Montgomery Planning

Description

Montgomery Planning is seeking a dynamic and experienced Communications Manager to join the Communications Division and serve in a leadership role within the division. This position will lead strategic communications programs and content creation within the department and provide quality control and consistent and effective messaging across all communications. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and skilled storyteller with a strong background in digital media, marketing, public engagement, and media relations. As Communications Manager, you will guide the development and execution of comprehensive communications plans that support the department’s initiatives, elevate its brand, and enhance transparency and community outreach.

This role will report directly to the Communications Division Chief and may act in absence of the division chief. This position will work closely with the Graphic Design Supervisor and directly oversee a talented group of web specialists and video production staff members.

The Communications Manager plays a critical role in leading the Communications Division and promoting the work of Montgomery Planning, the Planning Board, and M-NCPPC. You will be responsible for producing compelling written and visual content, managing media relations, and supporting high-profile projects and events.

Examples of Important Duties

• Take a strategic communications approach to all content for Montgomery Planning including communications planning which ultimately seeks to welcome as many people as possible into the planning process.
• Liaison and serve as project manager with planning teams to implement communications goals.
• Create written and visual content for websites, social media, eLetters, blog posts, speaking engagements, videos, and more.
• Oversee written and visual content creation and ensure materials meet department brand standards and ADA guidelines.
• Oversee audio-visual operations including the live video streaming of all Planning Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Development Review Committee meetings and special events.
• Work with Montgomery Planning and Planning Board leadership to achieve communications goals and develop strategies and messaging to effectively communicate the Department’s positioning.
• Oversee implementation and development of policy documents such as the equitable engagement guide, department’s brand guide, writing style guide and more.
• Coordinate responses to media inquiries in a timely manner.
• Assist Communications Division Chief with management of Communications Division budget and staff members.
• Manage Communications Division staff work program and evaluate their work and performance.
• Serve as the second in command of the Communications Division and support the Division Chief in tasks related to communications and division management.

Candidates should demonstrate excellent leadership, project management, and interpersonal skills. Join us as we work to shape the future of Montgomery County!

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office with pressure to meet deadlines. May occasionally work evenings, weekends and holidays. Incumbents are required to travel to community outreach forums, events and public presentations. Regular contact and interaction with the public, staff and media. Some work may be conducted outdoors and in adverse weather conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Political Science, Marketing or any related subject.
2. Six (6) years of varied and highly responsible experience in journalism, public relations, political science, or marketing, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total ten (10) years.
4. May require a valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of their position.

Supplemental Information

Classification Specification: Public Affairs & Marketing Manager

About Us

For nearly 100 years, The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) has enjoyed a national reputation for excellence in planning and, today, serves the culturally diverse populations of Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties on the border of Washington, D.C. The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of M-NCPPC, provides county-wide planning functions including long range planning as well as reviews of development applications in a diverse built environment of downtown urban districts, suburban communities, and agricultural areas. Montgomery Planning has pioneered nationally modeled programs in agricultural preservation, inclusionary housing, and transit-oriented design. Montgomery County is evolving quickly as a model of new suburbanism, shifting away from traditional suburban greenfield development to a greater emphasis on infill redevelopment and urbanizing areas around transit and key corridors. The links between mobility, land use and the jobs/housing balance will be critical in determining the future sustainability of the county. To learn more about who we are and what we do, we encourage you to watch this brief video here and visit our website at www.montgomeryplanning.org.

The M-NCPPC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, generous leave plans, an employee pension plan, and a deferred compensation plan. Positions may qualify for public service student loan forgiveness. Montgomery Planning is conveniently located minutes from Washington, DC in downtown Wheaton, MD next to the Wheaton Metro Station, several bus lines, and bikeshare. A commuter stipend is available. Telework opportunities (up to two days a week) and tuition assistance are also available. We work in one of the first LEED Platinum certified government owned office buildings in Maryland.

The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus (external candidates only).

Diversity Statement

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act

If you require accommodation or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of application at 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1). M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION

2025 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR MERIT SYSTEM EMPLOYEES

The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.

Eligibility

You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.

Retirement Programs

• Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members.

Plan

Employee Contribution

Plan C

9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)

Plan E

4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.

• Deferred Compensation ICMA-RC 457 plan (Optional)
• Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)

Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.

• Medical
  • Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with Prescription Plan – (15%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) – (20%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) – (20%)
• Prescription – CVS Caremark – (15%)
• Dental – Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO – (20%)
• Vision – EyeMed – (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
  • Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.

Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)

• Medical Account – Maximum annual contribution: $3,200
• Dependent Care Account – Maximum annual contribution: $5,000

Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)

• Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month

Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)

• Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
• Automatic coverage with opt-out provision

Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Supplemental – 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
• Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000

Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)

• Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
• Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
• Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birthadoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member

Leave Programs

• Annual: 15 days per year
• Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
• Sick: 15 days per year
• Holidays: 11 days per year

Other Benefits

• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Legal Services Plan
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Work-Life Program

For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission’s Health and Benefits Office at benefits@mncppc.org or 301-454-1694.

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