What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Program Specialist - Communications and Media Relations position at Calvert County, MD?
JOB
The Communications & Media Relations Department is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Communications Program Specialist to work with our communications team and assist in developing, writing, and executing Calvert County’s public information and communication strategies. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, be a skilled writer/editor, and have a working knowledge of public information programs that effectively engage the community and promote transparency.As a skilled writer, you will draft compelling narratives, create newsletters, amplify key messages and assist with public outreach initiatives across various platforms. You’ll work closely with media outlets to enhance public awareness and foster strong community relationships.If you’re passionate about public service, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.Performs marketing and communications work in promoting the County. Work focus is essentially on analyzing customer requirements, developing messaging architecture and competitive positioning, communicating project development, and driving the creative development process. Strong organizational and project management skills are essential to ensure appropriate target marketing. Work is performed under technical supervision.Essential Job FunctionsManages advertising and marketing programs including lead development, prospect contact and follow-up, advertising development and placement, and budgetary requirements.Develops, implements, and coordinates specific marketing programs consistent with the customer’s targets and annual plan.Develops and implements a public relations program emphasizing the placement of favorable articles in various media outlets and focusing on developing working relationships with the regional press.Researches industry trends, branding and public relations; conducts ongoing market research to identify targets for attraction.Develops marketing materials including advertising, brochures, electronic newsletters, etc.Monitors county government advertising budgets for budget efficiencies and tracks return on investment.Coordinates the development and management of databases necessary to Communications and Media Relations efforts.Performs general administrative duties such as preparing purchase orders and reports to supervisor and County Commissioners.Serves as a member of the county’s Public Information team that provides support to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergency situations.Other DutiesAttends meetings for professional development and as a member of various organizations to which the Department of Communications and Media Relations is a member. Performs related work as required.Knowledges, Abilities and Skills (These are pre-employment KASs that apply only to Essential Job Functions.)Knowledge of--Principles and practices of marketing and communications as applied to the needs of the County.Principles and practices of marketing materials and target marketing.Ability to--Create effective communication materials for use in county programs.Communicate effectively with industry representatives, other governmental officials, and others encountered in the work.Develop, maintain, and manipulate databases.Deal effectively with the public.Required Qualifications (Note: Any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the above knowledges, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.)Training and/or Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.Experience: Four years of progressively responsible experience in the field of communications, public relations, marketing, or English.Licenses or Certificates: Valid driver’s license.Special Requirements: Operation of a County owned vehicle.Physical Demands: Lifting up to 50 pounds for boxes of brochures and supplies.Operation of keyboard devices for sustained periods.Unusual Demands: Work is subject to frequent interruptions.As part of the Public Information team, subject to call back in case of emergencies and weather events.FLSA Status: ExemptCompensation Steps: Position closing date: March 13, 2025Pay rate: $37.83 - $43.42 per hour, $68,851 - 79,024 annuallyGrade 724, 35 hours per weekDepartment of Communications & Media Relations, this position is telework eligibleThis position allows for telework, meaning the employee may be able to work from home or another offsite location for part of the workweek, but they are still required to come into the office regularly. This arrangement is at the supervisor's discretion and may change based on business needs.Calvert County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include: 15 days of sick leave10 days of annual leave5 days of personal leave13 paid holidays *14 in an election yearDefined Contribution Plan457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan35-Hour workweekMedical, dental, and vision coverageFlexible spending accountsUp to 80% tuition reimbursementGym membership discountsPlease Note: A complete application is required to be considered for a position within Calvert County Government. All prior work experience, education, and other certifications should be entered into the application and supplemental questions should be answered completely. Attachments are not provided to hiring managers unless you are selected for an interview.Accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities upon reasonable notice. County application required.
The Communications & Media Relations Department is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Communications Program Specialist to work with our communications team and assist in developing, writing, and executing Calvert County’s public information and communication strategies. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, be a skilled writer/editor, and have a working knowledge of public information programs that effectively engage the community and promote transparency.As a skilled writer, you will draft compelling narratives, create newsletters, amplify key messages and assist with public outreach initiatives across various platforms. You’ll work closely with media outlets to enhance public awareness and foster strong community relationships.If you’re passionate about public service, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.Performs marketing and communications work in promoting the County. Work focus is essentially on analyzing customer requirements, developing messaging architecture and competitive positioning, communicating project development, and driving the creative development process. Strong organizational and project management skills are essential to ensure appropriate target marketing. Work is performed under technical supervision.Essential Job FunctionsManages advertising and marketing programs including lead development, prospect contact and follow-up, advertising development and placement, and budgetary requirements.Develops, implements, and coordinates specific marketing programs consistent with the customer’s targets and annual plan.Develops and implements a public relations program emphasizing the placement of favorable articles in various media outlets and focusing on developing working relationships with the regional press.Researches industry trends, branding and public relations; conducts ongoing market research to identify targets for attraction.Develops marketing materials including advertising, brochures, electronic newsletters, etc.Monitors county government advertising budgets for budget efficiencies and tracks return on investment.Coordinates the development and management of databases necessary to Communications and Media Relations efforts.Performs general administrative duties such as preparing purchase orders and reports to supervisor and County Commissioners.Serves as a member of the county’s Public Information team that provides support to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergency situations.Other DutiesAttends meetings for professional development and as a member of various organizations to which the Department of Communications and Media Relations is a member. Performs related work as required.Knowledges, Abilities and Skills (These are pre-employment KASs that apply only to Essential Job Functions.)Knowledge of--Principles and practices of marketing and communications as applied to the needs of the County.Principles and practices of marketing materials and target marketing.Ability to--Create effective communication materials for use in county programs.Communicate effectively with industry representatives, other governmental officials, and others encountered in the work.Develop, maintain, and manipulate databases.Deal effectively with the public.Required Qualifications (Note: Any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the above knowledges, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.)Training and/or Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.Experience: Four years of progressively responsible experience in the field of communications, public relations, marketing, or English.Licenses or Certificates: Valid driver’s license.Special Requirements: Operation of a County owned vehicle.Physical Demands: Lifting up to 50 pounds for boxes of brochures and supplies.Operation of keyboard devices for sustained periods.Unusual Demands: Work is subject to frequent interruptions.As part of the Public Information team, subject to call back in case of emergencies and weather events.FLSA Status: ExemptCompensation Steps: Position closing date: March 13, 2025Pay rate: $37.83 - $43.42 per hour, $68,851 - 79,024 annuallyGrade 724, 35 hours per weekDepartment of Communications & Media Relations, this position is telework eligibleThis position allows for telework, meaning the employee may be able to work from home or another offsite location for part of the workweek, but they are still required to come into the office regularly. This arrangement is at the supervisor's discretion and may change based on business needs.Calvert County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include: 15 days of sick leave10 days of annual leave5 days of personal leave13 paid holidays *14 in an election yearDefined Contribution Plan457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan35-Hour workweekMedical, dental, and vision coverageFlexible spending accountsUp to 80% tuition reimbursementGym membership discountsPlease Note: A complete application is required to be considered for a position within Calvert County Government. All prior work experience, education, and other certifications should be entered into the application and supplemental questions should be answered completely. Attachments are not provided to hiring managers unless you are selected for an interview.Accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities upon reasonable notice. County application required.
Salary : $38 - $43
