Department

Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Division

Project/Program Management

Salary

$63,500.00 - $73,601.00

Job Profile

JC-00527600 - COORD COMM DEAF&HARD OF HEARING (Non-Union Executive Branch Agency Employees)

Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing, research, and presentations, including reports, training materials, and public-facing content.
• Proficiency with digital tools and technologies to support program administration, communication, data tracking, and accessible multimedia.
• Strong organizational, project management, and analytical skills, with the ability to plan, implement, evaluate, and adapt multiple projects or programs.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community members, state and local agencies, and public officials.
• Experience developing and delivering presentations, trainings, or workshops for diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of accessible multimedia practices, including video production, captioning, transcription, and visual communication strategies, and the ability to guide agencies on implementing best practices across platforms, including live streaming, social media, and emergency messaging.
• Familiarity with grant development, resource development, and data-informed decision-making is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Related to Serving Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, and Deaf-Blind Communities

• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and communicate with individuals across the spectrum of hearing and communication experiences.
• Knowledge of the cultural, linguistic, and access needs of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, and Deaf-Blind individuals, including those with additional disabilities.
• Understanding of communication access services and strategies, including but not limited to interpreters, Deaf Interpreters (CDIs), CART, and emerging technologies.
• Familiarity with assistive technologies and communication tools that support access (e.g., alerting systems, amplification, visual communication tools).
• Working knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations related to communication access, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Federal Communications Commission regulations, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language is preferred; a willingness to learn and develop ASL skills is required.

Required Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience in program coordination, project management, training, outreach, or a related field.
• Familiarity with government systems, public service structures, or community-based programs is desirable.
• Experience working with or within emergency management, public safety, healthcare systems, or related sectors is desirable but not required.
• Lived experience within Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, or Deaf-Blind communities is highly valued.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Job Requisition Number

JR103660 COORDINATOR COMMISSION ON THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING (Open)

Pay Grade

U00823 A

Classification

COORD COMM DEAF&HARD OF HEARING (Non-Union Executive Branch Agency Employees)

Class Definition

No job description available.

Supplemental Information

Definition of Position

The Emergency and Public Communication Access Program (EPCAP) is a core initiative of the Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RICDHH). The Coordinator of EPCAP is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and ongoing advancement of strategies that ensure equitable and effective communication access in emergency management systems and public services across Rhode Island.
This position provides statewide coordination and serves as a key liaison among federal, state, and local agencies, community-based organizations, and stakeholders. The Coordinator promotes the integration of accessible communication practices, emerging technologies, and inclusive policies that address the needs of individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and deaf-blind.
The Coordinator operates with a high degree of independence and initiative, while aligning program activities with RICDHH priorities, state and federal requirements, and evolving best practices. Responsibilities may evolve over time in response to emerging needs, technologies, and opportunities.
The Coordinator reports to the Executive Director.

Core Responsibilities
I. Program Leadership and Administration
• Lead the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of EPCAP initiatives and activities.
• Develop and manage annual and multi-year program plans aligned with strategic priorities and available funding.
• Conduct ongoing research and environmental scanning on emergency communication systems, policies, technologies, and best practices.
• Establish and maintain program policies, procedures, and guidelines, including facilitating public input as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain data collection, reporting, and performance measurement systems to assess program impact.
• Coordinate with advisory bodies and stakeholders to inform program direction and continuous improvement.
• Maintain and analyze monthly and annual data related to EPCAP activities, including trainings and outreach, to support reporting, evaluation, and program improvement.

II. Project Development and Implementation
• Design, coordinate, and oversee projects that advance accessible emergency and public communication systems.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, budgets, and partnerships to ensure successful implementation.
• Identify and engage subject matter experts, vendors, and partners as needed.
• Monitor and adapt project scope and activities in response to changing conditions and emerging opportunities.


III. Stakeholder Engagement and Systems Coordination
• Serve as a liaison to emergency service providers, government agencies, and community organizations to advance communication access.
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships to support systems-level change and improved accessibility.
• Provide consultation and technical assistance on communication access, assistive technologies, and compliance with applicable laws and standards.
• Share timely updates, resources, and guidance with stakeholders and the community.

IV. Outreach, Education, and Training
• Develop and deliver training, presentations, and educational resources on effective communication access in emergency and public service contexts.
• Coordinate outreach initiatives that promote awareness and adoption of accessible practices.
• Ensure all materials and communications incorporate accessible formats, including ASL, captioning, and plain language.
• Gather and incorporate feedback to continuously improve training and outreach efforts.
• Represent RICDHH in meetings, committees, conferences, and public forums as appropriate.

V. Policy and Advocacy
• Promote and support the development of policies, procedures, and protocols that improve communication access across systems.
• Advocate for the inclusion of accessible communication practices in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
• Monitor and interpret relevant federal and state laws, regulations, and guidance.

VI. Resource Development and Grant Support
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities from federal, state, and private sources.
• Contribute to the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals and reports.
• Support program sustainability through strategic resource development efforts.

VII. Other Duties
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director, consistent with the goals and scope of the program.

Benefits

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
 

Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.