Communications Manager
City of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
Summary of Position
The Office of the City Council President, Zeke Cohen, is hiring a Communications Manager to own our digital presence and support earned media work. This role sits at the center of how the office communicates with both the public and the media, from drafting press advisories to producing social posts.
This position reports directly to the Director of Communications and works closely with Council President Cohen and senior legislative staff. The right candidate will bring innovative ideas, strong instincts, and initiative to execute.
Essential Functions Digital & Social Media
Own the office's social media presence across platforms, from strategy and content calendar to day‑of execution and real‑time response.
Write and produce content that connects policy work to the people it affects, making complex legislation legible and compelling to a general audience.
Collaborate with staff photographer to shoot and edit short‑form video content, with an eye for what actually performs and informs the public.
Develop and maintain a consistent visual and editorial voice across platforms that reflects the Office of the Council President's priorities.
Media Relations
Draft press releases, statements, and media advisories and help shape the office's proactive media strategy.
Build and maintain relationships with Baltimore's press corps.
Support rapid response when stories break, advising on messaging and timing.
Adapt quickly when priorities shift without losing sight of the longer‑term communications strategy.
Cross‑functional
Partner with legislative staff to translate bill language and policy priorities into public‑facing narratives.
Prepare office staff for media appearances, interviews, and public events.
Collaborate across teams and navigate competing priorities that arise when turning internal work into external‑facing content.
Education and Experience Requirements Associate’s degree.
Experience Five (5) years of experience in communications, journalism, political campaigns, or a closely related field. Performing complex analytical support for an operational, technical, or administrative function is required.
Equivalency An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
You may be a good fit if you:
Have five (5) years of experience in communications, journalism, political communications, or a closely related field.
Know how to write for social and write for press, and understand that these distinct styles are not the same thing.
Can move between strategic thinking and tactical execution without losing quality on either end.
Are comfortable with the pace of a legislative office during session and the discipline required to keep up with a high‑volume news environment.
Are a strong writer, full stop.
Strong candidates may also have:
Experience in government, elected office, or political campaigns.
Background in multimedia content creation.
Familiarity with Baltimore’s political, policy, and media landscape.
Additional Information Background Check Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening and must be successfully completed.
Probation All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6‑month mandatory probation.
Financial Disclosure This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7‑7, 7‑8, and 7‑9 of the City Ethics Law.
Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
Baltimore City is an Equal Opportunity Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr
This position reports directly to the Director of Communications and works closely with Council President Cohen and senior legislative staff. The right candidate will bring innovative ideas, strong instincts, and initiative to execute.
Essential Functions Digital & Social Media
Own the office's social media presence across platforms, from strategy and content calendar to day‑of execution and real‑time response.
Write and produce content that connects policy work to the people it affects, making complex legislation legible and compelling to a general audience.
Collaborate with staff photographer to shoot and edit short‑form video content, with an eye for what actually performs and informs the public.
Develop and maintain a consistent visual and editorial voice across platforms that reflects the Office of the Council President's priorities.
Media Relations
Draft press releases, statements, and media advisories and help shape the office's proactive media strategy.
Build and maintain relationships with Baltimore's press corps.
Support rapid response when stories break, advising on messaging and timing.
Adapt quickly when priorities shift without losing sight of the longer‑term communications strategy.
Cross‑functional
Partner with legislative staff to translate bill language and policy priorities into public‑facing narratives.
Prepare office staff for media appearances, interviews, and public events.
Collaborate across teams and navigate competing priorities that arise when turning internal work into external‑facing content.
Education and Experience Requirements Associate’s degree.
Experience Five (5) years of experience in communications, journalism, political campaigns, or a closely related field. Performing complex analytical support for an operational, technical, or administrative function is required.
Equivalency An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
You may be a good fit if you:
Have five (5) years of experience in communications, journalism, political communications, or a closely related field.
Know how to write for social and write for press, and understand that these distinct styles are not the same thing.
Can move between strategic thinking and tactical execution without losing quality on either end.
Are comfortable with the pace of a legislative office during session and the discipline required to keep up with a high‑volume news environment.
Are a strong writer, full stop.
Strong candidates may also have:
Experience in government, elected office, or political campaigns.
Background in multimedia content creation.
Familiarity with Baltimore’s political, policy, and media landscape.
Additional Information Background Check Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening and must be successfully completed.
Probation All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6‑month mandatory probation.
Financial Disclosure This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7‑7, 7‑8, and 7‑9 of the City Ethics Law.
Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
Baltimore City is an Equal Opportunity Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr