Public Information Officer II
Apply NowCompany: Montgomery County, MD
Location: Rockville, MD 20850
Description:
Salary : $81,122.00 - $130,181.00 Annually
Location : 401 Hungerford Dr Rockville MD 20850 USA
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number: 2025-00254
Department: Department of Health and Human Services
Division: HHS 60 Director's Office Division
Opening Date: 04/15/2025
Closing Date: 4/21/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
About the Position
The anticipated salary range for this position is $81,122 - $116,903.
WHO WE ARE
Montgomery County is located adjacent to Washington, D.C., and with over one million residents, it is the most populous County in the State of Maryland. The County is also the most diverse County in the State and ranks among the top ten most diverse Counties in the nation. Montgomery County contains many major U.S. government offices, scientific research and learning centers, and business campuses.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is responsible for the delivery of the County's public health and human services that meet the needs of our community's most vulnerable children, adults and seniors. The Department provides services through more than 120 programs at more than 20 locations. With over 2,000 employees, the Department of Health and Human Services is the largest County Department.
Collectively, we believe that the health and wellness of the County can only be achieved by ensuring that every resident has fair opportunities to reach their fullest potential. This means access to quality housing, transportation, education, employment, health care, human services, safe neighborhoods, and healthy food. DHHS provides critical services for residents who face a variety of obstacles in achieving their full potential. DHHS plays an essential role in building a healthy and strong community.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Department of Health and Human Services seeks an experienced professional to serve as its Public Information Officer. This position will manage internal and external communications on behalf of the Department. Successful coordination with media outlets, stakeholders, colleagues, and county departments will be required; ensuring that accurate and timely information is consistently disseminated. The ideal candidate will take ownership of their work and can seamlessly transition from self-directed initiatives to collaborating on team projects. Recruitment of a candidate with a deep interest in public health/social services is sought.
What You'll Be Doing
The Public Information Officer, a member of the DHHS Senior Leadership Team, serves as the central point of contact for internal and external communications; ensuring that timely and accurate information is disseminated on behalf of the Department.
Communications
Serve as media relations point of contact for all DHHS programs and related issues (public health emergencies, and special initiatives ((such as the Department's response to the ongoing opioid epidemic, efforts regarding youth safety, or DHHS-sponsored townhalls/community conversations)).
Develop and prepare informational and promotional materials focused on the programs and services that DHHS provides to residents.
Consult with program staff to produce print and electronic materials (including the identification and selection of pertinent information); researching, drafting and editing materials for dissemination; serving as a liaison with graphic designers, website developers, and other communications professionals.
Social media responsibilities include but not limited to the following: (1) monitoring, moderating and responding to comments; (2) management of social media partnerships with other County departments and agencies; and (3) the creation, promotion and leveraging of social media content.
Work closely with the County's Office of Public Information.
Media Relations
Serve as the media spokesperson for the Department.
Promote story ideas to local and national media, develop and maintain relationships with local media outlets, train departmental staff on interacting with the media, connect media outlets to appropriate staff and manage the media contacts.
Develop talking points, quotes and other responses for staff responding to the media. Develop talking points and/or speeches for department representatives attending County and other press events.
Work closely with the County's Office of Public Information on requests for information and for assistance in the distribution of press releases, media advisories and media statements.
Planning and strategic communications
As a member of the Department's Senior Leadership Team, continually work to develop strategic initiatives to respond to the needs of the community.
Design and implement effective communication and public relations messages that articulate the County Executive's and DHHS' vision, mission, and strategic goals for helping residents be healthy, safe, and self-sufficient.
Website Management
Manages and guides the departmental website as well as web pages devoted to special initiatives.
Post and update messages on the department website and accompanying web pages. Direct redesign of departmental website.
Work daily with web designer and serve as liaison with program staff.
Provide content for web pages and ensure website content is up to date and user-friendly.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience: Three (3) years of professional experience in journalism, public relations, or communications.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or Media Studies.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences
Preferred Criteria
Interview Preference
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.
Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at OHR@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.
MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.
All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.
If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.
Montgomery County Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.
Leave Benefits
Our generous leave package starts with non-MLS permanent and term employees earning 15 days of sick leave and 15 days of annual leave in their first year, as well as up to three additional personal days each calendar year. Positions in MLS earn 35 days of paid time off each year. In addition, we offer all employees 10 paid holidays. Our leave policies adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and we provide six weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
Retirement Benefits
All permanent and term positions are eligible for robust retirement plans. Public safety positions are eligible for a defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after only five years. Employees in non-public safety positions can participate in retirement plans that contribute up to 12 percent of their annual salary. All employees can also participate in a supplemental retirement plan, the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, to contribute even more to their retirement goals.
Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness
Montgomery County employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants who meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. To learn more about PSLF, please visit the Student Loan Repayment Benefits page. Our tuition assistance program allows you to receive up to $2,130 annually in tuition assistance to help you achieve a degree that supports your career path.
Free Mass Transit Benefit
County employees are entitled to use the RideOn Bus service for free with a valid County-employee ID. This benefit can be used any time of the day or evening, including weekends. We also offer a pre-tax flexible spending account to reduce the cost of other mass-transit options such as MARC trains and Metro.
Reduced Child and Health Care Costs
Working for Montgomery County also entitles permanent and term employees to participate in healthcare and childcare Flexible Spending Accounts. These plans allow eligible employees to save on a pretax basis for healthcare and dependent care costs incurred during the plan year.
Employee Wellbeing
We deeply care about your holistic wellness. Our award-winning wellness program, LiveWell, will support you in improving and maintaining your physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual well-being.
Learn more about our wonderful benefits available to you once you join our team. Montgomery County Benefits
01
What is your highest level of completed education?
02
Do you have a degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field?
03
How many years of professional experience do you have working in journalism, public relations, or closely related field?
04
Do you possess three (3) or more years managing social media accounts for a department or company?
05
In addition to the experience listed on your resume, please provide details of your experience managing social media accounts for a department or company.
06
Have you developed and implemented communications campaigns?
07
In addition to the experience listed on your resume, please provide details of your experience developing and implementing communications campaigns?
08
Do you have public sector media and public relations experience?
09
In addition to the experience listed in your resume, please provide details of your experience in public sector media and public relations experience.
10
Do you have bilingual Spanish/English proficiency?
Required Question
Location : 401 Hungerford Dr Rockville MD 20850 USA
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number: 2025-00254
Department: Department of Health and Human Services
Division: HHS 60 Director's Office Division
Opening Date: 04/15/2025
Closing Date: 4/21/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
About the Position
The anticipated salary range for this position is $81,122 - $116,903.
WHO WE ARE
Montgomery County is located adjacent to Washington, D.C., and with over one million residents, it is the most populous County in the State of Maryland. The County is also the most diverse County in the State and ranks among the top ten most diverse Counties in the nation. Montgomery County contains many major U.S. government offices, scientific research and learning centers, and business campuses.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is responsible for the delivery of the County's public health and human services that meet the needs of our community's most vulnerable children, adults and seniors. The Department provides services through more than 120 programs at more than 20 locations. With over 2,000 employees, the Department of Health and Human Services is the largest County Department.
Collectively, we believe that the health and wellness of the County can only be achieved by ensuring that every resident has fair opportunities to reach their fullest potential. This means access to quality housing, transportation, education, employment, health care, human services, safe neighborhoods, and healthy food. DHHS provides critical services for residents who face a variety of obstacles in achieving their full potential. DHHS plays an essential role in building a healthy and strong community.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Department of Health and Human Services seeks an experienced professional to serve as its Public Information Officer. This position will manage internal and external communications on behalf of the Department. Successful coordination with media outlets, stakeholders, colleagues, and county departments will be required; ensuring that accurate and timely information is consistently disseminated. The ideal candidate will take ownership of their work and can seamlessly transition from self-directed initiatives to collaborating on team projects. Recruitment of a candidate with a deep interest in public health/social services is sought.
What You'll Be Doing
The Public Information Officer, a member of the DHHS Senior Leadership Team, serves as the central point of contact for internal and external communications; ensuring that timely and accurate information is disseminated on behalf of the Department.
Communications
Serve as media relations point of contact for all DHHS programs and related issues (public health emergencies, and special initiatives ((such as the Department's response to the ongoing opioid epidemic, efforts regarding youth safety, or DHHS-sponsored townhalls/community conversations)).
Develop and prepare informational and promotional materials focused on the programs and services that DHHS provides to residents.
Consult with program staff to produce print and electronic materials (including the identification and selection of pertinent information); researching, drafting and editing materials for dissemination; serving as a liaison with graphic designers, website developers, and other communications professionals.
