Communications Manager

“The people must know before they can act.”

Ida B. Wells-Barnett, 1892 If you are driven to help people understand so they can act, this job is for you The Office of Communications and Public Engagement needs a strong communicator to help tell the stories of Frederick County Government. Our team creates a wide range of content to fulfill our core mission: to engage and inform the people we serve. This position manages and creates outreach, marketing and communication strategies for the County Executive’s Office, and supports colleagues in other divisions. The position develops content for a full range of platforms, conducts outreach within the community, handles media inquiries, and works closely with our video production team. Supervision is received from the Director of Communications and Public Engagement.

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; full benefits

This professional position manages and creates outreach, marketing and communication strategies for the Communications and Public Engagement Office under the County Executive’s Office.

This position provides comprehensive communications support and guidance to divisions within Frederick County Government. As a member of the Office of Communications and Public Engagement, this position manages social media accounts, develops content for a full range of platforms, conducts outreach within the community, and works closely with the video production team. Supervision is received from the Director of Communications and Public Engagement.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.

If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE: Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover 11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D benefit Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Vesting after 5 years of service (effective 7/1/2024) Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.

Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, etc. For more information, visit our

benefits

page on the Frederick County Government

job opportunities webpage

.

Prepare and distribute news releases and media advisories for the County Executive and other divisions; develop communications, outreach and promotion materials to convey complex and sensitive information on controversial issues Develop and lead content creation, brand management, and delivery of strategic messaging in line with the Office of Communications and Public Engagement Coordinate the review and approval of press releases from other divisions; as needed, review, offer suggestions and guidelines on messaging Create graphics and draft text for social media posts Create and manage the media calendar by coordinating press releases and messaging with other divisions Research, analyze and summarize complex information for speeches; write sensitive speeches and prepare talking points for County leadership Review social media posts and responses; ensuring responses are timely and engaging; make recommendations to other divisions on responding to constituents Coordinate special communications and quotes from the County Executive for other divisions Analyze and review county communications to confirm no errors in reporting; if error found, update as appropriate Review and update branding guidelines for Frederick County Government Prepare and develop the County Executive’s monthly column and newsletters for various audiences Coordinate with members of the media; pitch stories about County programs and initiatives; direct reporters to appropriate sources within Frederick County Government Serve as a public information contact during times of crisis and, when necessary, support the Emergency Operations and its Joint Information Center Plan, manage and executive special or assigned events, such as ground breakings, receptions, and ribbon cuttings Evaluate and track analytics for all marketing initiatives (website, referral sources, print ads, YouTube, etc.) Coordinate and lead meetings of PIOs from County and partnering agencies; manage agenda of PIO meetings, present various topics, and schedule speakers Draft and edit articles, success stories, press releases, etc.; designprint or online marketing collateral using appropriate online or print tools Perform photography duties using SLR camera and cell phone; edit images and archive for future projects Respond to media inquiries on behalf of the County Represent the County at occasional meetings and conferences; provide reports on information and action items discussed Represent the County at occasional outreach events in the community Drive County vehicle to meetings and outreach events as needed Perform other duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Bachelor’s degree Minimum 5 years of communications, marketing or public relations work experience which must include experience writing press releases Intermediate skills in MS Office Suite Possession of a valid automobile operator's license NOTE: Additional related work experience may reduce the education requirements; additional related education may reduce the work experience requirements

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook Proficiency in graphics software, such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suites Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of public relations writing and media relations, marketing and graphic arts Considerable knowledge of the resources and services provided by, and the organization of, Frederick County Government divisions Considerable knowledge of current communications technologies appropriate for the dissemination of information; graphic arts; and video and television, radio and publication related standards, social media, tools and techniques Ability to manage strategies to inform all county activities to residents, media, business and others Ability to produce informative and interesting new releases, special articles, reports and other materials Ability to work independently, and complete assigned duties on deadline with minimal supervision Ability to solve problems and to develop solutions and strategies Ability to effectively multitask and to organize work, establish priorities, make decisions, and complete assigned duties with minimum supervision Ability to effectively access and utilize computerized systems and the internet Considerable knowledge of computer applications including word processing, graphic design, spreadsheets, databases, geographic information systems, and presentation software Extensive knowledge of Associated Press style guidelines and the ability to write concisely using simple language Willingness to learn new techniques and platforms, research if necessary, and troubleshoot Ability to identify and navigate politically sensitive issues in communications Competence in managing social media accounts and engaging constituents effectively Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, elected officials, other governmental agencies and personnel, media representatives and members of the public Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication, including the ability to summarize complex information in written form and to speak effectively before groups while maintaining consistent messaging

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

Degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business or related field Experience using CivicPlus or similar website content management system Experience using digital editing software for graphics, text, video and/or photography

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit and perform repetitive motions; frequently walk, and occasionally drive While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors and occasionally work outdoors

Ability for varied working hours/days when needed for evening meetings and emergency situations

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include): An evaluation of training and experience One or more interviews A skills test

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