Press Secretary – Non-Merit

This job posting may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Administrative Office.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your Application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the “Work experience” section of the application will result in your application not being considered.

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Examples of Duties

Press Secretary: An advisor to the County Executive and senior leadership, County Departments, and other key constituencies, the Press Secretary serves as Baltimore County government’s primary point of contact for all media requests and as a strategic partner to identify proactive opportunities to elevate the County’s media profile to advance the administration’s diverse goals and priorities. In addition, the Press Secretary will work with the Director of Communications to develop internal and external messaging and compose public-facing materials, such as releases, statements, talking points, speeches, opinion pieces, fact sheets, and other content to inform and engage media and the greater public about the administration’s efforts.

Duties:

• Manage all incoming media requests and proactive media outreach.
• Participate in the development and execution of media and communications strategy for County Executive priorities and other County government initiatives.
• Schedule and staff media interviews for the County Executive, including preparation of talking points and briefing materials.
• Draft press releases, media advisories, talking points and other written materials.
• Coordinate preparation of daily news clips for senior staff.
• Staff the County Executive at events where news media will be present.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or a related field

Plus

• At least five years of related post-undergraduate work experience, including writing in a professional setting.
• At least two years of media relations experience.
• Ability to keep up with the 24-hour news cycle.
• Ability to execute tasks on tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Superior writing and editing skills; Ability to work in a fast-paced office and on tight deadlines.
• Excellent verbal communication skills; Detail oriented; technologically savvy.
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Highly motivated, well organized and able to multi-task.
• Ability to work well with a wide range of people both in a team-based environment and independently.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education

Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:

ATTN: Press Secretary – Non-Merit

Office of Human Resources

Baltimore County Government

308 Allegheny Ave.

Towson, MD 21204

You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Conditions of Employment

Employment Background Investigation

Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background check, education, and fingerprint check.

Employment Benefits for Non-Merit or Non-Classified, Part-Time Employees

Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants.

Smoke free workplace

All Baltimore County offices are smoke free.

Drug free workplace

Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination.

Employee Assistance Program

Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life.

Health Insurance

In order to qualify for health insurance benefits (medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance), part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.

Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include:

Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs.

Life Insurance

In order to qualify for life insurance benefits, part-time employees must be scheduled for four (4) full work days plus two (2) hours each week.

Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee’s annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000.

Retirement

Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System, with very limited exceptions.

Paid Leave

Sick Leave – Monthly sick leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. No maximum on accrual. Accrued balance can be applied toward service credit at retirement.

Vacation Leave – Monthly vacation leave earnings prorated based on the number of hours worked per week. Earnings increase after five, ten and fifteen years of service generally.

Holidays – Part-time 30 to 39 hour non-merit or non-classified employees will generally be paid for ten holidays per calendar year. Other part-time, non-merit or non-classified employees working 29 hours per week or less will receive two paid holidays per calendar year. These holidays are the Christmas holiday and the Independence Day holiday.

Bereavement Leave

Jury Leave

Military Leave

Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union

Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services.

Direct Deposit

Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required.

Deferred Compensation

Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice.

Disclaimer

This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.

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