Howard County
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.
Howard County Government
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most in the state of Maryland. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.
 
What are we looking for? 
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.
 
What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. 
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Communication and Marketing Liaison (Technical Services Support Specialist I) provides assistance to the Director of Communications in assigning, coordinating, approving and overseeing all phases of production for the development of print and electronic communications with the general public and county government employees. The Communication and Marketing Liaison will perform various media (print and electronic) and communication related work using illustration and other graphic design methods, tools, and software; assist with content creation for the County’s website and social media platforms; and provide administrative support for the Director of Communications and the Office of Public Information.  
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs senior technical level information, technology and communication services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work may include testing, updating, maintaining, and providing training on mainframe client servers and microcomputer software and hardware; responds to more complex helpdesk requests; managing and controlling the use of the computer-aided dispatch system; or managing the installation and maintenance of radio, telephone, data and related electronic equipment; or work may also include skilled illustration and graphic design; producing television programs and public service announcements; or coordinating public information program activities.  Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Assists the Director to prepare artwork and graphics for various media and communications channels including print, website, social media, and electronic signage. 
•  Write media content, prepare artwork and photography for use in webpages and social media posts. 
• Write various letters  and related communication memo including but not limited to talking points, briefing memos, press releases, media advisories, and content for the County’s weekly newsletter. 
• Provide technical support (e.g., audio/visual, stage setup, etc.) for County events including press conferences, listening sessions, cultural events, etc.
• May assist with developing conceptual ideas for both external and internal media campaigns including promotional displays.
• May assist the Director with consulting with client, researching topics for media/communication, analyzing audience, and preparing client presentation as needed.
• May assist with purchasing equipment and supplies for use in graphics presentations as needed, 
• May assist with designing, producing, setting up and staffing County booth at community events, including but not limited to the County Fair, MACo conferences, and any other ad hoc events/meetings. 

Associate's Degree and two (2) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Experience in photography. 
• Experience using software applications such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro, and/or CorelDraw.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. 
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 
• The employee must be able to carry, lift, and/or move up to 25 pounds (various audio/video equipment, stage props, etc.). 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• The employee must be able to travel to and move around job sites independently. Job sites may involve uneven or rough terrain, climbing stairs and other related obstacles.
• Employees are required to travel to different work sites both inside buildings and outdoors.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. 
• The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• This position may be required to report to work outside of regular business hours and may be assigned to stand-by status on a rotating basis.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:

• Knowledge of media software applications such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro, and/or CorelDraw.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written material, including but not limited to web articles, periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations. 
• Ability to research, write, and create variety of print and online content, including, but not limited business correspondence, web content, social media posts, brochures, and magazines.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. 
• Ability to edit reports, write business correspondence. 
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. 
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to travel to and move around job sites independently to conduct inspections, investigations, audits, and assessments.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written material, including but not limited to web articles, periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations. 
• Ability to research, write, and create variety of print and online content, including, but not limited business correspondence, web content, social media posts, brochures, and magazines.
• Ability to travel to and move around various job sites independently to attend meetings, events, and perform other related work.

Federal Communications Commission General Class Radio/Telephone License or equivalent certification. Class C Maryland Driver’s License.