Communications Director

Baltimore Police; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job description

time left to apply End Date: June 20, 2025 (15 days left to apply)

job requisition id R0012831

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

CITY OF BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 10

CITY COUNCIL ASSISTANT – COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Salary Range:

$50,053.00 - $59,740.00 USD Annually, w/benefits

HOURS: Full Time, 40 hrs. per week (Must be available for some evening & weekend hours)

The Office of Employee Benefits manages the City's health and welfare benefits plans for employees, retirees, and eligible dependents. The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

Get to Know Us

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team!

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Baltimore City Council District 10 office is seeking a highly skilled communications professional to lead its strategic messaging and media relations efforts. This role is responsible for developing clear, consistent messaging that aligns with the councilmember’s priorities and effectively engages constituents, media, and key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will craft compelling narratives, manage press outreach, and respond to media inquiries. Additional responsibilities include leading crisis communications, preparing speeches and public remarks, and advising the councilmember and senior staff on communications strategy. The role requires exceptional writing skills, strong media relationships, and the ability to communicate effectively in high-pressure situations. Experience in public affairs or political communications is highly preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and organizational messaging to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, including media, stakeholders, donors, and the general public.
• collaborate with executive leadership and departments to ensure message discipline across all communication

● Public & Media Relations:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across local, regional, and national outlets.
• Proactively pitch stories, op-eds, and press releases to secure positive coverage.
• Serve as the primary media contact and spokesperson, as needed

● Crisis Communications:

• Lead rapid-response communications during crises, ensuring the organization communicates transparently and effectively.
• Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols and response plans.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership during high-stakes or sensitive situations.

● Speechwriting and Executive Communications:

• Write speeches, talking points, op-eds, and remarks for senior leadership.
• Prepare leaders for public appearances, media interviews, and major presentations.
• Ensure all executive communications reflect organizational priorities and values.

Education and experience requirements:

● Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or a related field (master’s preferred).

● Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, or public affairs.

license, registration and certificate requirements

N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

● Proven ability to lead and collaborate across teams and with executive leadership.

● Knowledge of digital analytics, content strategy, and social media tools.

● Values-driven, mission-aligned, and culturally competent.

● Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.

● Demonstrated success in developing and executing integrated communications strategies.

● Strong media contacts and an understanding of the evolving media landscape.

● Experience managing communications in high-pressure or crisis scenarios.

● Political or campaign communications experience. (preferred)

● Established connections with media at local, state, and national level outlets. (preferred)

Additional Information

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint must be successfully completed.

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory six-month probation.

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law.

ABOUT THE CITY COUNCIL: The City Council is the City's legislative body, with the power to enact all ordinances and resolutions. City Council members are elected from fourteen districts, and the President is elected at large, by all voters of the City. The fifteen City Council members, along with the Mayor, act only by ordinance, resolution, or motion. They adopt and may alter the annual budget and confirm the Mayor's appointments. The City Council is responsible for the appropriation and issuance of bonds. The City Council determines its own rules of procedure, and its meetings are open to the public. City Council members are elected every four years. They are elected to geographic districts of roughly the same proportion of population.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Do not attach your request for accommodation to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

About Us

In the City of Baltimore we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or interested in learning more? Explore our opportunities and benefits programs.We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team!

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to the Department of Human Resources Office of Recruitment at(410) 396-3860, 711 (TTY), 7 E. Redwood Street, 16thFloor, Baltimore, MD 21202 orsend an email to Recruitment