Pay Schedule I, Grade 26, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week 
A vacancy exists in the Department of Aging.A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.Current and future vacancies occurring in this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.All interested candidates must apply at this time.List all promotionsand changes in job duties due toreclassification as separate work experience 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. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.You must attach your transcript(s), certification(s) and/or professional license(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.Failure to submit proof ofLicenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or educationmust be submitted with each application. Job Purpose
Under general supervision, prepares information for public release and assists County agencies in developing and implementing public relations and information programs.
Essential Job Duties

• Researches, prepares, and writes news releases, official statements, scripts and other materials that describe the programs, activities and objectives of County Agencies.
• Coordinates agency contacts with the media.
• Makes speeches and presentations before groups.
• Attends, photographs, and posts public events. 
• Livestreams agency events.
• Advises department heads, agency representatives, and others regarding public relations and information related matters.
• Develops and coordinates advertising and marketing strategies.
• Prepares educational and promotional materials.
• Schedules the release of promotional materials and secures public service time from local broadcast media.
• Writes original scripts and coordinates the production and airing of public service announcements and other media programs.
• Reviews, coordinates, rewrites, edits, and designs bulletins, pamphlets, internal and external newsletters, exhibits, and other materials, which explain agency programs and policies.
• Researches, writes, and edits technical and procedural manuals.
• Researches and gathers information to be used in public information programs.

Examples of Other Duties
Takes photographs for County publications. Uses desktop publishing, word processing, or typesetting equipment. Supervises support personnel. Performs other related duties as required. 
NOTE
The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in journalism, English, mass communications, or a closely related field;
Plus 
At least one-year of experience in journalism, creative writing, public relations, or closely related work.
Additional experience in the areas listed above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required education.
Education in one of the fields listed above beyond a bachelor's degree may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three to five years’ experience in writing, proofreading, marketing, and/or video editing
• Communication Studies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of English grammar and spelling.
• Knowledge of the writing techniques and styles of journalism.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of layout, paste up, and basic graphic design.
• Knowledge of public relations techniques.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, develop, organize, and coordinate public information and public relations programs.
• Ability to research and organize data.
• Ability to write original copy and to assemble, edit, and rewrite other copy.
• Ability to prepare copy for publication.
• Ability to write speeches, scripts, and news releases.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. 
• Ability to lead and instruct others.
• Ability to use desktop publishing, word processing, or typesetting equipment.

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.

You must attach your transcript(s), certification(s) and/or professional license(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.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: Public Information Specialist - Aging
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204
EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Employees hired after July 1, 2022 are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System, with very limited exceptions. 
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification is essentially sedentary with some walking, standing, or other limited physical activity. Some duties entail the operation of office and other equipment requiring manipulative and coordinative skills. Some duties may require traveling between work sites.
Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education, and fingerprinting checks.