Communications Director

Job Summary

Plans, organizes, and directs activities and services of the Public Information Office to ensure effective and cohesive internal and external communications. The work involves planning, developing, and implementing integrated communications strategies and policies, including strategic communications, media relations, social media, video and graphic services. Provides public information services for county government. Manages, directs and coordinates the work of the Public Information Office. Incumbent is an authorized spokesperson and news media liaison for county government. The work involves writing, editing, and preparing informational materials for the news media, county residents, county employees and others; conducting news conferences and other public events; counsels other staff regarding effective public information practices and activities; responding to inquiries from the public; providing vital information from county government to the public during emergencies. The incumbent works closely with high profile Elected Officials, County Administrator, county department directors, managers and employees, supplying and seeking information on specific matters. The work requires strong administrative skills, strong experience, training in communications and communication strategies, strong working knowledge of county government and established relationships, both internal and external. This position requires regular in-person attendance at the assigned work location.

Essential Functions

1. Chief spokesperson for St. Mary's County Government (SMCG); 2. Primary point of contact between SMCG and the media for: - Severe weather and other disaster incidents - Exercises (to include Calvert Cliffs NPP biennial exercise) - Public forums - News releases - Response to media inquiries 3. Develops strategic communication strategies and plans; oversees execution of programs and campaigns to enhance awareness of county government involvement in the community, major projects and policies. Maintains and updates media contact lists; 4. Develops, implements and maintains countywide communications policies, standards and best practices to promote consistency, transparency and accessibility across departments. Ensures public communications comply with applicable accessibility standards and best practices; 5. Plans, develops, writes and issues news releases, media advisories and other promotional or informational materials for print, broadcast and online media; 6. Works with Commissioners of St. Mary's County (CSMC), County Administrator, department heads and managers to recognize communications opportunities and execute appropriate strategies to support and promote. Works to ensure commissioner objectives are promoted to further enhance the county's brand with the public; Develops messaging, internal communications and external media relations activities; 7. Plans and oversees official events sponsored, including Flag Day, the State of the County event, the Leonardtown Veterans Day Parade, Fire Rescue Appreciation Day, the St. Mary's County Fair, Community, Culture & Cuisine, and other special events as assigned. Serves as lead coordinator for major county ceremonies, public forums, hearings, groundbreakings, and ribbon cuttings, overseeing planning, logistics, protocol, stakeholder coordination, media relations, public communications, and event execution: Oversees development and management of the Commissioners' weekly Calendar of Events; 8. Serves as the County's Public Information Officer during emergencies and significant incidents by advising the Director of Emergency Services, Incident Commander, and County leadership on communication strategies and leading the timely dissemination of accurate, consistent information to the media, public, and other stakeholders; 9. Attends emergency training sessions and drills; 10. Manages daily operations of the county's cable TV station, St. Mary's County Government TV 95; edits videos for presentation on channel; oversees photography and videography of county events, including proclamations, awards, ceremonies and special meetings; 11. Authors scripts and materials for St. Mary's County Government TV 95 informational programming in partnership with the Video Production Manager; 12. Conceptualizes, scripts, and oversees development of annual State of the County video report; conducts on-camera interviews of department directors; serves as program anchor; manages postproduction process; designs accompanying State of the County Executive Summary; ensures items are posted to county website; 13. Researches, verifies, and coordinates the release of information in response to media inquiries, ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent public communications. Writes and edits speeches and talking points for the Commissioners and County Administrator; develops features and special articles for county brochures and materials; 14. Advises department and agency representatives concerning publicity for programs, events and media relations practices; 15. Develops and manages the St. Mary's County Citizens Academy program, including program planning, curriculum development, participant recruitment and application management, coordination with county departments and community partners, scheduling, facilitation, presentations, logistics, and program evaluation; 16. Provide communications counsel to elected officials, County Administrator, department directors and managers; conducts media training for elected officials, directors and managers; proactively develops and updates the county's media relations policy as necessary; 17. Oversees the County's digital communications strategy, including website content, social media platforms, video, email communications, emerging technologies, and other digital engagement tools; authors and updates the county's social media policy; approves pages/channels, provides oversight and guidance to departments seeking to establish a presence on social media; 18. Serves as Subject Matter Expert regarding matters of protocol (i.e. display of flags, recognition of dignitaries at events, etc.); 19. Develops presentations for use by commissioners and County Administrator as requested; 20. Provides leadership, supervision, coaching, professional development and performance management for Public Information Office staff, contractors and interns; 21. Coordinates website management in collaboration with IT; ensures new and updated information regarding County Government operations, services, and events are posted and maintained regularly; and 22. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Ability to gain thorough knowledge of St. Mary's County Government policies and procedures;

2. Ability to effectively represent St. Mary's County Government to the public;

3. Ability to effectively communicate with other managers, staff and the public;

4. Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism and public information in relation to local government;

5. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the media, key stakeholders, other government agencies, vendors and the public; handle public relations problems with courtesy and tact;

6. Excellent writing and communication skills;

7. Must possess valid Maryland driver's license and be willing to work some holidays, weekends, and evenings.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or related field; Five or more years of increasing experience in marketing, public relations, public information, media relations or related field, preferably in a governmental environment; Experienced public speaker; ability to communicate with high profile elected officials and citizens; Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience; Possess a valid Maryland driver's license and satisfactory driving record; St. Mary's County residency preferred.