Communications and Media Relations Director

Calvert County Government

2d • $135,000 - $160,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Be the voice of Calvert County. As the Communications & Media Relations Director, you’ll lead a talented team to shape the County’s narrative, build strong media relationships, and execute high-impact communications strategies. From internal messaging to public engagement, your work will directly influence how residents, stakeholders, and partners experience Calvert County every day. Plans, organizes and directs programs, activities and services of the department to ensure effective and cohesive internal and external communications. Serves as an executive-level department head and strategic leader responsible for shaping County-wide messaging, public information, brand management and communication policy. The work involves planning, developing and implementing integrated county communications strategies and policies, including strategic communications, media relations, advertising, public information, social media, video and graphic services, and print design that support the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), County Administrator and County departments. Responsibilities include oversight of media relations, public information, internal communications, digital communications, branding, public engagement and crisis communications. The position reports to the County Administrator and is accountable for the overall performance, effectiveness and outcomes of the County’s communications programs, including their impact on public trust, transparency and organizational reputation.

Requirements

• Knowledge of-- Principles and practices of public information, public relations, strategic communications, and media relations.
• Crisis and emergency communications, including risk assessment and response strategies.
• Digital communications, including social media platforms, analytics, and content strategy.
• Data-driven communication planning and performance measurement.
• Branding, reputation management, and narrative development.
• Government operations and the functions of County departments and the Board of County Commissioners.
• Press release development, public messaging techniques, and media engagement practices.
• Leadership, program management, and supervisory principles and practices.
• Ability to-- Develop, lead, and evaluate comprehensive communications programs and strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Think strategically, exercise sound judgment, and make effective decisions, including in high-pressure or crisis situations.
• Communicate exceptionally well, both orally and in writing, including public speaking and media interactions.
• Develop compelling messaging, storytelling, and narrative strategies to effectively convey organizational priorities.
• Utilize data and analytics to inform communication strategies and evaluate effectiveness.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating emotional intelligence and political acumen.
• Manage staff, operations, and the implementation of policies and procedures.
• Handle sensitive, high-profile, and complex issues with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Work effectively under pressure, including during crisis or emergency situations.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or corporate affairs, to include leadership or executive-level experience managing staff, operations, customer service, and policy development, with a proven track record of leading large-scale communication strategies.
• Valid driver’s license.
• May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be available to support communications outside normal business hours.
• Ensures continuous 24/7 communications coverage through an on-call rotation or designee structure.
• Operation of a County owned vehicle.
• Subject to background investigation.
• Requires ordinary physical effort to sit, walk, stand, bend, reach, or to carry light items.
• Participates in emergency response activities as required.
• May be required to work beyond normal scheduled hours.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and directs comprehensive internal and external communications strategies that align with County goals and priorities; provides strategic communications counsel to leadership.
• Serves as the County’s primary media contact and spokesperson; oversees media relations, press releases, and public statements; builds and maintains relationships with media, stakeholders, and partner organizations to maximize communication opportunities.
• Leads branding and messaging initiatives to promote and protect the County’s reputation; ensures alignment of communications with Board of County Commissioners’ objectives and organizational priorities.
• Oversees the development, production, and distribution of print and digital communications, including newsletters, press releases, websites, social media, and other collateral; ensures content is accurate, consistent, engaging, and effectively reaches target audiences.
• Directs and manages digital communications platforms and tools, including website content and online engagement strategies; ensures timely updates and accessibility of public information.
• Coordinates communications efforts across County departments, leadership, and external partners; fosters collaboration and ensures consistent messaging across the organization.
• Leads crisis and emergency communications efforts, including coordination with public safety leadership; ensures timely, accurate information dissemination and availability of communications support as needed.
• Oversees research, data collection, and reporting related to communications and public information to inform strategies and decision-making.
• Manages departmental operations, including supervision of staff, employee development, performance management, and succession planning; administers personnel actions in accordance with County policies and procedures.
• Establishes departmental goals and objectives; develops work plans, monitors performance, and prepares reports on program effectiveness.
• Develops and manages the department budget; monitors expenditures and ensures efficient and responsible use of resources, including materials, equipment, and facilities.
• Performs representational duties on behalf of the department and County.
• Performs related work as required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including: 15 days of sick leave, 10 days of annual leave, and 5 personal days.
• 13 paid holidays (14 in an election year).
• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan & 457(b) Deferred Compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Up to 80% tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
• Gym membership discounts.
• Hybrid work arrangements may be available, depending on organizational needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees