Public Relations Specialist, Grade 24

Please note: The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $82,352 to $107,102, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

WHO WE ARE
The Urban Districts serve as vital stewards of Montgomery County’s key business districts, including Bethesda, Silver Spring, Wheaton, and Friendship Heights, delivering essential services that support thriving, inclusive, and economically vibrant communities. Core services provided by the Urban Districts include ambassadorship and public engagement, security coordination, multistakeholder collaboration, streetscape and public realm maintenance, tree and walkway care, marketing and promotions, and a wide range of community events throughout the year.

Operating within the Community Engagement Cluster, the Urban Districts align closely with the mission of the Regional Services Centers, which are dedicated to making Montgomery County inclusive, accessible, and responsive to all residents. These centers act as a bridge between County leadership and the community, ensuring that public concerns are heard, understood, and translated into meaningful action.

Urban District teams operate under the direction of the Regional Services Center Directors and play a critical role in ensuring that each district remains clean, safe, welcoming, and visually appealing, creating the conditions necessary for social connection, cultural vibrancy, and long-term economic vitality.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking a Public Relations Specialist who can work collaboratively across multiple functional areas, including public relations, event operations, and community engagement. The ideal candidate is adaptable and able to transition smoothly between strategic communications, media outreach, hands‑on event logistics, and direct engagement with community stakeholders. Success in this role requires sound judgment, strong coordination skills, and comfort managing overlapping responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment.

The role requires someone who is comfortable developing clear, compelling communications across a variety of media platforms and ensuring messages are accurate, consistent, and aligned with organizational priorities. It also calls for the ability to engage confidently with County officials, community partners, and diverse stakeholder groups, and to translate information into accessible materials such as newsletters, guides, and other outreach content. Success in this role is supported by strong collaborative instincts and professional, clear coordination across agencies and working groups.

This position suits an organized and self‑directed professional who can navigate an environment with many stakeholders and shifting priorities. It requires the ability to tailor marketing strategies to unique situations, remain within regulatory and procurement requirements, and anticipate emerging challenges. sound judgment, strong communication skills, and the capacity to contribute thoughtfully to initiatives that support the vibrancy and public image of the Urban Districts.

The Public Relations Specialist serves as a core member of the Urban Districts marketing team, responsible for executing and coordinating marketing, events, public relations, media, and promotional initiatives across Urban Districts, including Silver Spring and Wheaton. This position executes work based on marketing strategies, goals, and quarterly plans set by the Marketing Manager and Departmental leadership, ensuring timely delivery, consistency, and alignment with departmental priorities, budgets, and performance metrics. The position serves as a public‑facing communications liaison for Urban District initiatives, supporting media relations, community engagement, public information needs, and external coordination. The role performs a broad range of public relations, marketing, communications, events, and outreach functions in support of evolving Urban Districts’ priorities and initiatives.

As an Urban District Public Relations Specialist, duties will include, but not be limited to:

Support public relations and media activities by developing press releases, advisories, talking points, and other communications aligned with Urban District priorities.

Coordinate media outreach, pitch stories, respond to inquiries, and support consistent and accurate public‑facing messaging across platforms.

Plan and implement marketing and promotional efforts forUrban District events, including timelines, materials, on‑site operations, and post‑event wrap‑ups.

Assist in the organization and execution of community meetings, advisory committee sessions, and public engagement activities, preparing presentations and communications materials as needed.

Serve as a communications liaison with community groups, County partners, businesses, and other stakeholders.

Support updates to websites, digital platforms, and marketing materials to maintain timely and accurate information.

Contribute to special initiatives such as Arts & Entertainment District promotions, sponsorship cultivation, and partner coordination.

Perform additional communications, marketing, and outreach tasks as assigned to support Urban District priorities.

This position requires the ability to attend meetings or perform work at locations outside the office.

This position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays to support community meetings, public events, and on‑site event execution across the Urban Districts, but also support on social media post during weekend.

Experience
Extensive (5 years) experience in marketing, public relations, event management, and promotion work

Education
Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, communication, or a related field.

Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Medical Protocol
This position requires completion of a pre‑employment Medical History Form to assess your ability to safely perform the essential duties of the role.

Financial Disclosure Statement
This position is designated as one that requires filing a Financial Disclosure Statement and you will be required to disclose information about your financial affairs.

The applications of those individuals meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed to determine the extent, relevancy of training, and experience in the following areas:

Experience developing public relations or media communications such as press releases, advisories, talking points, or story pitches.

Experience producing written communications published by external organizations, government entities, or media outlets.

Experience supporting marketing and promotional campaigns.

Experience planning or coordinating event marketing, promotions, or logistics.

Experience supporting community engagement, outreach, or stakeholder communications.

Experience creating or updating digital communications such as website content, email communications, or social media messaging.

Experience supporting or securing sponsorships or partnerships for programs, events, or promotional initiatives.

Experience creating visual, graphic, or promotional design assets using design software such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.

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