Job Specification Details

The Outreach and Financial Literacy Director is responsible for the development, assessment, management, and delivery of all Treasury outreach and financial literacy programming to Vermont citizens. The position is integral to the Vermont State Treasurer's commitment to increase economic opportunities and retirement savings for Vermonters through financial education opportunities for all ages and income groups. The Director will provide services directly through various initiatives sponsored by the State Treasurer's Office and through collaborative efforts with public and private and non-profit organizations. In addition, the Director will be responsible for planning, developing, and directing a comprehensive outreach program, including education, public relations and media relations for all Treasury functions. Work is performed under the general direction of the State Treasurer and the Deputy State Treasurer.

Provides advisory guidance and leadership for the overall creation and implementation of Treasury outreach and financial literacy projects. Serves as a staff advisor to the Treasurer on a broad range of public inquiries and issues. Provides ongoing formal and informal information assessment and analyses within and between internal and external stakeholder groups. Convenes, coordinates and facilitates federal governmental, state governmental and external stakeholder wide project teams and groups. Organizes, supervises and administers special projects including research and report writing. Design, recommend, implement and manage activities including public relations and communication plans to support strategic Treasury objectives. These include assistance to outreach efforts of the Unclaimed Property and Retirement Divisions of the State Treasurer's Office and financial literacy efforts. Examples include advertising campaigns for unclaimed property in an effort to re-unite more Vermonters with their lost financial assets; and assisting retirement counselors in providing seminars to the members of the state, teachers', and municipal retirement systems. Serves as the Web manager and oversees all Treasury social media and mass communication channels including publishing memos and press releases. In consultation with the Treasurer, handle all public information and media inquiries. Coordinate and direct various Treasury financial literacy programs and retirement savings initiatives, including the development of financial education materials for local schools. Develop a series of free brochures and training materials on a variety of personal finance topics including saving and wealth building, credit establishment and repair, banking, managing money, bankruptcy, scams, and school age financial topics. Develop educational seminars and training programs from basic to advanced financial literacy to various populations (elderly, women's groups, and school age population) including low-income and underserved groups. This includes presenting and teaching, preparing curriculum and materials, and managing of logistics. Establish partnerships with private business, state agencies, and financial institutions and not-for-profit organizations in order to promote and develop programs to help low and moderate-income borrowers avoid predatory lending practices, and to educate vulnerable populations about various financial scams. Participate in policy formation and legislative initiatives. Conduct special studies and projects for the department and direct task forces and other groups as assigned. Prepare reports and position papers. Monitor program progress with regard to achievement of program outputs and outcomes. Organize and conduct participant evaluations. Performs related duties as assigned.

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting, including the Vermont Sate House, with occasional travel to a variety of meetings, for which private means of transportation must be available. Work outside of normal office hours may be required, including evenings and weekends.

Knowledge of administrative and management practices and procedures.

Knowledge of strategic planning and the ability to conceptualize creative solutions to complex problems.

Strong knowledge of state government.

Ability to manage staff and act as a spokesperson and leader of the Treasurer's Office

Ability to research a particular projects, identify relevant data and draw appropriate conclusions.

Ability to develop outreach programs suitable to a variety of public groups and constituencies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels within the Treasurer's Office and with interested outside agencies and organizations and the media.

Very strong communication skills, both orally and in writing.

Demonstrated computer skills and ability to maintain databases.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Highly organized and able to manage multiple ongoing projects and to work independently.

Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations.

Proficiency in preparing and creating materials in a desktop publishing environment

Working knowledge of audio-visual production and computerized communications techniques.

Master's degree or higher in public administration, political science, finance, education, marketing, communication, journalism, public relations or a closely related field AND (1) year or more of experience at a professional level developing and directing programs, advocacy public relations, and/or communications.

OR

Bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, finance, education, marketing, communication, journalism, public relations or a closely related field AND three (3) years or more of experience at a professional level developing and directing programs, advocacy public relations, and/or communications.

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