Communications Director (Legislative Senior Aide I), Grade N18, Non-Merit)
Job Description
Please note: The salary range below represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $62,328 to $86,922, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
WHO WE ARE
The office of a Montgomery County Councilmember is looking for an experienced Communications Director (Legislative Senior Aide I) to strengthen connections with residents, the media, and stakeholders. This fast-paced, collaborative role focuses on communication to advance community priorities and build public trust, offering opportunities for growth and hands-on experience.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The ideal candidate is a motivated multimedia communications professional with expertise in social media and a proven ability to develop effective communication strategies independently. They should excel in both written, verbal, and digital communications and thrive in fast-paced environments. Key qualities include responsiveness, flexibility, creativity, strong organizational skills, good judgment, and a passion for storytelling and public impact.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, schedule, and evaluate performance of comprehensive social media campaigns across various platforms, including content creation, graphic design, and website maintenance.
- Effectively manage all aspects of external communication, from strategy development to execution, under tight deadlines, to deliver accurate and timely information for our monthly newsletter.
- Conduct research on legislative topics to draft speeches, compile data, and prepare memos, press releases, and talking points for the Councilmember’s review, ensuring effective communication with the public and media.
- Coordinate media events, press conferences, and other public appearances to amplify community voices and make government more visible, accessible, and responsive.
- Collaborate with other Councilmember staff, county departments, elected officials, nonprofits, and businesses to promote legislative initiatives and meet community needs.
This role offers a dynamic, engaging environment with opportunities to work both in and out of the office, including occasional evenings and weekends.
Experience: One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in journalism, social media, public relations, communications, digital media, public affairs, legislative or policy research, or a related field relevant to local government administration, including demonstrated ability to manage digital platforms, create engaging multimedia content, and communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be submitted.
Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following:
- Managing, developing, and executing data-driven digital strategies using analytics tools across social media, website, and digital platforms to provide accurate and timely information.
- Two to three (2 to 3) years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, social media, public relations, communications, digital media, public affairs, legislative or policy research, or a related field relevant to local government administration.
- Drafting and editing speeches, press releases, and talking points to ensure effective engagement with the public and local media.
- Conducting legislative research, compiling data, and preparing clear, concise, nuanced memos and compelling talking points.
- Proven ability to independently manage a high-volume workload while effectively prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Extensive experience and proficiency with various social media platforms and analytics tools to quickly develop and execute timely, thoughtful, fact-checked information and responses.