Communications Manager - Non-Merit

Full Job Description

Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Fire Department/Public Information Office.

Non-merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring within this classification may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

Requirements

DEFINITION OF RESPONSIBILITY

Reporting to the Bureau Chief, of the Fire Public Information Office, the Communications Manager assists with public communications through social media, events, community meetings, and ad campaigns.

While supervising others in the communications team, the Communications Manager helps determine appropriate messaging to achieve Bureau's goals.

Works with the Chief of Public Information to standardize Bureau-wide communications. Writes, designs, edits, and monitors social media content.

Contributes to the Bureau's non-social communications, through drafting and editing of press releases, newsletter articles, blog posts, memos, etc.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Supervises public information specialists and oversees public outreach and communication campaigns.
• Works with the department Community Risk Reduction outreach team to lead the development and implementation of effective advertising and public communication programs across all Bureau communications.
• Primarily through written communication and social media, promotes and explains the Fire Departments programs, policies and procedures, with emphasis on fire safety and prevention.
• Prepares analytical reports and analyzes results to determine the effectiveness of outreach strategies and programs.
• Prepares news releases, official statements, scripts, memos, newsletters, blogs, posts, and other written media.
• Manages a team responsible for the Fire Department's Facebook, Instagram, and X (formally Twitter) accounts, including content creation (text, images and videos), and monitoring/responding to comments and questions from the public.
• As needed, represents the Bureau at fairs, festivals, and other public events.
• Researches topics as needed. Performs other related duties as required.
• Performs other related duties as required.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class.

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university;

PLUS

A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in communications, digital marketing, social media or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience, with at least one (1) year of such being at supervisory level.

(Additional qualifying experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required education. Additional education in a field listed above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two years for the required experience.)

Required Skills and Experience:

• Experience leading a public information staff engaged in public information and engagement programs.
• Experience developing a comprehensive public information strategy and brand.
• Experience managing a business or organization's social media presence and platforms.
• Experience in managing employees, delegating and assigning tasks, and balancing workloads.
• Advanced knowledge of digital marketing trends and best practices. Excellent grammar, composition, copy-writing, and proofreading skills.
• Skilled at communicating policies and concepts to a variety of demographics. Excellent organizational skills and superior attention to detail.
• Strong project and time management skills.
• Able to work independently (with general supervision) and as part of a team.
• Supervise others.
• Experience using Meta Business Suite and Hootsuite.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

Skilled in Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or similar design tool.

Licenses, Certifications, and Education:

A driver’s license equivalent to a non-commercial, class C Maryland driver’s license is required at the time of appointment.

Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:

ATTN: Communications Manager

Office of Human Resources

Baltimore County Government

308 Allegheny Ave.

Towson, MD 21204

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Additional Information

Pre-employment Physical Examination and Employment Background Investigation:

Incumbents must be of good moral character and emotionally stable.

Job candidates must successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination, urine drug screen, and employment background investigation, including checks of criminal background, education, and fingerprints.