Communications Specialist

The Montgomery County Office of Communications is located in the Commissioners' Office and is primarily tasked with creating and maintaining effective lines of communication between the county government and its employees, the media, and the public. The Montgomery County Commissioners are dedicated to maintaining a fully transparent government, and the Office of Communications plays a vital role in that effort.

The Office of Communications not only informs its audiences on the actions of the County Commissioners, but it also works diligently to provide information to its residents on the multitude of county services provided, recreational activities, historical sites, and other county government-related news.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Communications Specialist will deliver articulate and persuasive event talking points, op-eds, and other communication materials for the three Montgomery County Commissioners. The Communications Specialist coordinates, researches, writes, edits and obtains approval for speeches, op-eds, and other materials in order to position Montgomery County as the best place to live, work, learn, and invest. The incumbent will work closely with the Director of Communication to identify events and occurrences which require County leadership voices, both internally and externally. The incumbent will also work with the Commissioner's executive administrators to ensure the Commissioners are prepared with talking points for speaking engagements. The incumbent will also work with the Social Media Specialist to create tailored social media content aligned with the Commissioners' viewpoints as requested.

Speech and Content Development:

• Craft compelling speeches, talking points, and presentations that effectively convey the Commissioners' messages and priorities;
• Develop clear and engaging op-eds and articles on behalf of the Commissioners for publication in local and regional media;
• Maintain message consistency across all communication materials, speeches, and social media content to reinforce the Commissioners' branding and priorities.

Web and Media Content

• Research, interview, and write compelling narratives for content channels (webpage, newsletter) owned by County to reinforce the communications strategy and priorities.
• Work closely with County Communicators throughout the County departments to identify and write stories about the programs and services offered by the County.

Commissioner Engagement:

• Work closely with Montgomery County Commissioners to understand their objectives, viewpoints, and communication styles;
• Collaborate with Commissioners and their staff to ensure alignment with key messages and communication strategies.

Social Media Support:

• Collaborate with the Social Media Specialist to develop and adapt social media content that reflects the Commissioner's perspective and voice;
• Create content for various social media platforms, ensuring consistency and resonance with the Commissioner's messaging.

Research and Data Analysis:

• Conduct research on relevant topics, issues, and community concerns to provide informed content and communication recommendations;
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of speeches and op-eds, using data-driven insights to refine future communications.

Coordination and Collaboration:

• Coordinate speech schedules and align communication strategies with key events, meetings, and public appearances;
• Collaborate with other members of the Communications team to ensure a unified and integrated approach to communication.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field;
• At least three to five years of proven experience in speechwriting, op-ed writing, or communications, with a strong portfolio showcasing effective and persuasive content;
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt writing style to match different Commissioners' voices;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Strong project management skills with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines;
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and build positive relationships;
• Strong research and analytical capabilities;
• Knowledge of Montgomery County and its local issues is advantageous.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel

objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The

employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required

by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.