Communications Coordinator - State's Attorney's Office

Provides coordination, administrative, and communications support for the Office of the State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County. This position is responsible for executing and monitoring communications. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, external communications; digital content creation; social media management; event coordination to include assistance with programs such as, but not limited to, Project Graduation, Badges for Basketball/Baseball, Shop with a Cop, National Night Out, Victim Memorial Services, and St. Mary’s Splash; photography for internal programs and external affairs; drafting and distribution of internal employee newsletters to include welcome messages and office updates; preparation of certificates of appreciation, certificates of recognition, awards, and write-ups; drafting responses to Maryland Public Information Act requests; and performing various administrative tasks. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. Primary point of contact between the agency and the media for all media-related communications. 
2. Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with members of the news media. Maintains and updates media contact lists.
3. Monitors online and print news sources to ensure accuracy of information.
4. Plans, develops, writes, and issues news releases, media advisories, and other communications for print, broadcast, and online media.
5. Takes photos during ceremonies and meetings and uses Photoshop to edit photos as needed.
6. Works with attorneys and staff to prepare necessary communication matters and execute appropriate media procedures to support and publish the agency’s news for publication. 
7. Works to ensure relevant and pertinent State’s Attorney’s Office’s matters are communicated to the public.
8. Researches and verifies information on a variety of issues in response to requests for information from media representatives.
9. Drafts responses to Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) requests. Consults with attorneys to comply with MPIA requirements. 
10. Coordinates and promotes special events, projects, and outreach programs. 
11. Advises agency representatives concerning publicity for programs, events and casework. 
12. Provides communications counsel, conducts media training, and proactively develops and updates media policy as necessary.
13. Prepares certificates of award and recognition for the State’s Attorney’s Office for internal and external affairs. 
14. Writes and edits presentation materials and talking points as needed.
15. Assists with developing presentations for use by agency members as requested.
16. Drafts and edits internal employee newsletters.
17. Provides public information/responds to community inquiries via phone, email and in person about the State’s Attorney’s Office’s programs, services, and/or operations. 
18. Identifies opportunities for effective community engagement through external and internal programs.
19. Manages and updates the State’s Attorney’s Office’s event schedule, to include compiling and providing RSVPs and ensuring information is circulated to the appropriate parties in a timely manner.
20. Monitors, maintains and updates the State’s Attorney’s Office’s community calendar.
21. Serves as liaison between the State’s Attorney’s Office and partner agencies.
22. Prepares correspondence.
23. Occasionally works evenings and weekends to attend events and/or meetings.
24. 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 the State’s Attorney’s Office. 
2. Ability to gain working knowledge of the State’s Attorney’s Office’s policies and procedures.
3. Ability to act as a representative of the State’s Attorney’s Office to the public.
4. Ability to effectively communicate with managers, staff, and the public.
5. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with the media, key stakeholders, other government agencies, vendors, and the public and to handle public relations problems with courtesy and tact.
6. Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style; ability to proofread and edit materials for accuracy, grammar, spelling, punctuation, format and make necessary corrections.
7. Ability to operate relevant software, including Microsoft Office & Outlook suite, Canva, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.
8. Proficient in the use of digital still cameras; familiarity with use of digital video cameras.
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;
3. Or equivalent technical training, education, and/or experience.