Provides coordination, administrative, and communications support for St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks department. This position reports to the Deputy Director and works in direct collaboration with the Recreation & Parks team and the county’s PIO team. This position is responsible for executing and monitoring communications strategies as directed by the Deputy Director. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, digital content creation, social media management, event coordination and photography, drafting and distribution of the regular newsletters and communications; marketing needs for all department programs, facilities and events; and preforming various administrative tasks, such as reporting on communications metrics, ordering of materials, managing public appearance schedules for the department, and assisting with providing customer service support as needed. The position is required to be on call during emergency situations. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. Social media-savvy with strong digital photography, videography, and writing skills, as well as a passion for highlighting the work of St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks through social media, professional website content, and print materials. Ability to take photos during ceremonies and meetings.
2. Monitor online and print news sources to ensure accuracy of information.
3. Assists with the development of the department’s overall messaging strategies through timely updates on a variety of platforms including department website, social media, news and community outreach. 
4. Interfaces directly with department staff, county employees, and affiliated agencies
5. Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with members of the news media.
6. Drafts and edits news releases, media advisories, and other communications for public consumption as requested by the Deputy Director.
7. Coordinates and promotes special events, projects, and outreach programs.
8. Supports administrative functions for advisory board meetings and notifications.
9. Take photographs during programs and events as directed by the Deputy Director. Use Canva to edit photos as needed.
10. Serve as Associate Editor for various department publications. Assigns articles, conducts interviews, writes and edits articles, brainstorms content, establishes deadlines, manages content submissions and prepares first draft for the Deputy Director.
11. Provides administrative support to the Deputy Director and Recreation Division Manager to meet department goals and objectives.
12. Provides public information/responds to community inquiries via phone, email and in person about St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks programs, services, and/or operations. 
13. Manages and updates the department event schedule, to include compiling and providing communications; acquiring and distributing tickets, providing weekly updates; ensures information is circulated to the appropriate parties in a timely manner.
14. Monitors, maintains, and updates various program and event calendars online.
15. Handles administrative tasks for the department, including budget tracking, ordering of supplies and scheduling appointments.
16. Maintains and manages relevant records.
17. Provide administrative support to the department director as needed.
18. Provide backup support to customer support operations as needed. 
19. Serve as back-up for front desk coverage during staff absences.
20. Prepares correspondence.
21. Occasionally work evenings and weekends for events and/or meetings.
22. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. Ability to gain working knowledge of St. Mary’s County Government policies and procedures.
2. Ability to act as a representative of St. Mary’s County Government to the public.
3. Expert knowledge of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Hootsuite and other emerging platforms, including legal requirements for accessibility. 
4. Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style; ability to proofread and edit materials for     accuracy, grammar, spelling, punctuation, format and make necessary corrections.
5. Knowledge of modern office procedures and practices, including the operation of computers and multiple phone lines.
6. Ability to operate relevant software, including Microsoft Office & Outlook suite, Canva, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, InDesign, Internet Explorer, Optiview, BoardDocs, etc.
7. Proficient in the use of digital still cameras; familiarity with use of digital video cameras;
8. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with other staff members and the public.
9. Ability to work independently, use professional judgment and pay close attention to detail. 
10. Ability to prioritize and multitask while working under deadline pressure.
11. Ability to use available resources to research information.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field;
2. Three or more years of editing, communications/public relations and computer experience or equivalent training, education, and/or experience.