Public Information Specialist



Job Details

Public Information Specialist

This listing closes on 7/13/2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada).

Employer

City of Rockville

Salary

$98,790.05 - $173,645.08 Annually

Location

MD 20850, MD

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202500078

Department

Communications and Community Engagement

Division

Public Information

Opening Date

06/16/2025

Closing Date

7/13/2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Job Summary

This position is responsible for performing intermediate professional work involved in disseminating city news and information about city programs, services, special events and other items of interest to the Rockville community. The incumbent is comfortable working independently, and as part of a team of creative communication and community engagement professionals. The incumbent is a strong writer and can effectively communicate complex information to the public in a variety of media. The incumbent can manage multiple projects successfully. The incumbent works with the communications team to determine the city's communication content and acts as a project manager for strategic communication planning and execution. The working conditions are good but can be stressful when working with competing priorities and strict deadlines. Hours will include some nights and weekends. The work is subject to general policies, practices and procedures under the direction of the director and assistant director of the Department of Communications and Community Engagement.  

Essential Job Functions

  • Writes for various media including web, social media, press releases and newspaper.
  • Plans content, researches, writes and edits articles for the city's online/print newsletter, "Rockville Reports."
  • Produces special documents such as the city's election guide and the annual report.
  • Responsible for the timely release of city news through news releases, newsletters, social media and verbal contact with the press.
  • Devises creative ways to engage the community and promote civic involvement, which includes working directly with the Community Engagement Division to utilize the city’s outreach and communication tools and platforms in citywide community engagement plans.
  • Takes the lead in writing and implementing strategic communication and marketing plans for city programs, departments and events.
  • Coordinates messaging across all city media.
  • Produces internal communications.
  • Proofs materials for adherence to the city's style and brand.
  • Implements the city's brand messaging.
  • Advises departments on handling media inquiries.
  • Maintains open lines of communication with media members by advising them of opportunities for articles and photos, responding to inquiries, setting up interviews and providing background information.
  • Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in journalism, public relations, English communication or closely related field from an accredited university or college; and three (3) years of progressively responsible work in journalism, public relations or public information; or any equivalent combination of experience.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to rapidly acquire knowledge and communicate it effectively to the public accurately and quickly.
  • Ability to determine and communicate effective messaging.
  • Writing, editing and proofreading skills.
  • Knowledge of standard guidelines and practices in public information and journalism.
  • Knowledge of Associated Press style.
  • Knowledge, skill and comfort with using office equipment and software.
  • Strong organizational skills, including managing time and planning and prioritizing content to meet multiple deadlines.
  • Skill in marketing using a variety of media.
  • Strong oral communication skills for discussing complex information and addressing sometimes frustrating situations with coworkers across the city organization. 
  • Ability to work with many types of people.
  • Skill in media relations.
  • Innovative and creative ability to develop fresh ideas and content.

Summary of Employee Benefits

The following is a brief summary of the major benefits provided to new full-time, regular employees. Part-time, regular employees working more than 20 hours per week may be entitled to these benefits on a pro-rated basis in accordance with Rockville City Laws and personnel policies and procedures. Benefits are not available to temporary employees. Details about benefits and costs for full-time and part-time employees are available by calling the Human Resources Department at 240-314-8470.

Group Insurance Plans

Health Insurance
Participation is available in one of a number of types of health plans. The City contributes toward each plan. Participation is optional. Detailed information about each plan and the associated cost is available through the Human Resources Department.
Employees may participate in one of the following plans: Aetna HMO $30/$40, Aetna HMO $30/40 Deductible, Aetna HMO Health Reimbursement Account, Aetna Point of Service, Kaiser Permanente HMO, or Kaiser Permanente Point of Service. Start date of coverage is the date of hire or the first of the following month.
.

Aetna
Rockville Group: 118583-011
Member Services: (800) 445-5299 or (888) 792-3862 (Rx Services)
Web Site: http://www.aetna.com

Kaiser Permanente
Rockville Group: 4205-4 (HMO)
Member Services: (301) 468-6000 or (800) 777-7902
TTY: (301) 816-6344
Web Site: http://www.kp.org

Dental Plan
Employees may join the City's dental program and receive dental benefits in addition to any such benefits provided by the group health plans. The City contributes a portion of the cost of each employee's dental coverage. If dental coverage is waived, the City's contribution is reallocated toward the employee's health plan cost. Start date of coverage is the first of the month following date of hire.Guardian Dental
Customer Service: (800) 541-7846
Web Site: http://www.guardiananytime.com/
 
Vision Insurance
City of Rockville is offers a vision plan with VSP. Members will have a $130 allowance (in-network) for lenses/frames or contacts. Go to www.vsp.com to locate a participating provider. VSP members get a 20% savings on additional glasses and sunglasses, including lens enhancements, from any VSP provider within 12 months of your last WellVision Exam. Ask your provider about Laser Vision Correction discounts as well.
Group Life Insurance
The City provides life insurance equal to one and one-half times an employee's base salary. There is no cost to the employee for this benefit. Employees have the option of purchasing additional supplemental life insurance coverage for self, spouse and dependent child(ren). New employees joining within their first 30 days will not be required to provide evidence of insurability.

