Communications and Media Relations Director at Calvert County Government | USA | $135K/yr – $160K/yr

Communications and Media Relations Director

USA (Hybrid)

$135K/yr – $160K/yrDirector/Executive10+ years expFull time

Posted 5 months ago

Job Summary

Drive county-wide strategic communications as the executive head of Calvert County’s Communications & Media Relations, shaping brand, media relations, crisis communications and policy to protect public trust.

Own the department’s strategic communications, media relations, and crisis response across the county.
Must-have: Ten years in communications with executive leadership and staff management.
Standout: Proven cross-channel leadership, brand governance, and crisis communications.

Job Description

Responsibilities

Plans, organizes and directs programs, activities and services of the department to ensure effective and cohesive internal and external communications.
Serves as an executive-level department head and strategic leader responsible for shaping County-wide messaging, public information, brand management and communication policy.
The work involves planning, developing and implementing integrated county communications strategies and policies, including strategic communications, media relations, advertising, public information, social media, video and graphic services, and print design that support the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), County Administrator and County departments.
Responsibilities include oversight of media relations, public information, internal communications, digital communications, branding, public engagement and crisis communications.
The position reports to the County Administrator and is accountable for the overall performance, effectiveness and outcomes of the County’s communications programs, including their impact on public trust, transparency and organizational reputation.
Develops, implements, and directs comprehensive internal and external communications strategies that align with County goals and priorities; provides strategic communications counsel to leadership.
Serves as the County’s primary media contact and spokesperson; oversees media relations, press releases, and public statements; builds and maintains relationships with media, stakeholders, and partner organizations to maximize communication opportunities.
Leads branding and messaging initiatives to promote and protect the County’s reputation; ensures alignment of communications with Board of County Commissioners’ objectives and organizational priorities.
Oversees the development, production, and distribution of print and digital communications, including newsletters, press releases, websites, social media, and other collateral; ensures content is accurate, consistent, engaging, and effectively reaches target audiences.
Directs and manages digital communications platforms and tools, including website content and online engagement strategies; ensures timely updates and accessibility of public information.
Coordinates communications efforts across County departments, leadership, and external partners; fosters collaboration and ensures consistent messaging across the organization.
Leads crisis and emergency communications efforts, including coordination with public safety leadership; ensures timely, accurate information dissemination and availability of communications support as needed.
Oversees research, data collection, and reporting related to communications and public information to inform strategies and decision-making.
Manages departmental operations, including supervision of staff, employee development, performance management, and succession planning; administers personnel actions in accordance with County policies and procedures.
Establishes departmental goals and objectives; develops work plans, monitors performance, and prepares reports on program effectiveness.
Develops and manages the department budget; monitors expenditures and ensures efficient and responsible use of resources, including materials, equipment, and facilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or corporate affairs, to include leadership or executive-level experience managing staff, operations, customer service, and policy development, with a proven track record of leading large-scale communication strategies.
Valid driver’s license.
May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Must be available to support communications outside normal business hours.
Ensures continuous 24/7 communications coverage through an on-call rotation or designee structure.
Operation of a County owned vehicle.
Subject to background investigation.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package, including:
15 days of sick leave, 10 days of annual leave, and 5 personal days.
13 paid holidays (14 in an election year).
Defined Contribution Retirement Plan & 457(b) Deferred Compensation.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Up to 80% tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
Gym membership discounts.

Calvert County Government

Founded in 1654, Calvert County is one of the oldest counties in the United States with a rich and diverse history. Residents and visitors alike enjoy this quiet, waterside community nestled between the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay. A lively of arts and entertainment culture, water-based recreation and family-friendly attractions keep our locals and visitors entertained year-round. It’s easy to see why Calvert County’s small town character continues to attract newcomers as one of the best areas to live, work and raise a family.Though it’s Maryland’s smallest county in land area – 213 square miles – Calvert County is home to more than 90,000 people and has one of the highest standards of living in the state. Prince Frederick, the county seat, is located 35 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., and 55 miles south of Baltimore. Within easy reach of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Joint Base Andrews, Annapolis, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Calvert County is home to several major industries including defense contracting, information technology, tourism, energy, advanced manufacturing and administrative services. Calvert County is governed by a five-member board of county commissioners elected to four-year terms. The county employs nearly 1,300 people in 11 departments who are committed to providing excellent customer service and transparency in all we do.

Prince Frederick, Maryland, USA

555 employees (16 in marketing)

www.calvertcountymd.gov