What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Division Chief (#12299, Grade 38) position at The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission?
The Montgomery County Planning Department seeks a strategic, dynamic, and creative Communications Division Chief to lead its award-winning Communications Division. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Administration and a member of the Planning Department’s senior management team, the Communications Division Chief plays a crucial role in developing and effectively implementing outreach efforts that, directly and through the media, engage and activate stakeholders in Maryland’s largest and most diverse county. The position supervises a multidisciplinary team of professionals who create communication tools; plan events; launch marketing campaigns; craft articles, press releases, public reports, and presentations; produce videos, manage the website, and design digital and print graphics. The position also oversees consultants who provide additional services, including communications strategic planning, videography, and content writing.
The ideal candidate should have extensive knowledge of and experience with public sector communications, including media relations, social media, and crisis communications; marketing and branding; engaging diverse audiences; innovative communications and marketing tactics and technology; developing communications strategies and messaging that can be tailored to address a variety of internal and external audiences’ needs; and supervising and motivating staff.
- Lead the Communications Division’s work program and operations to perform complex and varied professional communications and marketing work, including overseeing the development of all Planning Department communications and outreach plans to support planning initiatives, campaigns, and high-profile projects.
- Serve as the internal communications expert and authority for branding, communications, and outreach decisions throughout the communications planning and implementation processes for initiatives.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive and cohesive brand for the Planning Department to build awareness and recognition of its role and value. Ensure that brand standards are in place and maintained.
- Oversee the development and cultivation of positive media relationships and coordination of departmental media relations activities.
- Compile content, develop messaging, respond to media requests, and prepare leadership and staff for media interviews.
- Serve as an advisor to the senior management team and the Planning Board, providing direction and coordination of strategic communications activities.
- Represent the Planning Board and Montgomery Planning with media and other stakeholders on high-profile work, including potential crisis situations.
- Advise and collaborate with staff performing area master planning and countywide planning to develop and implement communications materials and community outreach and engagement strategies.
- Oversee the production of internal and external multimedia communications materials, including presentations and videos to the Planning Board, Montgomery County Council and Montgomery County Delegation of the State General Assembly.
- Develop ongoing relationships with county government public affairs staff and maintain awareness of regional planning initiatives or topics that could impact or inform the work.
- Manage the Communication Division’s budget, vendors, and contractors.
- Lead, train, and coach a diverse team of professional staff. Manage the division’s human resource needs, conduct performance management, provide ongoing guidance to staff, and promote career development training and professional/technical skills enhancement for individuals and the team.
- Work on special projects as assigned. These initiatives could involve committees and other collaborative efforts with other M-NCPPC departments, Montgomery County agencies, regional organizations, and other stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related subjects.
- Familiarity with urban and land use planning and significant experience working for or consulting with local, county, or state government.
- Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, English, Political Science, Marketing or any related subject.
- Eight (8) years of varied and highly responsible experience in journalism, communications, public relations, political science, or marketing that includes two (2) years of supervisory experience.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total twelve (12) years.
- Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of their position.
About Us
The Montgomery County Planning Department is part of The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). For nearly 100 years, M-NCPPC has enjoyed a national reputation for excellence in planning and, today, serves the culturally diverse populations of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties on the border of Washington, D.C. Montgomery Planning provides countywide planning functions, including long-range planning as well as reviews of development applications in a diverse built environment of downtown urban districts, suburban communities, and agricultural areas. Montgomery Planning has pioneered nationally modeled programs in agricultural preservation, inclusionary housing, and transit-oriented design. Montgomery County is evolving quickly as a model of new suburbanism, shifting away from traditional suburban greenfield development to a greater emphasis on infill redevelopment and urbanizing areas around transit and key corridors. The links between mobility, land use, and the jobs/housing balance will be crucial in determining the county’s future sustainability.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus (external candidates only).
M-NCPPC provides a robust and highly competitive benefits program, generous leave plans, an employee pension plan, and a deferred compensation plan. Positions may qualify for public service student loan forgiveness. Montgomery Planning is conveniently located minutes from Washington, DC in downtown Wheaton, MD next to the Wheaton Metro Station, several bus lines, and bikeshare. A commuter stipend is available. Telework opportunities (up to two days a week) and tuition assistance are also available.
Diversity Statement
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.
May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act
If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of application at
Salary : $116,505 - $206,340
