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.
Ready to Apply? Click HERE
SUMMARY
The Specialist will work collaboratively with COG’s subject matter experts and area officials on a range of topics, including transportation, the environment, housing, health, and public safety. This position also supports the Executive Office, including coordination of meetings of its board of directors as well as a variety of member services and government relations.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Review, edit, and design presentations, publications, and event materials in collaboration with COG program staff.
Produce COG newsletters and event mailings, share content using email marketing software.
Write and edit media advisories and press releases—translate technical jargon into common English usage acceptable to news media and the public at large. Provide media relations support before, during, and after meetings and events and set up interviews for officials and staff experts.
Draft and schedule social media content. Review media and other sources for news relevant to COG for tracking and sharing purposes.
Create and edit content for the web, such as news highlights, blogs, podcasts, and videos. Update and help organize information on COG’s website, specifically the home page and COG Board committee page.
Produce monthly Executive Director’s Report for the COG Board. Write speeches, talking points and create PowerPoint presentations for members and senior management staff.
Prepare monthly documents, board packets, and materials for COG Board meetings.
Assist with facilitation of virtual and in-person board and committee meetings as well as special events like the annual membership meeting. Review and update lists of contacts.
Take photographs 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 a knowledge of journalism; 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.
Computer Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of web content management systems, social media programs, and Microsoft Office, familiarity with video and audio production software and Adobe Creative Suite programs 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 general public.
Education and Experience
For Communications Specialist I
Grade 5 ($60,827 - $65,000)
Bachelor’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 which provides the required knowledge, experience, skills and abilities.
MWCOG is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.
Ready to Apply? Click HERE
MWCOG is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.