Communications Specialist I or II

Summary

Opportunity to help coordinate communications for a nonprofit association of local governments committed to shaping a better region. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is seeking applicants for a Communications Specialist responsible for media relations and member and stakeholder communications, including the production of a wide variety of print and web content. The Specialist will work collaboratively with COG’s subject matter experts and area officials on a range of topics, including transportation, water and air quality, climate change, housing, land use, health, and public safety.

Job Description

• Writes and edits media advisories and press releases—can translate technical jargon into common English usage for the news media and the public.
• Responds to media inquiries and contacts reporters and editors to promote COG’s members, staff experts, research, and reports.
• Provides media relations support before, during, and after meetings and events and sets up interviews for officials and staff experts.
• Produces newsletters using email marketing software, writes news features for the COG website, and helps create multimedia products.
• Reviews media and other information sources for news pertinent to COG and identifies articles to include in the daily newsletter for members and staff.
• Updates and drafts content for social media accounts; helps organize information on COG’s website; maintains database of media and other contacts.
• Writes talking points and speeches; creates presentations for senior management staff, elected officials, and other COG members.
• Writes, edits, and designs publications and marketing materials in collaboration with COG program staff; ensures proper organizational branding; acts as a liaison with designers and printers.
• Works with senior management staff to plan major events like the association’s annual meeting; takes photographs and videos at events and meetings.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrated strong writing skills and ability to write for public consumption.
• An eye for detail and proofreading skills.
• Knowledge of public relations goals and practices.
• Knowledge and ability to respond to journalistic methods and techniques, including journalism standards.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal government and regional issues.
• Ability to maintain good relationships with co-workers, personnel of other agencies, the news media, and the general public.
• Good judgment and tact when interacting with officials and senior management staff.
• Ability to manage projects like reports and other printed publications.
• Ability to work under deadline to produce high-quality work.
• Ability to multi-task and set priorities.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communication, Journalism, Media, Public Relations, History, Government, Political Science, or related field, and two to three years of experience in writing and producing publications, journalism, public relations, local, state, or federal government, or nonprofit organizations—or any equivalent combination of knowledge and training that provides the required knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities.

Computer Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, web content management and association management systems, email marketing software, and social media programs.
• Familiarity with audio and video production software and graphic design programs (Canva, Photoshop) is a plus.

Communication Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret City and County Council meeting materials, technical reports, general business periodicals, and professional journals.
• Ability to write newsletter articles, press releases, reports, blogs, and business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from officials, senior management staff, the news media, and the public.

For More Information and to Apply

Click here to apply.