Temporary Communications Program Specialist

Calvert County Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 70,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Calvert County Government’s Department of Communications & Media Relations is seeking a temporary Communications Program Specialist to support newsletters, social media content, graphic materials, and related projects.

This role emphasizes writing and content development for newsletters and social media, with requirements for clear communication, deadline adherence, and accuracy. Experience in marketing, AP style writing, and editing is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or English.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Manage advertising and marketing programs including lead development, prospect contact and follow-up, advertising development and placement, and budgetary requirements.
• Develop and coordinate specific marketing programs aligned with the customer’s targets and annual plan.
• Develop and implement a public relations program emphasizing favorable articles in various media outlets and building relationships with regional press.
• Research industry trends, branding and public relations; conduct market research to identify targets.
• Develop marketing materials including advertising, brochures, electronic newsletters, etc.
• Monitor county government advertising budgets for budget efficiencies and track ROI.
• Coordinate development and management of databases for Communications and Media Relations.
• Perform general administrative duties such as purchase orders and reports to supervisor and County Commissioners.
• Serve as a member of the county’s Public Information team supporting BOCC and EOC during emergencies.

Skills

Marketing

AP style writing

Editing

Graphic design

Photography

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/marketing/PR or related field

Job description

Job Description:Calvert County Government’s Department of Communications & Media Relations is seeking a temporary Communications Program Specialist. In this role, you’ll support the department with newsletters, social media content, graphic materials and other projects as needs arise.This position will primarily assist with writing and content development, especially for newsletters and social media. The role also requires the ability to manage multiple assignments, communicate clearly, meet deadlines and prepare public-facing materials with accuracy and attention to detail. Experience with marketing, AP style writing and editing, graphic design or photography is a plus.Performs marketing and communications work in promoting the County. Work focus is essentially on analyzing customer requirements, developing messaging architecture and competitive positioning, communicating project development, and driving the creative development process. Strong organizational and project management skills are essential to ensure appropriate target marketing. Work is performed under technical supervision.Essential Job FunctionsManages advertising and marketing programs including lead development, prospect contact and follow-up, advertising development and placement, and budgetary requirements.Develops, implements, and coordinates specific marketing programs consistent with the customer’s targets and annual plan.Develops and implements a public relations program emphasizing the placement of favorable articles in various media outlets and focusing on developing working relationships with the regional press.Researches industry trends, branding and public relations; conducts ongoing market research to identify targets for attraction.Develops marketing materials including advertising, brochures, electronic newsletters, etc.Monitors county government advertising budgets for budget efficiencies and tracks return on investment.Coordinates the development and management of databases necessary to Communications and Media Relations efforts.Performs general administrative duties such as preparing purchase orders and reports to supervisor and County Commissioners.Serves as a member of the county’s Public Information team that provides support to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergency situations.Other DutiesAttends meetings for professional development and as a member of various organizations to which the Department of Communications and Media Relations is a member.Performs related work as required.Knowledges, Abilities and Skills (These are pre-employment KASs that apply only to Essential Job Functions.)Knowledge of-- Principles and practices of marketing and communications as applied to the needs of the County. - Principles and practices of marketing materials and target marketing.Ability to-- Create effective communication materials for use in county programs.- Communicate effectively with industry representatives, other governmental officials, and others encountered in the work.- Develop, maintain, and manipulate databases.- Deal effectively with the public.Required Qualifications (Note: Any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the above knowledges, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.)Training and/or Education:Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.Experience:Four years of progressively responsible experience in the field of communications, public relations, marketing, or English.Licenses or Certificates:Valid driver’s license.Special Requirements:Operation of a County owned vehicle.Physical Demands:Lifting up to 50 pounds for boxes of brochures and supplies.Operation of keyboard devices for sustained periods.Unusual Demands:Work is subject to frequent interruptions.As part of the Public Information team, subject to call back in case of emergencies and weather events.FLSA Status:ExemptCompensation Steps:Pay rate: $39.24 per hourGrade 724, temporary position, 35 hours per weekCommunications & Media RelationsPosition closing date: September 25, 2026Please Note: This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on September 25, 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 26th.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.