Communications & Social Media Specialist (PIO I), Grade N21
Job Description
The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $70,556 per year to $88,255 per year, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
WHO WE ARE
The Montgomery County Council is the legislative body for Montgomery County, MD. Montgomery County, which shares a border with Washington, D.C., is one of the largest, most diverse counties in the United States. More than a quarter of its one million residents are foreign-born and speak over 100 languages. As one of the wealthiest counties in the country, it also holds the record for most post-graduate degrees per capita. The Council’s synergy of talent, resources and support makes the Council an ideal employer for individuals who are looking to innovate and work on a diverse range of issues and create blueprints for bold thinking. The County Council’s Communications Office is responsible for managing media relations, creating and disseminating content, and engaging with communities across the County to inform the public about the Council’s work.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Montgomery County Council is seeking a Communications & Social Media Specialist (Public Information Officer) focused on social media and public education campaigns related to public policy, community and government issues in Montgomery County, Maryland.
This is professional communications work in the Council's Communication Office developing, implementing, and evaluating social media strategies and collateral materials; developing public education campaigns about public policy, community, and Council issues; and drafting frequent press releases, digital content, and collateral materials.
- Developing a strategic plan for social media, maintaining and evaluating the Council’s social media sites and providing impactful social media content.
- Drafting social media content to educate the public about the mission, operations, policies, programs, services and messages of the legislative branch of Montgomery County for dissemination to the public or County employees.
- Drafting press releases, remarks, and other collateral communications materials.
- Interpreting public policy issues into easily understandable written and/or graphic formats.
- Working with internal and external teams under tight deadlines to assist with digital media including informational graphics.
- Assisting with organizing media and community outreach events.
- Assisting with special projects as assigned by the Council’s legislative information officer.
Things to note about this position:
- Offsite work may be required
- Weekend or evening hours may be required
- This position requires successful completion of a pre-employment medical evaluation.
Experience: Two (2) years of professional experience in journalism, communications, public relations, social media production, or related field.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
All Applicants will be reviewed by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) for minimum qualifications. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be rated “Qualified,” placed on the Referred List, and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade or higher will be placed on the Referred List as a “Transfer” candidate and may be considered for an interview.
Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following:
- Public Education Efforts: candidates should have a proven track record in developing and implementing high-quality and impactful public education campaigns using social media and collateral resources.
- Social Media: candidates should have experience managing social media accounts, developing strategies to increase engagement, and evaluating performance metrics and emerging trends.
- Social Astuteness: candidates should have experience communicating on behalf of government, nonprofit or private sector leaders that exhibits the ability to accurately understand and respond diplomatically to trends and norms.
- Graphic Skills: applicants should have experience working with others to create visually appealing designs using industry-standard tools.
- Experience drafting press releases, remarks, and other collateral communications materials.
If selected for an interview, applicants will be required to provide writing samples and/or share their portfolio.