Communications Specialist (Graphic Design)

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JOB INFORMATION

Join the vibrant, community-minded team at Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL)! We are seeking a creative, energetic, and visionary individual to become part of our team. Located in Central Maryland between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, FCPL is a rapidly developing system of nine libraries and two bookmobiles. Our mission is to facilitate the public's freedom to explore, to invent, and to transform. FCPL connects people to ideas and to each other, helping to foster individual and community growth. POSITION OVERVIEW: Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; full-benefits; varied days and hours during FCPL regular operating schedule; full-benefits This position is responsible for the execution and coordination of marketing promotional materials on behalf of FCPL. As part of FCPL's Communications Team, the Communications Specialist (Graphic Design) works with library departments and staff to help tell FCPL's story and promote our resources and strengthen our reputation within the community through innovative, engaging content, and outstanding customer service. Supervision is received from the Communications Team Manager.

Frederick County Government recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today. TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE: Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan option to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance benefit
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service (effective 7/01/2024)
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc
• Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, etc.

For more information, visit our page on the Frederick County Government .

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and produce design content for press releases and a wide range of collateral including newsletters, rack cards, signage, posters, infographics, web banners, brochures, flyers, etc by working with FCPL staff and stakeholders.
• Create graphics, images, videos, and designs using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and other design software
• Work with outside vendors to facilitate printing and production of promotional materials
• Proof and copyedit print and digital material
• Create author, edit, and format email outreach efforts
• Work with Communications Team Manager, Systems Department, and IT Coordinator - Web Applications to identify and develop new content types for the website and intranet
• Facilitate systemwide use of branded Canva account for branch staff
• Assist and maintain consistency of FCPL's branding by ensuring adherence to library's study guide
• Manage use of purchasing card and reconcile p-card statements; process requisitions, purchase orders, payments and other fiscal actions
• Oversee and manage vendor contracts
• As needed, provide back up support to other Communications Specialists at FCPL
• Assist with the development and training for staff as needed
• Participate in department and system-wide work teams
• Attend workshops, outreach events and programs, meetings and learning opportunities
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university
• Minimum 2 years marketing and/or communications work experience that includes at least 1 year work experience in graphic design
• Minimum 1 year of customer service work experience working directly with the public in retail, education, community or public relations, or any high traffic customer service setting
• Note: Additional years of work experience may reduce the education requirement

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills
• Strong writing skills to support a range of content, including website copy, social media, email communications, and reports
• Strong copy-editing skills in AP editorial style
• Proficiency in Windows operating system, Microsoft Office products, and email marketing platforms
• Working knowledge of current library, social media, and web-related trends, issues, and technology
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with customers, co-workers and the general public
• Strong internal and external customer service ability including ability to exhibit patience, tact and courtesy working collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to demonstrate creativity, flexibility, positive attitude and good judgment
• Ability to act as a representative of Frederick County Public Libraries to the public
• Strong writing skills to support a range of content, including website copy, social media, email communications, and reports
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Experience with Drupal, Wordpress, Squarespace, or other web building platforms
• Experience or training in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDeisgn and other design software
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or related field

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit and walk; occasionally lift up to 20 pounds and drive; rarely push and pull up to 40 pounds
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors and occasionally work outdoors
• During outreach programs or events the employee is frequently working outdoors; working in hot temperatures (above 100 degrees) working in cold temperatures (below 32 degrees) and walking on uneven ground

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Ability to provide own transportation to meetings and other commitments as needed
• Available for varied workdays and hours within the FCPL operating schedule and, as needed, to accommodate meetings and other FCPL commitments

KIND OF EXAMINATION (may include): 1) An evaluation of training and experience 2) One or more interviews

Retirement Plan: A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability. Health Insurance : County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment. Dental Insurance: Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts: The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses. Life Insurance: Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents. Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation: The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Educational Reimbursement Program: County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG. Employee Assistance Program: This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem. Leave Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year 0 - 2 years 11 days 2 - 10 years 17 days 10 + years 24 days Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year. Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military. Holidays: The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections. For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.