute to the development and implementation of NJBPU’s communications strategy, including editorial calendar; Work closely with Division Directors and Senior Staff to design strategic communications around priority issues and Board decisions; manage projects assigned to the Communications Division, such as public awareness campaigns, development of publications, and marketing initiatives.

Draft and edit talking points and remarks for BPU President, Commissioners and Senior Staff; Support the BPU’s Public Information Officer with media relations; Research, identify and complete award applications; Manage constituent correspondence from BPU President; Draft, edit and distribute press releases; Develop Social Media strategies, messaging and support, as needed; and Assist Director with additional duties including but not limited to supervision of Division staff.

REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.

EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years’ experience in government, communications or public affairs in a public or private entity.

Demonstrated managerial skills, including such factors as interpersonal skills, decision-making, problem analysis and creative thinking, administrative judgment, delegation, managerial or financial control, interdepartmental cooperation/liaison, development of subordinates and organizational awareness are required. Good communication skills and leadership skills are necessary.

NOTE: We value inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. Candidates with relevant undergraduate or professional experience are encouraged to apply, as are candidates who have shown a strong commitment to remedying the historical under-representation of people of color in energy through their work promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity as well as through their own lived experiences.

RESUME NOTE: Eligibility determination will be based upon information presented on the resume and/or education documents provided. Applicants who possess foreign degrees (degrees earned outside of the U.S.) are required to provide an evaluation indicating the U.S. equivalency prior to the closing date. Failure to do so may result in your ineligibility.

GENERAL INFORMATION
BENEFITS: The State of New Jersey offers a variety of employee benefits statewide, including:
• Health and Dental Benefit Plans
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Vision Care Reimbursement
• Deferred Compensation
• 12 Vacation Days, 15 Sick Days, 3 Administrative Leave Days
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Telework available for some positions* (Pursuant to the BPU’s policy, procedures, and/or guidelines.)
• Flexible and Health Savings Accounts
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness
• Paid Leave for Military Training

HOURS OF WORK: The hours of work for this position are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All No Limit (NL) titles will be required to perform work beyond the stated hours of work as needed, in compliance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and laws.

STATE AS A MODEL EMPLOYER (SAME) APPLICANTS If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above.

The SAME program allows candidates, who identify as having a significant disability, to apply for non-competitive and unclassified positions through a fast track hiring process. For more information about the SAME program and the Fast Track Hiring program, please click
here https://www.nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml if you have any questions, please email, or call the contact as indicated on the job vacancy announcement.

TELEWORK: This position may be eligible to participate in the Department's pilot Telework Program/Policy, which offers eligible employees the opportunity to work remotely up to two (2) days per week, if approved by Management per operational needs, subject to all requirements of the Department’s Telework Program/Policy.

For questions regarding Telework eligibility, please ask during the interview process if selected for an interview.

WORK AUTHORIZATION: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification forms upon hire.

Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States according to the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship, and Immigration Services Regulations. The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorships for citizenships or Visas to the United States.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: The “New Jersey First Act,” N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70) effective September 1, 2011, contains new residency requirements for public officers and employees, unless exempted under the law.

Current, new, or prospective employees should be aware of the following: Effective September 1, 2011, all employees of State and local government must reside in the State of New Jersey, unless exempted under the law.

If you already work for the State or local government as of September 1, 2011, and you do not live in New Jersey, you are not required to move to New Jersey.

However, if you begin your office, position or employment on September 1, 2011, or later, you must reside in New Jersey.

If you do not reside in New Jersey, you have one year after the date you take your office, position, or employment to relocate your residence to New Jersey. If you do not do so, you are subject to removal from your office, position, or employment. For more information, visit: https://www.nj.gov/labor/research-info/njfirst.shtml

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Submissions must be received in time to the email address listed below to be considered.

Failure to submit all required documents may result in an ineligibility determination. Interviews will be granted based on the resume.

If you are qualified, please submit the documents listed below by 5:00 pm on the closing date of this vacancy:
• Cover letter/letter of interest indicating the posting number
• A current resume
• Proof of degree (a copy of your final official/unofficial transcripts and/or foreign degree evaluation)
• Writing Sample
• A complete State of NJ Employment Application and Personal Relationships Disclosure Form

All documents must be submitted via email at humanresources@bpu.nj.gov (Subject line must include the specific job posting number).

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is an Equal Opportunity Employer.