Communications Specialist II

BCPS•Towson, MD

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Executive Director, this role leads the development and execution of communication strategies utilizing electronic, print, video, and social media resources. The specialist will implement and manage social content and campaigns, and special communications projects to enhance the organization’s brand, while increasing engagement and evaluating results. This position also serves as a Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) event specialist, supporting the coordination of systemwide events. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, PR, business or related field.
Four years’ related experience.
Portfolio required at time of interview.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public communications and public relations.
Thorough knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, usage and style.
Knowledge of the development of informational materials.
Knowledge of publication design, editing, and production.
Demonstrated skill in composing clear, effective and appropriate correspondence and other written materials.
Knowledge of and ability to use content management system as well as tools, such as Hootsuite, to publish content to social media channels.
Knowledge of managing multimedia assets, such as video, for use within web pages, in newsletters, and on social media.
Knowledge of BCPS operations, systems, policies, and programs.
Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail required.
Skill in communicating with the public.
Excellent human relations skills.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with the public, executive staff members and peers.
Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with school system operations preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborates with leadership to develop and implement a broad social media strategy for Baltimore County Public Schools, employing the use of multiple social media tools to share information and engage the community.
Leads writing, editing, reviewing, and modifying content; scriptwriting and interviewing for video productions; assisting in determining news coverage; maintaining web pages; and monitoring stakeholder engagement and perception of the system.
Applies creative judgment and skill in preparing communication materials.
Develops letters, notices, web pages, and newsletter-type publications.
Meets the social media messaging expectations of the system with respect to tone, content and frequency of posting, reflective of best practices and platform-specific audience dynamics.
Serves as BCPS event specialist, supporting the coordination of systemwide events (awards, programs, groundbreakings, ribbon cutting, press conferences).
Develops related media items, publications and other communication tools.
Serves as specialist for production and distribution of BCPS informational and promotional materials.
Provides leadership and editorial direction and coordinates production of content for systemwide multimedia products.
Develops engaging content for distribution across social media channels (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, BCPS website, BCPS-TV).
Collaborates with BCPS offices and departments to develop and implement communication and engagement plans for system projects and initiatives.
Writes, edits, reviews and publishes a variety of content, posts and system messages.
Compiles and analyzes monthly and annual reports to monitor social media, newsletter, blog, and website performance and trends.
Assesses need for, plans, creates, coordinates and evaluates communication strategies and channels to improve communications, with particular emphasis on strengthening engagement with the community.
Maintains content management systems, databases and editorial calendars.
Provides clear, concise written content for both electronic and printed media, adhering to production and editorial calendars and maintaining editorial standards of quality and accuracy.
Supports the planning process for systemwide events including award programs, groundbreaking ceremonies, press conferences, and BCPS festival.
Assists graphic design specialist in the overall design and production of digital content for system publications, website, blogs, and social media channels.
Performs other duties of similar scope and complexity as required.