The Deputy Director of Communications plays a critical role in supporting the Montgomery County Commissioners Office by developing and implementing strategic communication initiatives to effectively engage with the public, media, and stakeholders. Reporting directly to the Director of Communications, the Deputy Director will assist in managing all aspects of the communications department and serve as a key advisor to the County Commissioners. The Deputy Director will be a leader in a growing team of communications professionals.

• Strategic Communication Planning: Collaborate with the Director of Communications to develop comprehensive communication strategies that align with the goals and priorities of the Montgomery County Commissioners Office;
• Public and Media Relations: Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets. Develop and implement public relations campaigns to promote the Commissioners' Office initiatives, events, and programs. Coordinate press conferences, town hall meetings, and other public engagement activities. Respond to media inquiries, arrange interviews, and draft press releases and remarks as needed;
• Content Creation: Oversee the creation of compelling written, visual, and multimedia content for various communication channels, including press releases, social media, newsletters, and website updates. Review and edit content created by Communications Office staff;
• Internal Communication: Ensure effective communication within the Commissioners' Office and across county departments. Provide guidance on internal messaging, employee communications, and crisis management;
• Brand Management: Collaborate with the Director of Communications to implement a cohesive brand strategy while ensuring consistency across all communication channels and materials, including print, digital, and multimedia content, across the County department and offices;
• Project Management: Assist in managing the communications project management, including allocating assignments and resources;
• Team Leadership: Supervise a team of communication professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback to ensure the department's success.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Master's degree preferred;
• 5+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or media relations, with at least 2 years in a leadership role;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear and persuasive messages for diverse audiences;
• Strong editing skills and deep understanding of audience, tone and style, with an ability to adapt to different senior leaders;
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, media relations, and crisis communication;
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms, including social media management, content management systems, and email marketing software;
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment;
• Knowledge of Montgomery County government and local issues preferred;
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.

The physical demands 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 regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.