Communications & Social Media Specialist (PIO I), Grade N21

About The Position

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. The salary range for this position is $70,556 to $88,255 per year, based on qualifications and experience.
About the Council

The Montgomery County Council is the legislative body for Montgomery County, MD – one of the largest, most diverse counties in the United States, with a population that is over a quarter foreign‑born and speaks more than 100 languages. The Council’s Communications Office manages media relations, creates and disseminates content, and engages communities to inform the public about the Council’s work.
What You’ll Be Doing

Develop a strategic plan for social media, maintain and evaluate the Council’s social media sites, and provide impactful content.
Draft social media content that educates the public about the mission, operations, policies, programs, services, and messages of the County’s legislative branch.
Draft press releases, remarks, and other collateral communications materials.
Interpret public policy issues into easily understandable written and/or graphic formats.
Work with internal and external teams under tight deadlines to assist with digital media including informational graphics.
Assist with organizing media and community outreach events.
Assist with special projects 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.
Successful completion of a pre‑employment medical evaluation is required.
Minimum Qualifications

Experience : Two (2) years of professional experience in journalism, communications, public relations, social media production, or a 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.
Preferred Criteria

Public Education Efforts: Proven track record in developing and implementing high‑quality public education campaigns using social media and collateral resources.
Social Media: Experience managing social media accounts, developing strategies to increase engagement, and evaluating performance metrics and emerging trends.
Social Astuteness: Ability to communicate accurately and diplomatically on behalf of government, nonprofit, or private sector leaders.
Graphic Skills: 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.
Additional Information

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) will review the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of prior assessments. The evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume for this position. Montgomery County Government is an equal‑opportunity employer and will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring accommodation should email OHR at Hiring@montgomerycountymd.gov. The County also provides hiring preference to certain veteran categories and veterans/persons with a disability.
Applicants will respond to pre‑employment questions related to education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The highest‑qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List for interview consideration. Employers will follow the County’s ethics law; outside employment approval and prohibitions apply. Outside employment requirements can be found at 19A‑12 of the County Code, and additional information is available from the Ethics Commission website.

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