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Media Relations Specialist

Job Details:

  • Public Relations & Marketing
  • Washington County
Deadline: 08/06/2026 04:00 PM

Job Description:

Washington County offers a full compensation package that reflects how much we value our employees. Please take a look at what you can expect to earn during your first year as a full time Employee with Washington County Government:

  • Sixty (60) Paid Personal Hours
  • Eighty (80) Paid Vacation Hours
  • Fourteen (14) Paid Holidays
  • One Hundred & Twenty (120) Paid Sick Hours
  • County and Employee funded Healthcare including Health, Prescription, Dental and Vision Coverage
  • County Paid Employee Assistance Plan
  • County Paid Life Insurance
  • County Paid Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • County Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
  • County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Up to $2,500.00 Annual Tuition Reimbursement Assistance
  • County and Employee funded Defined Pension Plan
    • Vested in just five (5) years.
    • Credit for Prior Active Military Service and Unused Paid Sick Days.
  • An annual salary of $69,285 starting…

If our Media Relations Specialist comprehensive compensation package interests you, please continue reading through our job posting to learn more about the position’s duties, responsibilities, perquisites, etc. and apply online today

JOB TITLE:Media Relations SpecialistGRADE13
DEPARTMENT:Public Relations & MarketingFLSA STATUS:Exempt
REPORTS TO:Director of Public Relations & Marketing  
GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

The Media Relations Specialist serves as a key storyteller and information bridge between Washington County Government and the public. This position is responsible for developing, reporting, and distributing timely, accurate, and engaging news and media content that highlights County operations, initiatives, programs, and services. The Specialist will research, attend meetings, conduct interviews, and create multimedia content—including professional-level video production—that supports transparency, builds public trust, and promotes civic engagement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

  1. Research, write, and edit original news content including press releases, public service announcements, newsletters, and feature articles about County government activities.
  2. Attend County Commissioner meetings, community events, public hearings, and department-led initiatives to provide accurate and consistent media coverage.
  3. Interview elected officials, department heads, employees, and community stakeholders to gather meaningful content and human-interest stories.
  4. Coordinate with the Public Relations & Marketing team to support editorial calendars, campaign planning, and strategic messaging efforts.
  5. Develop written and visual content for County communication platforms, including the website, social media, video updates, and email newsletters.
  6. Plan, film, edit, and produce professional-quality video projects such as news updates, interviews, feature segments, public service announcements, and event coverage.
  7. Manage video production workflows, including scripting, storyboarding, lighting, audio capture, and post-production editing.
  8. Capture and edit photography and b-roll to complement multimedia storytelling.
  9. Ensure all content is fact-checked, clearly written, visually engaging, accessible, and aligned with the County’s voice and communication standards.
  10. Monitor local media coverage, public feedback, and emerging issues to help shape proactive communication responses.
  11. Support emergency communication efforts and assist with the development and dissemination of crisis messaging when needed.
  12. Assist Public Relations Coordinator with event planning, logistics and execution.
  13. Performs related tasks as required.
    KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
    1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with mastery of AP style and digital storytelling.
    2. Strong understanding of media practices, journalistic ethics, and content creation for diverse audiences.
    3. Proficiency in professional-level video production, including scripting, filming, lighting, audio, motion graphics, and editing (Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, or equivalent).
    4. Ability to simplify complex government information into engaging and accessible messaging.
    5. Skilled in social media management, web content creation, and newsletter platforms.
    6. Familiarity with government structures, public policy, and local community issues.
    7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and content platforms (e.g., WordPress, Constant Contact, etc.).
    8. Experience in photography and graphic design to support integrated campaigns.
    9. Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines independently or under supervision.
    10. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and with media partners.
    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
    1. Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Film/Media Production, English, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
    2. At least 3-5 years of experience in journalism, media relations, public affairs, or government communications.
    3. Professional experience in video production, including filming, editing, and producing multimedia content, is required.
    4. Experience reporting on public sector or civic issues is preferred.
    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

    This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, fingering, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

    SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
    1. Evening and weekend assignments required based on meeting schedules or public events.
    2. Possession of an appropriate valid driver’s license.
    3. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

    Revised:

    Washington County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals requiring special accommodations or assistance are requested to contact the Human Resources Department at 240-313-2350, Voice or TDD (D/HH use 711) M/F/H/V.

    DEADLINE FOR FILING APPLICATIONS WITH HUMAN RESOURCES:

    August 6, 2026 @ 4:00pm

    Ready to get started? Apply for the Media Relations Specialist position now!

    Standard Employment Application
    Job Information

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    Job Application Information

    Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic or veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability.

