Job Description

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

CITY OF BALTIMORE,

BALTIMORE CITY COUNCIL, Office of the City Council President

Communications Manager

SALARY RANGE:$61,163-$97,712

STARING SALARY: $$61,163-$79,438

HOURS:9-5 pm, with some evenings asrequired; in person Mon-Thurswith remote work on Friday.

Get to Know Us

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The City offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

OF POSITION

The Office of the City Council President-elect Zeke Cohen is hiring aCommunicationsManagerto own our digital presence and support our earned media work. This role sits at the center of how the office communicates with both the public and the media, from drafting press advisories to producing social posts

This position reports directly to the Director of Communications and works closely with Council President Cohen and senior legislative staff. The right candidate will come with their own ideas, strong instincts, and the initiative to execute.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the classPositions mayrequire some orall ofthese examples depending on the organization of work within the agencyThis list is not inclusiveA position may require related duties not listed, if necessary, toaccomplishthe work of the agency.)

Digital & Social Media

• Own the office's social media presence across platforms, from strategy and content calendar to day-of execution and real-time response.

• Write and produce content that connects policy work to the people it affects, making complex legislation legible and compelling to a general audience

• Collaborate with staff photographer to shoot and edit short-form video content, with an eye for whatactually performsand informs the public.

• Develop andmaintaina consistent visual and editorial voice across platforms that reflects the Office of the Council President's priorities.

Media Relations

• Draft press releases, statements, and media advisories and help shape the office's proactive media strategy.

• Build andmaintainrelationships with Baltimore's press corps.

• Support rapid response when stories break, advising on messaging and timing

• Adapt quickly when priorities shift without losing sight of the longer-term communications strategy.

Cross-functional

• Partner with legislative staff to translate bill language and policy priorities into public-facing narratives

• Prepareoffice stafffor media appearances, interviews, and public events

• Collaborate across teams and navigate the competing priorities that come with turning internal work into external-facing content.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Associate’s degree

EXPERIENCE

Five (5)years of experience in communications, journalism, political campaigns, or a closely related field.Performing complexanalytical support for an operational, technical, or administrative function isrequired

EQUIVALENCY

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

EDUCATION ACCREDITATION

LICENSE, REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

N/A.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• You may be a good fit if you:

• Have 3–5 years of experience in communications, journalism, political communications, or a closely related field.

• Know how to write for social and write for press, and understand these distinct styles are not the same thing.

• Can move between strategic thinking and tactical execution without losing quality on either end.

• Are comfortable with the pace of a legislative office during session and the disciplinerequiredto keep up with a high-volume news environment.

• Are a strong writer, full stop.

• Strong candidates may also have:

• Experience in government, elected office, or political campaigns

• Background in multimedia content creation

• Familiarity with Baltimore’s political, policy, and media landscape

​ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Background Check

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will berequiredto complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening and must be successfully completed. 

PROBATION

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6-month mandatory probation.

Financial Disclosure:

This position isrequiredto complete a Financial Disclosurepursuant toSections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. 

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The City of Baltimore prohibits discriminationon the basis ofrace, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expressionor any other characteristic protected by federal,stateor local laws.  Applicantsrequiringaccommodationsduring the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests foraccommodationsshould not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITYISAN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER