Communications Specialist

County of Northampton; Easton (Northampton County); Vor Ort; USD 52.000 - 72.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

County of Northampton is seeking a Communications Specialist to manage media relations, craft press materials, and run public communication programs. The role supports county departments, oversees social media content, and coordinates external messaging during emergencies.

The ideal candidate has a BS degree in communications or related field and experience in public sector communications, with a valid driver’s license.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related field required.
• Experience in public sector communications or public information preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record; mileage reimbursement provided.

Aufgaben

• Serves as the primary contact for media and coordinates interviews; writes and distributes press releases.
• Develops and implements communication plans; creates and schedules content for social media and updates the County website.
• Assists with emergency information and statements during large-scale incidents or disasters.
• Fosters relationships with community organizations and government agencies through events and outreach.
• Supports Parks and Recreation marketing and promotion across print, digital, social media, and public outreach.
• Coordinates communications for Gracedale Nursing Home messaging with leadership to ensure accurate information.
• Creates speeches, reports, and newsletters for diverse audiences; develops live video and social media content.

Kenntnisse

Media relations

Writing & editing

Public communications

Social media management

Content creation

Stakeholder engagement

Ausbildung

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field

Tools

Website CMS

Social media platforms

Video/Photo equipment

Jobbeschreibung

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Sherry Christman, Human Resources Analyst at [e-mail] or 610-829-6382.

Equal Employment Opportunities - It is the policy of Northampton County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state, federal, or local law.

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Communications Specialist position supports public communication by assisting with the development and implementation of communication plans and initiatives, serving as the primary contact for media, and acting as liaison between the County and the public. This position may be asked to foster internal communications between County departments and stakeholders. Key duties include writing press releases, managing social media content, coordinating press conferences, and responding to media inquiries.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position reports directly to the County Executive.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION

• Serves as the point of contact for news outlets as directed. Arranges interviews and assists County Executive with talking points. Writes and distributes press releases.
• Assists with the development and implementation of communication plans. Creates, schedules, and manages content for County social media platforms. Makes pertinent content changes to the County website. Creates materials such as newsletters and brochures.
• Assists with the preparation and dissemination of approved emergency information and statements during large-scale incidents or disasters.
• Fosters positive relationships with the community, civic organizations, and government agencies through attending events and consistent communication.
• Supports the Parks and Recreation Division in the marketing and promotion of County programs, events, recreational opportunities, and other initiatives through appropriate print, digital, social media, and public outreach efforts.
• Fosters positive relationships among County departments and employees using the employee e-newsletter, and County events.
• Coordinates communications and news related to Gracedale Nursing Home, with the Deputy Director of Continuum of Care, to ensure appropriate messaging and dissemination of information.
• Creates and edits a variety of written materials, including speeches, reports, and online newsletters for different audiences.
• Develops ideas and produces live videos on Substack and reels on Meta (Facebook and Instagram).

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field; AND
• Experience in public sector communications, public information, or public affairs, preferably at the County or municipal level; AND
• Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business, employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in preparing news releases, articles, speeches, bulletins, reports, brochures, and other informational materials.
• Ability to evaluate and edit various subject matter materials critically from the standpoint of user interest, organization, context, accuracy, and style.
• Formulates strategies to publicize departmental activities, programs, and special events.
• Ability to assist with promotional and public outreach programs to improve customer and community relations. Encourages community participation in departmental activities.
• Coordinates the production and dissemination of informational materials across print and digital platforms.
• Ability to communicate information regarding County operations, programs, and services clearly and accurately to the public and other audiences.
• Ability to assist and coordinate press conferences, radio and television interviews, and other media opportunities for County officials.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, the public, local civic and business officials, news organizations, County employees, and other government agencies.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, grammar, punctuation, and written communication skills.
• Works collaboratively and creatively to support public relations efforts, functions of departments, and its related activities.
• Present and maintains positive stories in the news media, including emerging social media or other online/digital marketing.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive or time-sensitive information and to recognize matters that should be referred to supervisory staff or other appropriate County officials.
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively use social media platforms, website content management systems, and other digital communications tools.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and communicate in a clear, concise, and professional manner.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

• Telephone, computer (including word processing, spreadsheet, presentations, and other office productivity software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, paper shredder, mobile devices, digital cameras and/or video equipment, social media platforms, website content management systems, and other digital communications, graphic design, and office equipment software as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, stand, talk, hear, and use hands to operate office and communications equipment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.
• The employee may be required to attend meetings, press conferences, community events, and other County-related activities at various locations.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

FLSA STATUS: FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME) DESIGNATION: EXEMPT SERVICE PAY GRADE: CS/GR23 UNION STATUS: NON-UNION CAREER SERVICE

Updated September 2026