Communications and Media Relations Director

Calvert County, MD; Prince Frederick (MD); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Benefits package

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays

Job summary

Calvert County Government seeks a strategic, confident and creative Communications & Media Relations Director to guide the County’s voice and strengthen media relations. You will oversee communications strategies connecting residents, employees, stakeholders, and partners to the County’s mission.

You will advise the County Administrator and leadership on messaging, public engagement and high‑profile issues, manage emergency information, and lead a team across internal, digital and community

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a closely related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional communications, public information or media relations experience, preferably in local government
• Valid driver’s license
• Subject to background investigation

Responsibilities

• Serve as the County’s official spokesperson and principal media liaison
• Develop and implement strategic communications plans for County initiatives, executive priorities and public policy matters
• Advise executive leadership on public messaging, crisis communications and issues management
• Lead emergency public information efforts as the County’s Public Information Officer during emergency operations
• Oversee internal communications, digital communications, social media, video production, public information campaigns and community outreach
• Build strong relationships with elected officials, media representatives, government agencies, community organizations and the public
• Supervise and develop a talented communications team
• Prepare reports, presentations, speeches, briefing materials and public-facing communications

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/PR

Job description

Lead the story of Calvert County.

Calvert County Government is seeking a strategic, confident and creative communications leader to serve as its next Communications & Media Relations Director. In this high-impact role, you will guide the County’s voice, strengthen media relationships, and lead communications strategies that connect residents, employees, stakeholders and partners to the County’s mission.

As the County’s principal communications officer and official spokesperson, you will oversee countywide strategic communications, media relations, public information, digital communications, emergency communications and community engagement.

This position advises the County Administrator, Deputy County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners and executive leadership on messaging, public engagement, crisis communications and high-profile issues.

The ideal candidate is an experienced communications professional who can lead with sound judgment, build trust with the public and media, and deliver timely, accurate and effective information across multiple platforms.

In this role, you will:

• Serve as the County’s official spokesperson and principal media liaison

• Develop and implement strategic communications plans for County initiatives, executive priorities and public policy matters

• Advise executive leadership on public messaging, crisis communications and issues management

• Lead emergency public information efforts as the County’s Public Information Officer during emergency operations

• Oversee internal communications, digital communications, social media, video production, public information campaigns and community outreach

• Build strong relationships with elected officials, media representatives, government agencies, community organizations and the public

• Supervise and develop a talented communications team

• Prepare reports, presentations, speeches, briefing materials and public-facing communications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a closely related field

• Five years of progressively responsible professional communications, public information or media relations experience, preferably in local government

• Valid driver’s license

• Subject to background investigation

This position is exempt and reports directly to the County Administrator. Work may include evening and weekend meetings, emergency call‑back, crisis communications and high‑profile public information activities requiring timely response.

Compensation Steps

Department of Communications and Media Relations

Salary: $135,000 - $160,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Full‑time, contract position; 35‑hour work week.

Comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 15 days of sick leave, 10 days of annual leave, and 5 personal days.

• 13 paid holidays (14 in an election year).

• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan & 457(b) Deferred Compensation.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Flexible Spending Accounts.

• Up to 80% tuition reimbursement for continuing education.

• Gym membership discounts.

• Hybrid work arrangements may be available, depending on organizational needs.

Closing Date

September 11, 2026

Please Note: This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on September 11, 2026. To be considered for the role, ensure that your application is submitted before the deadline. The position will be removed from the website as of 12:00 a.m. on September 12th.

This is a contractual (non‑merit) position. The employee will be required to sign an agreement outlining the terms and conditions of employment. Contractual positions are reviewed annually by the Board of County Commissioners to determine continued employment with the Calvert County Government.

Please Note: A complete application is required to be considered for a position within Calvert County Government. All prior work experience, education, and other certifications should be entered into the application and supplemental questions should be answered completely. Attachments are not provided to hiring managers unless you are selected for an interview.

Calvert County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] with as much notice as possible.