    INSTRUCTIONS: Applications are only accepted for posted positions. All applicants must provide a complete application for each position.

    For more information contact:
    WASHINGTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
    100 W. WASHINGTON ST., Room 2300
    HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740-4735
    Telephone: (240) 313-2350
    Fax: (240)-203-6355
    Deaf and Hard of Hearing Call 7-1-1 for MD Relay

    Applicant Information

    General Questions

    If you have been employed with Washington County:

    Driving Record

    Education & Training

    If you have a GED:
    Colleges Attended
    Other Training (including business, trade, military, etc.)

    General Information

    INSTRUCTIONS: The information listed below must be completed by all applicants. Failure to complete this information truthfully may result in disqualification from consideration for County employment. Affirmative responses to these questions will not automatically exclude you from employment consideration. Applicants may attach additional sheets if necessary:

    Employment & Training

    Employer 1

    Employer 2

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    Pre Employment Statement

    PRE-EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT
    READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING FORM

    I certify that, if employed, I will produce documents to establish that I am legally able to work in the United States. I understand that a final employment offer is contingent upon completion of INS Form I-9 and receipt of acceptable documentation at the time of hire.

    In the event that I am provided a conditional offer of employment, I consent to taking an employment physical examination to include an alcohol and drug screen and such future physical examinations as may be lawfully required by the County. I authorize the County to contact my previous employers, if necessary, and obtain employment information from them, and to further investigate the truthfulness of my application, including review of my motor vehicle record and such future periodic review as may be lawfully required by the County.

    I certify that answers given herein are true to the best of my knowledge.

    I understand further that any false answers or statements or misleading omissions made by me on this application, in any interview for employment, in connection with the above mentioned investigation, or in any physical examination shall be sufficient grounds for my rejection as a candidate for employment or for immediate discharge, if discovered after my hiring.

    I AGREE THAT EMPLOYMENT WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY IS AN “AT-WILL” EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP. AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT MEANS THAT EITHER THE EMPLOYER OR THE EMPLOYEE MAY TERMINATE THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON, WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE, AND WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE. I ALSO AGREE THAT NO REPRESENTATION BY ANY COUNTY OFFICIAL OR SUPERVISOR AND THAT NO PROVISION OF THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK, ANY PERSONNEL REGULATION OR ANY OTHER EMPLOYMENT RELATED PRACTICE OR PROCEDURE, ORAL OR WRITTEN, SHALL BE EFFECTIVE TO CHANGE THE “AT-WILL” NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY.

    “UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT, OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT AN INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A LIE-DETECTOR OR SIMILAR TEST. ANY EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS PROVISION IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT TO EXCEED $100.”

    Affirmative Action & Race Information

    APPLICANT DATA RECORD

    Applicants are considered for all positions, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic or veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability.

    As an employer, we comply with all government regulations and any applicable affirmative action responsibilities.

    Solely to help us comply with any applicable government record keeping, reporting and other legal requirements, please fill out the Affirmative Action Survey below. We appreciate your cooperation.

    This Affirmative Action Survey data, which you provide voluntarily, will be kept separate and confidential from this Application for Employment.

    AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

    Government agencies require periodic reports on the sex, ethnicity, disability, and veteran status of applicants. This data is for analysis and affirmative action only.

    RACE/ETHNIC IDENTIFICATION (Please check all that apply)

    Veteran Identification

    Special Employment Notice to Disabled Veterans, Vietnam Era Veterans, and Individuals with Physical or Mental Handicaps

    Government contractors are subject to 38 USC 2012 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974 which requires that they take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which requires government contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals.

    If you are a disabled veteran, or have a physical or mental handicap, you are invited to volunteer this information. This information will be treated as confidential. Failure to provide this information will not jeopardize or adversely affect your consideration for employment.

    FMCSA

    FMCSA Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

    I hereby provide consent to Washington County Board of Commissioners to conduct a full query of the FMCSA Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse ( Clearinghouse) to determine whether drug or alcohol violation information about me exists in the Clearinghouse.

    I understand that if the full query conducted by Washington County Board of Commissioners indicates that drug or alcohol violation information about me exists in the Clearinghouse, FMCSA will not disclose that information to Washington County Board of Commissioners without first obtaining additional specific consent from me.

    I understand that Washington County Board of Commissioners will conduct annual limited queries as required by FMCSA.

    I further understand that if I refuse to provide consent for Washington County Board of Commissioners to conduct a limited query of the Clearinghouse, Washington County Board of Commissioners must prohibit me from performing safety- sensitive functions, including driving a commercial motor vehicle, as required by FMCSA’ s drug and alcohol program regulations.

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