Communications & Public Relations Officer

Cumberland County Government•Portland, ME

1d•$35 - $44

About The Position

The part-time Communications and Public Relations Officer helps Cumberland County Government provide clear, timely and accurate information to residents, employees, the news media, community partners and the County’s 28 municipalities. Occasional evening, weekend or emergency-related work may be required, with advance coordination when practicable. Reporting to the County Manager, this position coordinates day-to-day public information, strengthens awareness of County services and supports consistent communication across departments. The Officer works independently on routine communications and collaborates with County leadership on sensitive, high-profile or time-critical matters. The Officer also supports the Deputy County Manager with legislative affairs, including preparation for and occasional testimony before the Maine State Legislature. The Officer also serves as the County’s ADA Accessibility Coordinator, helping coordinate accessibility compliance and accommodation requests.

Requirements

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 Maine’s Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), including public-records requests and open-meeting requirements, and Maine State Archives records-management laws and retention schedules, or the ability to acquire that knowledge promptly
Strong knowledge of website (Revise) and social media (Facebook and Instagram) updating and maintenance
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact for routine media inquiries; prepare news releases, public notices, talking points and responses in coordination with County leadership. Arrange interviews, verify information with appropriate departments and help County officials communicate clearly about programs and decisions.
Maintain accurate, accessible County website and social media content; plan and schedule updates, monitor public questions and direct inquiries to the appropriate department. Keep key service information current and use plain language so residents can easily find what they need.
Prepare employee and public newsletters, annual report content, presentations, speeches, fact sheets and simple graphics that explain County services, budgets and projects. Coordinate photography, video or outside design assistance when needed and maintain consistent County branding.
Work with departments and the County’s 28 municipalities to share consistent information about County programs, services, events and initiatives. Develop useful communication contacts and help departments identify opportunities to reach residents and regional partners.
Support public meetings, community events, news conferences, employee communications and County-sponsored activities. Prepare announcements, presentation materials and follow-up information, and coordinate event publicity with participating departments.
Assist the County Manager and public-safety departments with approved emergency messages and timely public updates. Help maintain basic communication procedures and ensure that information released during an incident is coordinated and accurate.
Maintain a practical communications calendar, media contacts, templates and communication records in accordance with County practices and applicable Maine State Archives records-retention and disposition requirements. Coordinate with appropriate County staff on Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) requests, including locating responsive communications records and referring disclosure decisions to authorized personnel. Monitor news coverage and basic website and social media engagement, provide brief updates to the County Manager and recommend improvements that fit the position’s schedule.
Support the Deputy County Manager in monitoring legislation affecting Cumberland County and preparing for State Legislature committee hearings. Research and compile background information, coordinate with County departments, and draft testimony, briefing materials, talking points and legislative correspondence. Attend legislative hearings as needed and, when requested and authorized by County leadership, present testimony on behalf of the County.
Serve as the County’s ADA Accessibility Coordinator, working with departments to ensure accessibility of County services, communication and public meetings. Coordinate accommodation requests, address accessibility concerns and support compliance.