Public Affairs & Communications Officer

Cumberland County Government; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness program

Professional development & training

Job summary

Cumberland County Government seeks a Communications Officer to manage public information, media relations, and digital communications for residents, staff and partners. Responsibilities include preparing news releases, coordinating with departments and municipalities, and supporting legislative and accessibility efforts.

The role requires strong writing, media literacy and knowledge of FOAA compliance, with a 32-hour work week and full benefits. Evening or emergency hours may occasionally occur.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, public administration or a related field, and at least three years of relevant experience; equivalent education and experience may be considered
• Experience with media relations, websites, social media and common design or publishing tools
• Public-sector experience is preferred
• Working knowledge of FOAA, records Requests and retention laws, or ability to acquire quickly
• Strong knowledge of website updating and social media updating and maintenance

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for routine media inquiries; prepare news releases and public notices in coordination with County leadership
• Maintain accurate, accessible County website and social media content; plan and schedule updates
• Prepare newsletters, annual reports, presentations and fact sheets that explain County services and budgets
• Coordinate with County’s 28 municipalities to share consistent information
• Support public meetings, events, and emergency communications with timely updates
• Assist in monitoring legislation and preparing testimony for the State Legislature
• Serve as ADA Accessibility Coordinator, coordinating accommodations and accessibility compliance
• Maintain a communications calendar and manage FOAA requests and records-retention
• Monitor news coverage and provide updates to leadership

Skills

Media relations

Websites

Social media

Design tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/public relations/public administration or related field

Tools

Revise website

Facebook

Instagram

Job description

Cumberland County Government seeks a Communications Officer to manage public information, media relations, and digital communications for residents, staff and partners. Responsibilities include preparing news releases, coordinating with departments and municipalities, and supporting legislative and accessibility efforts.

The role requires strong writing, media literacy and knowledge of FOAA compliance, with a 32-hour work week and full benefits. Evening or emergency hours may occasionally occur.