Communications and Marketing Specialist - Non-Merit

Regular Schedule: 34 hours per week

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Department of Housing and Community Development.

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

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.
You must attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application. Unofficial Copies 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.

Examples of Duties

Definition Of Responsibility
Under general supervision by the Director and/or Deputy Director the Communications and Marketing Specialist serves as the lead strategist and content creator for the Baltimore County Department of Housing and Community Development. The Specialist will oversee all internal and external communications to advance the Department’s housing, community development, and neighborhood revitalization priorities. The role is responsible for shaping clear, accessible, and equity-centered messaging for diverse audiences including residents, elected officials, community partners, developers, advocates and the media.
This position plays a critical role in translating complex housing policies and programs into compelling narratives that build public trust, support transparency, and strengthen community engagement.
Essential Duties

• Serve as DHCD’s primary media contact and will manage all media relations in coordination with the County Executive’s Communications Director and Press Secretary as appropriate.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with DHCD goals and County priorities ensuring that messaging reflect the values of equity, accessibility, and public accountability.
• Craft clear, consistent messaging on housing affordability, homelessness prevention, community development, fair housing, and economic inclusion including press releases, media advisories, op-eds, speeches and talking points.
• Monitor media coverage and advise leadership on trends and emerging issues.
• Oversee and create DHCD website content, social media channels, newsletters, and public-facing materials.
• Design and edit educational and promotional materials using photography, videography, or graphics to making visually engaging, newsworthy content that complies with accessibility standards (e.g., ADA, plain language, multilingual access).
• Prepare DHCD leadership for press interviews, public meetings, and legislative hearings, working in coordination with the Policy team as appropriate.
• Lead communications for major initiatives, grant announcements, housing developments, and legislative activities.
• Develop and support leadership communications related to organization change, policy updates.
• Assist with communication plans related to events such as annual Development Social and Housing Symposium.
• Write, edit and design bulletins, pamphlets, internal and external newsletters, exhibits, and other materials which explain agency programs and policies.
• Collaborate with staff for written materials to be used in public information programs.
• Collaborate with nonprofit partners, developers, and other agencies to market and amplify DHCD initiatives and Administration priorities.
• Work closely with the Baltimore County Office of Communications to schedule the release of promotional materials and ensure consistent messaging and branding.
• May write original scripts for frontline staff, talking points, and constituent correspondence, and coordinates information sharing among departmental staff, other agencies and outside organizations.
• May supervise contractors, including designers, writes, and consultants and communications budgets and vendor relationships.

• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration, or a related field
Plus
Five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, or media relations, preferably in government, housing, or public policy.
(Additional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of advanced principles of public relations and communications.
• Knowledge of media relations and public information methods of a government agency, preferably in housing.
• Knowledge of effective methods of obtaining adequate publicity for programs and activities.
• Knowledge of the writing techniques and different writing styles.
• Knowledge of marketing principles, techniques and advertising.
• Knowledge and ability to create and layout different types of materials and communications.
• Knowledge, skill and ability to demonstrate community engagement techniques.
• Knowledge of principles of budgeting, project management, and organization.
• Knowledge of methodology and techniques for basic research, surveys, analysis and evaluation.
• Knowledge of principles of graphic design, photography, video, web, social media, multimedia, and presentation production.
• Skill in developing communication strategies based on the audience.
• Skill in communicating County programs, projects, initiatives, policies and procedures to individuals and groups.
• Skill in use of Microsoft Office Suite and other software to produce written materials.
• Skill in planning, developing, organizing and coordinating public information and public relations programs
• Skill in public speaking; interpersonal skills; relationship building.
• Skill in preparing for publication; skill in writing speeches, scripts, and news releases.
• Ability to formulate and accomplish strategic communication goals.
• Ability to present sensitive and/or complex issues, both orally and in writing, to large diverse groups in a persuasive fashion.
• Ability to use personal computers and related applications and to learn/use applications as required by County policy and procedures.
• Ability to interact with elected and appointed officials, business leaders, regulatory agencies, community groups, employees and the public.
• Ability to write and edit effectively for a variety of purposes, formats, and audiences.
• Ability to read and interpret laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting the operations, programs, and services.
• Ability to initiate, develop, and maintain productive working relationships and effectively represent the Director in responding to inquiries, assisting, and dealing with public, community organizations, boards, commissions, Council and other government agencies.
• Ability to plan and manage special events and promotions.
• Ability to effectively organize and carry out multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

Conditions of Employment

Successful incumbent must be able to work in office, M-F during standard business hours. Additional hours may be required for crisis communications, major announcements, or media appearances. Press briefing and events often take place outside regular office hours, requiring flexibility
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification is essentially sedentary with some walking, standing, or other limited physical activity. Some duties entail the operation of office and other equipment requiring manipulative and coordinative skills. Some duties may require traveling between work sites.
Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education, and fingerprinting checks.

Employment Benefits for Non-Merit or Non-Classified, Part-Time Employees
Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.
Smoke free workplace
All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.
Drug free workplace
Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.
Employee Assistance Program
Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.
Health Insurance
In order to qualify for health insurance benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance), part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.
Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:
Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.
Life Insurance
In order to qualify for life insurance benefits, part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.
Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.
Retirement
Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.
Paid Leave
Sick Leave - Monthly sick leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. No maximum on accrual. Accrued balance can be applied toward service credit at retirement.
Vacation Leave - Monthly vacation leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. Earnings increase after five, ten and fifteen years of service generally.
Holidays - Part-time 30 to 39 hour non-merit or non-classified employees will generally be paid for ten holidays per calendar year. Other part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees working 29 hours per week or less will receive two paid holidays per calendar year. These holidays are the Christmas holiday and the Independence Day holiday.
Bereavement Leave
Jury Leave
Military Leave
Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union
Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.
Direct Deposit
Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.
Deferred Compensation
Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.