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 ID/Number

OC-212024

Position Type

Full-time

Division

Office of Communications

Description

Examples of Work

• 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; 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 to members and staff.
• Updates and drafts content for social media accounts; helps organize information on COG’s website; maintains a 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

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 knowledge.
• 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 deadlines to produce high-quality work.
• Ability to multitask and set priorities.

Education and Experience

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

Computer Knowledge and Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, web content management, and association management systems.
• Experience with email marketing software and social media programs.
• Familiarity with audio and video production software and graphic design programs (e.g., 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.

Mathematical Skills

This job has no mathematical skill requirements.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to solve practical problems in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

No requirements.

Physical Demands

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 talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

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 functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Salary

The level and salary for this position depend on qualifications.

• Communications Specialist I – Grade 5: $62,652 – $70,326
• Communications Specialist II – Grade 6: $70,326 – $78,000

How to Apply

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