Social Media Specialist (14589, Grade 20)

Description

We're seeking an entry-level Public Information Specialist to join our dynamic and vibrant team and spearhead digital marketing initiatives for Montgomery Parks. In collaboration with the Marketing and Public Affairs Team, you'll build and coordinate captivating campaigns across social media and digital platforms, promoting our programs, events, amenities, and facilities. This role requires strong social media skills, customer service focus, and a passion for implementing best practices in digital marketing, ADA compliance, and email marketing. Persuasive writing and creative problem-solving skills are a must!

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 419 parks and almost 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC metro area. Go to our website to learn more: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Examples of Important Duties

Implements and executes marketing services and internal and external communications

You will collaborate with the team to develop and update various digital marketing campaigns and help to create and distribute social media content, lead content production schedules, and contribute to the department's website. This position is responsible for identifying new marketing opportunities, writing engaging content, and measuring the effectiveness of campaigns through data analysis. Additionally, you will play a key role in maintaining Montgomery Parks’ reputation with the community by addressing public comments and messages via our social channels.

Assists with social media content creation and growing Montgomery Parks social media program

• Develop engaging social media content (images, videos, text) that aligns with Montgomery Parks' brand voice and messaging.
• Research and identify trending topics to increase reach and engagement.
• Collaborate with park staff and other departments to capture high-quality photos and videos showcasing park facilities, programs, and events.
• Maintain a consistent posting schedule across all social media platforms.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow follower base across all social media platforms.
• Create reports to track the success of social media campaigns and identify areas for improvement.
  
  

Provide outstanding customer service through social media channels and online platforms to maintain a positive brand reputation for Montgomery Parks.

• Proactively monitor all social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) for mentions of Montgomery Parks, including brand mentions, reviews, and comments. Use clear and concise communication to acknowledge concerns, offer solutions, and demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Respond to all inquiries, comments, and messages promptly and professionally, demonstrating a friendly demeanor. Identify and address negative feedback or complaints online in a timely and courteous manner.
• Engage with followers by participating in conversations, responding to questions, and acknowledging positive feedback.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to resolve customer issues raised on social media.
  
  

Leads email marketing program

• Responsible for the planning, content development, and distribution schedule of Parks branded e-newsletters.
• Seek opportunities to grow email database subscribers.
• Implement A/B testing to regularly audit and identify new opportunities to increase engagement, click-through, and track conversions.
• Collect and analyze email engagement data.
  
  

Serves on the crisis communications team

• The candidate must have the flexibility and willingness to work nights, weekends, and serve in an on-call capacity.
  
  

Collaborates and supports team members

• Able to prioritize, meet campaign deadlines, and work with others to meet project goals and objectives.
• Able to accept and offer positive, constructive feedback.
• Seek ideas, suggestions, and solutions to strengthen the quality of our collective work.
  
  

Important Skills and Characteristics

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of social media, customer service, public affairs or public relations; creative design and practical production principles; and Commission activities, organization, and applicable policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with best practices for digital accessibility.
• Problem solving; communicating with various individuals and groups with tact and diplomacy; and project management.
  
  

Skill in operation of audio-visual equipment and microcomputers with appropriate software; graphic design and photo editing software. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; set goals, objectives and priorities; critically evaluate a variety of subject matters; coordinate administrative processes; interpret policies and procedures; establish and maintain effective working relationships; and comprehend technical reports and correspondence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Political Science, Marketing or any related field.
• One (1) year of experience in journalism, marketing, public affairs or closely related experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total five (5) years.
• 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.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience performing marketing and public relations responsibilities in agency environment preferred.
• Adobe Creative Suite/Canva skills
• Previous experience in video production and editing a plus.
• Ability to handle fast-paced multi-tasking responsibilities.
• Bilingual/multilingual a plus
• Submit at least two digital campaign samples or a link to your portfolio
  
  

Supplemental Information

Class Specification: Public Affairs and Marketing Specialist I - 1612

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in an office with considerable pressure to meet deadlines. Occasionally will assist with events, market surveys, or photography/videography needs which require working outdoors.
• Required to serve on the Crisis Communications Team as assigned. May occasionally work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Driving is required.
• Regular contact and interaction with the general public, staff, and media.
  
  

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

Montgomery Parks believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success. Montgomery County Parks does not make hiring decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, ideology, or status as a Veteran.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.