Social media responsibilities include but not limited to the following: (1) monitoring, moderating and responding to comments; (2) management of social media partnerships with other County departments and agencies; and (3) the creation, promotion and leveraging of social media content.
Work closely with the County's Office of Public Information.
Media Relations
Serve as the media spokesperson for the Department.
Promote story ideas to local and national media, develop and maintain relationships with local media outlets, train departmental staff on interacting with the media, connect media outlets to appropriate staff and manage the media contacts.
Develop talking points, quotes and other responses for staff responding to the media. Develop talking points and/or speeches for department representatives attending County and other press events.
Work closely with the County's Office of Public Information on requests for information and for assistance in the distribution of press releases, media advisories and media statements.
Planning and strategic communications
As a member of the Department's Senior Leadership Team, continually work to develop strategic initiatives to respond to the needs of the community.
Design and implement effective communication and public relations messages that articulate the County Executive's and DHHS' vision, mission, and strategic goals for helping residents be healthy, safe, and self-sufficient.
Website Management
Manages and guides the departmental website as well as web pages devoted to special initiatives.
Post and update messages on the department website and accompanying web pages. Direct redesign of departmental website.
Work daily with web designer and serve as liaison with program staff.
Provide content for web pages and ensure website content is up to date and user-friendly.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience: Three (3) years of professional experience in journalism, public relations, or communications.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or Media Studies.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences
Preferred Criteria
- Do you possess three (3) or more years managing social media accounts for a department or company?
- Have you developed and implemented communications campaigns?
Interview Preference
- Public sector media and public relations experience.
- Experience overseeing website development and management.
- Experience working in public health and/or public human services.
- Professional experience communicating in English and Spanish (written and verbal fluency).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.
Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at OHR@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.
MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.
All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.
If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.
Montgomery County Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.
Leave Benefits
Our generous leave package starts with non-MLS permanent and term employees earning 15 days of sick leave and 15 days of annual leave in their first year, as well as up to three additional personal days each calendar year. Positions in MLS earn 35 days of paid time off each year. In addition, we offer all employees 10 paid holidays. Our leave policies adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and we provide six weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
Retirement Benefits
All permanent and term positions are eligible for robust retirement plans. Public safety positions are eligible for a defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after only five years. Employees in non-public safety positions can participate in retirement plans that contribute up to 12 percent of their annual salary. All employees can also participate in a supplemental retirement plan, the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, to contribute even more to their retirement goals.
Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness
Montgomery County employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants who meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. To learn more about PSLF, please visit the Student Loan Repayment Benefits page. Our tuition assistance program allows you to receive up to $2,130 annually in tuition assistance to help you achieve a degree that supports your career path.
Free Mass Transit Benefit
County employees are entitled to use the RideOn Bus service for free with a valid County-employee ID. This benefit can be used any time of the day or evening, including weekends. We also offer a pre-tax flexible spending account to reduce the cost of other mass-transit options such as MARC trains and Metro.
Reduced Child and Health Care Costs
Working for Montgomery County also entitles permanent and term employees to participate in healthcare and childcare Flexible Spending Accounts. These plans allow eligible employees to save on a pretax basis for healthcare and dependent care costs incurred during the plan year.
Employee Wellbeing
We deeply care about your holistic wellness. Our award-winning wellness program, LiveWell, will support you in improving and maintaining your physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual well-being.
Learn more about our wonderful benefits available to you once you join our team. Montgomery County Benefits
01
What is your highest level of completed education?
- N/A
- High School/GED
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Juris Doctor
- Doctorate
02
Do you have a degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related field?
- Yes
- No
03
How many years of professional experience do you have working in journalism, public relations, or closely related field?
- No Experience
- 1 Year Experience
- 2 Year's Experience
- 3 Year's Experience
- 4 Year's Experience
- 5 Year's Experience
- 6 Year's Experience
- 7+ Year's Experience
04
Do you possess three (3) or more years managing social media accounts for a department or company?
- Yes
- No
05
In addition to the experience listed on your resume, please provide details of your experience managing social media accounts for a department or company.
06
Have you developed and implemented communications campaigns?
- Yes
- No
07
In addition to the experience listed on your resume, please provide details of your experience developing and implementing communications campaigns?
08
Do you have public sector media and public relations experience?
- Yes
- No
09
In addition to the experience listed in your resume, please provide details of your experience in public sector media and public relations experience.
10
Do you have bilingual Spanish/English proficiency?
- Yes
- No
Required Question