Public Information Officer I/II, Grade N21/N25

Montgomery County (MD); Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 73,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

Montgomery County Office of Public Information in Rockville, MD seeks a Public Information Officer I/II to lead media relations and communications on public policy and government issues. This merit-term, on-site role requires independent work and tight deadlines.

The position focuses on developing press materials, digital content, and executive remarks while coordinating with county departments and the County Executive’s Office.

Qualifications

• Two years of professional experience in journalism, public relations, or closely related field for Public Information Officer I.
• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field; equivalency allowed.
• Three years of professional experience for Public Information Officer II; same degree requirement.
• Equivalency for education/experience may be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains a variety of written and digital communications for executive branch departments and the County Executive’s Office.
• Interprets public policy issues into understandable formats.
• Works with internal and external teams under tight deadlines.
• Assists with organizing media and community outreach events.
• Develops and implements communications strategies and best practices.
• Assists in emergency public information as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Communications

Writing

Education

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

Job description

Please note: The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $72,567 to $99,808 if filled at the Public Information Officer I level; and $85,937 to $130,917 if filled at the Public Information Officer II Level, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.”

THIS IS AN INTERNAL "ONLY" JOB POSTING, AVAILABLE TO CURRENT MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

Public Information Officer I/II

THIS IS A MERIT TERM POSITION (WITH BENEFITS). THE TERM ENDS December 31, 2030.

THE TERM MAY BE EXTENDED AN ADDITIONAL 4 YEARS FROM January 1, 2031, AND EXPIRES December 31, 2034

WHO WE ARE

The Montgomery County Office of Public Information (PIO) is the communications hub for the County government, responsible for effectively conveying the County’s vision, priorities, and initiatives to the public. Serving a diverse community of over 1.1 million residents, PIO develops and delivers timely, accurate, and engaging content across a wide range of topics.

Our team is made up of skilled professionals specializing in public relations, graphic design, website management, social media, television and video production, event planning, marketing, advertising, and photography. Together, we ensure that the County's message reaches all communities through clear, inclusive, and impactful communication.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Public Information Office is seeking a talented Public Information Officer focused on media relations, and internal and external communications related to public policy, community and government issues in Montgomery County, Maryland. This position will engage and inform residents, property and business owners, and regional and community-based nonprofit organizations. The work requires excellent communication skills and the ability to perform assignments independently.

This is professional communications work in the PIO Office, developing and drafting press releases, media advisories, executive remarks, digital content, and other written materials about public policy, government services, and executive branch departments.

• Develops and maintains a variety of written and digital communications, including news releases, media advisories, website content, briefing materials, reports, social media content, and other public information resources for executive branch departments and the County Executive’s Office.
• Interprets public policy issues into easily understandable written and/or graphic formats.
• Works with internal and external teams under tight deadlines.
• Assists with organizing media and community outreach events.
• Assists with special projects as assigned by the County Executive’s Office.
• Develops and implements communications strategies, policies, and best practices that support public information, transparency, and community engagement initiatives.
• Assists in the preparation of emergency public information, serving as a communications resource and backup during critical incidents as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

If selected for an interview, applicants will be required to complete an on-site writing assignment.

Things To Note About This Position

• Offsite work may be required
• Weekend or evening hours for all Public Information Officers may be required for holidays, county emergencies, general states of emergencies, weather-related events, or other crises.
• This position requires successful completion of a pre-employment medical evaluation. This position requires sitting and standing during office hours and events. The ability to lift equipment up to 50 lbs. when required. This position may also include the ability to move podiums, chairs, tables, staging, lights, sound equipment, step-and-repeats, cords, and/or microphones, depending on the needs and scope of events.
• This position requires staff to be on-site.

• The selected candidate will be required to serve a probationary period during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuance in the position will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

• If underfilled, the individual selected for the position will be eligible for a non-competitive once the employee is at full performance and meets the minimum requirements of the higher-level position.

For the Public Information Officer I Level:

Experience: Two (2) years of professional experience in journalism, public relations, or closely related field.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

For the Public Information Officer II Level

Experience: Three (3) years of professional experience in journalism, public relations, or a related field.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Preference for Experience

Experience in communications, marketing, or media production, preferably for a government, nonprofit, or equivalent organization, and covering areas such as community and public relations, media relations, and Social media are strongly desired.

Preferred Criteria

• Professional experience in government communications, particularly at the State or local level
• Experience developing and implementing communications campaigns
• Experience collaborating with elected officials, executive leadership, or public-facing departments to ensure accurate and strategic messaging
• Experience engaging in successful marketing and outreach, including using newsletters, brochures, and social media to reach diverse populations
• Experience with writing social media posts, press releases, scripts, talking points, speeches, copy, and newsletter articles
• Experience measuring communications effectiveness using analytics, performance metrics, or evaluation tools

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following:

1. Working knowledge and experience with local government operations. Writing materials for a government or political organization. Efforts: candidates should have a proven track record of developing and implementing high-quality, impactful public education campaigns using social media and collateral materials.
2. Experience drafting press releases, remarks, and other collateral communications materials.
3. Ability to effectively communicate in writing.
4. Ability to effectively communicate orally via telephone, in face-to-face meetings, and to groups.
5. Exhibits strong proofreading and editing skills.
6. Organizational, planning, and project management skills.
7. Communication and customer service skills sufficient to deal effectively with the public, vendors, and staff, using written and/or verbal communication.
8. Time, project management, and problem-solving skills.
9. Ability to adapt to frequent changes in workload.

If selected for an interview, applicants will be required to complete an on-site writing assignment.