Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week
A vacancy exists in the Department of Public Works and Transportation, General Administration.
Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.
A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.
Current and future vacancies occurring in this classification may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.
All interested candidates must apply at this time.
List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.
NOTE: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered.

Examples of Duties

Definition of Responsibility
Under general supervision of the Director of the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT), prepares information for public release; assists County agencies in developing and implementing public relations, presentations, and standardization of agency-wide information programs within the department. Responsible for initiating, planning, developing, maintaining, evaluating, implementing, and coordinating department-wide public information programs, services, programs, projects and activities, disseminating information to the public through various information channels.
Examples of Essential Duties

• Supervises public information staff engaged in public information and engagement programs agency wide, to create an agency public information strategy.
• Researches, prepares, and writes news releases, official statements, and other materials for public release describing the programs and objectives of DPWT.
• Develops internal and community relations publicity campaigns designed to provide the public with accurate and timely information about the department, its programs and people.
• Develops content for various communication channels, including websites and social media platforms.
• Drafts newsletters, brochures, articles, speeches and talking points for department executives; oversees layout, design and translation of materials for printing.
• Provides direct and proactive advice, consultation, and assistance to management regarding public information matters, including direct assistance in researching, providing information to the public and developing messages.
• Writes social media posts and creates basic social media graphics and media releases regarding departmental activities, services, programs, and functions.
• Prepares pamphlets and brochures for distribution.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with communications staff at other agencies, both public and private, and media representatives.
• Responds promptly to media inquiries and directs questions to appropriate staff.
• Arranges press conferences and notifies media representatives of newsworthy events, programs and initiatives.
• Coordinates external communications channels, including social media and website, preparing written and visual contents such as web articles, brochures, newsletters, and reports for distribution to the various communication channels.
• Coordinates videography and photography; researches departmental projects for proactive media outreach (story pitches).
• Analyzes and evaluates data to make appropriate communications recommendations for management.
• Coordinates and oversees a wide variety of information and communication activities for the department such as press conferences, media events, outreach events, and related activities.
• Evaluates effectiveness of communications programs and implements changes.
• Serves as liaison between the department and media representatives and develops effective relationships with media outlets.
• Monitors and tracks issues affecting the department and informs management accordingly.
• Works with department representatives to develop internal communications such as annual report, annual budget, mission and vision, and other critical documents.
• Serves as an information conduit to Council staff and alerts the Director of inquiries regarding controversial or high-profile issues involving the department.
• Facilitates the accurate and full coverage of agency issues by the news media.
• Prepares, edits and supervises the preparation of communication materials on matters such as policy issues, special events and departmental services and programs in response to current events and news worthy issues.
• Provides opportunities to generate accurate media coverage to highlight departmental activities to the public.
• Participates in responding to newsworthy events and media inquiries, including emergency and crisis communications.
• Develops and maintains internal communication projects; assesses effectiveness of digital content using online metrics.
• Maintains departmental website’s public information content.
• Manages a photo archive of key word-searchable photos as needed.
• Assists in creating public relations strategies as needed; responds to emergencies, newsworthy events, and media inquiries as needed.
• Develops and executes presentations to community groups as needed.
• Coordinates agency contacts with the media. Makes speeches and presentations before groups.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in journalism, English, mass communications, journalism, marketing, public relations or a closely related field
plus
four years of experience in journalism, creative writing, public relations, marketing, communications or closely related field.
Additional experience in the areas listed above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required education. Education in one of the fields listed above beyond a bachelor's degree may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience up to a maximum of two years.)
Knowledge:

• Knowledge of advanced principles of public relations and communications.
• Knowledge of media relations principles and methods.
• Knowledge of the public information and public relations needs of a government agency, preferably in a Public Works and/or Transportation field.
• Knowledge of effective methods of obtaining adequate publicity for programs and activities.
• Knowledge of marketing principles, techniques, and advertising.
• Knowledge of principles of budgeting, project management, and organization.
• Knowledge of principles of organization and administration.
• Knowledge of methodology and techniques for basic research, surveys, analysis, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of principles of graphic design, photography, video, web, social media, multimedia, and presentation production.
• Knowledge of effective methods of obtaining adequate publicity for programs and activities.

• Skill in planning, developing, organizing, and coordinating public information and public relations programs.
• Skills in public speaking.
• Skill in researching and organizing data.
• Skill in writing original copy and assembling, editing, and rewriting other copy.
• Skill in preparing copy for publication.
• Skill in writing speeches, scripts, and news releases.

• Ability to formulate and accomplish strategic communication goals.
• Ability to present sensitive and/or complex issues, both orally and in writing, to large diverse groups in a persuasive fashion.
• Ability to use personal computers and related applications, and to learn new applications as required by changing technology and procedures.
• Ability to interact with elected and appointed officials, business leaders, regulatory agencies, community groups, employees, and the public.
• Ability to write and edit effectively for a variety of purposes, formats, and audiences.
• Ability to perform a wide scope of complex research, studies, and analytical work.
• Ability to read and interpret laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting the operations, programs, and services.
• Ability to initiate, develop and maintain productive working relationships with a wide variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and vendors.
• Ability to provide a variety of advice and consultation for County management and elected officials.
• Ability to effectively represent the Director in responding to inquiries, assisting, and dealing with public, community organizations, boards, commissions, Council and other government agencies.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to plan and manage special events and promotions.
  Ability to effectively organize and carry out multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to utilize all available media in order to meet the needs of a department.

Conditions of Employment

Employees hired after July 1, 2022 are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification is essentially sedentary with some walking, standing, or other limited physical activity. Some duties entail the operation of office and other equipment requiring manipulative and coordinative skills. Some duties may require traveling between work sites.
Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.

Employment Benefits for Non-Merit or Non-Classified, Part-Time Employees
Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.
Smoke free workplace
All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.
Drug free workplace
Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.
Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.
Health Insurance
In order to qualify for health insurance benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance), part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.
Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:
Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.
Life Insurance
In order to qualify for life insurance benefits, part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.
Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.
Retirement
Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.
Paid Leave
Sick Leave - Monthly sick leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. No maximum on accrual. Accrued balance can be applied toward service credit at retirement.
Vacation Leave - Monthly vacation leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. Earnings increase after five, ten and fifteen years of service generally.
Holidays - Part-time 30 to 39 hour non-merit or non-classified employees will generally be paid for ten holidays per calendar year. Other part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees working 29 hours per week or less will receive two paid holidays per calendar year. These holidays are the Christmas holiday and the Independence Day holiday.
Bereavement Leave
Jury Leave
Military Leave
Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.
Direct Deposit
Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.
Deferred Compensation
Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.