Communications Specialist

JOB SUMMARY AND DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE WORK: This position is part of the City’s Public Information and Communications Office, which is responsible for shaping and sharing the City’s story with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. The office translates City services, programs, and initiatives into clear, engaging, and accessible information through a wide range of communication channels, including the City website, social media, digital and print newsletters, press releases, print materials, cable programming, video content, and visual displays. This role contributes to developing content that informs, connects, and reflects the Greenbelt community. Work is performed under the general direction of the Public Information and Communications Officer. *** Starting Salary -75,358.40 (USD) *** ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function effectively while helping tell the story of the City of Greenbelt in a clear, engaging, and accessible way. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and ability needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Develop and maintain dynamic, user-friendly website content that reflects the City’s services, programs, and community identity. Assist with print layout and video editing to support cohesive branding and storytelling across platforms. Capture high-quality photography and videography of City events, programs, and initiatives to visually document and share the City’s story across print, digital, and social media channels. Collaborate with City departments to gather stories, updates, and information that highlight services, programs, and community impact. Assist in producing the City’s quarterly newsletter (print and digital), shaping content that informs, engages, and reflects the voices of the Greenbelt community. Support City departments in developing communication materials that are relevant to their teams. Create and manage engaging social media content that informs residents, promotes City initiatives, and strengthens community connection. Develop graphics and multimedia materials for brochures, presentations, displays, and digital platforms. Monitor analytics to evaluate performance and refine storytelling strategies. Generate creative and innovative ideas to promote City programs, services, and initiatives. Refresh and modernize outdated materials to ensure relevance and clarity. Maintain a strong working knowledge of City government operations, services, and resources to accurately and effectively communicate information to the public. IMPORTANT JOB FUNCTIONS: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat. Experience using website content management systems to publish and manage digital content. Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging content. Communications Specialist Class Specification. Working knowledge of photography, videography, and video editing to support visual storytelling. Perform other related duties as assigned. MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED: PC and Mac Computers, General office equipment, Adobe Creative Cloud and related graphic design software, Adobe Premiere or similar video editing software, Video and still cameras. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Education and Experience: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university. Must include coursework in Communications, Graphic Art, or a related field; and, Minimum of three years experience in communications, graphic design, social media, content creation, or related work focused on public engagement and storytelling; and, Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Licenses and Certifications: None KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of: Visual storytelling principles, including print layout, graphic design, and photography. Adobe Creative Cloud and related digital media tools. Content creation across multiple platforms including web, social media, and print. Computer applications and hardware relevant to communications and media production. Municipal government structure, policies, and operations. Skill in: Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with residents, staff, officials, and external partners. Building and maintaining collaborative working relationships across departments and with the public. Managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and adapting quickly and effectively to changing priorities. Working independently while contributing to a team‑oriented communications strategy. Physical and sensory requirements include vision, hearing, and verbal communication abilities; work is primarily sedentary and may occasionally involve lifting 10 pounds. Working Conditions: Work is performed in a normal office environment with little exposure to outdoor temperatures or dirt and dust. The incumbents working conditions are typically quiet. NOTE: This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job‑related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible. #J-18808-Ljbffr