Leave

Annual Leave
Annual leave ranges from 16 to 23 days per year depending upon the length of service with the City. Leave may be used as it is accrued with the permission of the employee's supervisor. Annual leave is paid at termination after completing six (6) months of service. An employee normally accrues annual leave in the following manner:
 
Months of Service
Monthly Vacation Accrual in Hours
(37.5 hrs/wk)/(40 hrs/wk)

1-24 Months
10.00 / 10.40

25-60 Months
11.53 / 12.40

61-96 Months
13.08 / 14.00

97+ Months
14.23 / 15.20

Holidays
Administrative and Police employees generally receive the following eleven (11) holidays per year.

New Year's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Presidents' Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Friday
Christmas Day
 
The City also observes all days of general and congressional elections throughout the State of Maryland. This holiday falls on even numbered years. Union employees and certain other employees may receive different holidays in accordance with the terms of a contractual agreement.

Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned monthly at the rate of 1.25 days per completed month of service. There is no waiting period for using earned sick leave nor is there a limit to the amount of earned sick leave that may be used in connection with any legitimate illness.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
 
Dependent Care FSA
The Dependent Care FSA allows employees to set aside up to $5,000 on a pre-tax basis for eligible dependent care expenses. Prior to the beginning of each calendar year, employees estimate the amount of these eligible expenses and agree to have this amount deducted from their annual salary on a bi-weekly basis. Employees avoid paying federal, state, and Social Security taxes on the total amount of their deferral. When expenses are incurred, employees submit a receipt and are reimbursed from their account. A detailed description of the plan is available in the Human Resources Department.
 
Medical FSA
The Medical Care FSA allows employees to set aside up to $3,200 on a pre-tax basis for eligible health care expenses. Prior to the beginning of each calendar year, employees estimate the amount of these expenses and agree to have that amount deducted from their annual salary on a bi-weekly basis. Employees avoid paying federal, state, and Social Security taxes on the total amount of their deferral. An employee may use a FSA debit card to pay for eligible expenses, or may submit receipts when expenses are incurred in order to be reimbursed from their account. A detailed description of the plan is available in the Human Resources Department.
 
Pre-tax Deductions for Health Insurance
Through Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, pre-tax payroll deductions may be made for the City's health and dental insurance premiums. Pre-tax deductions allow employees to avoid paying Federal, State, and F.I.C.A. taxes on the amounts of these payroll deducted premiums.
 
Wex Benefits
Customer Service: (866) 451-3399
Web Site: http://www.discoverybenefits.com/
 
Retirement Programs
 
Retirement Plan
The City's retirement plans consist of a Defined Benefit and a Defined Contribution portion. Administrative and Union employees may contribute between one (1) and five (5) percent of their base salary, on a pre-tax basis, to the defined contribution portion. The deferral election is made at the time of employment and may not be changed. Therefore, employees are advised to give considerable thought to their decision of what percent to contribute. The City will make a matching contribution of 50 cents for each dollar contributed. A minimum of one (1) percent participation is mandatory.
Employees have different investment fund options in which to direct contributions. The investment direction may be changed biweekly. Vesting in the Defined Contribution portion occurs at the beginning of the 3rd year. Normal retirement is age 60 or 65 depending on date of hire.
The Defined Benefit portion of the retirement plan is based on a percentage of average annual salary multiplied by length of credited service. Administrative employees are required to make a mandatory one (1) percent contribution to the Defined Benefit portion of the plan. Vesting occurs after ten (10) years.
Police Officers contribute 8.5 percent of their earnings on a pre-tax basis to a defined benefit pension plan. Normal retirement for police officers is permitted at the earlier of age 60 or after 25 years of service, regardless of age. Benefits at retirement are based on a percentage of final average earnings multiplied by length of credited service.Retirement Plan Administrator:
 
Lincoln Financial
Retirement Plan
Member Services: (800) 234-3500
Website: https://lincolnfinancial.com

Deferred Compensation (457) Plan
The deferred compensation plan is designed specifically for City employees, and makes it possible to defer income and the payment of income taxes on the deferred investment. The plan is not meant for short-term savings or investment purposes as monies deferred are generally not available until termination or retirement.
Employees may defer the lesser of 25 percent of base salary or a minimum of $10.00 per pay up to the current IRS limit on a pre-tax basis.
 
Roth 457
The Roth 457 is a supplemental retirement plan which is funded through employee contributions only.  Employees are eligible to enroll from the date of hire.  Contributions are taxed but earnings grow tax free.
Lincoln Financial
Member Services: (877) 234-3500
www.lincolnfinancial.com
 
Social Security
Regular employees receive employer contributions to Social Security (also known as FICA). Social Security benefits are available in accordance with Federal law.
For more information about benefits, contact the Human Resources Department at 240-314-8470.
 
Credit Union
Employees may participate in the Sky Point Federal Credit Union, conveniently located at Courthouse Square in Rockville. This credit union also participates in Family Service Center with shared branches available throughout the metropolitan area. Services include savings and checking accounts, loans, payroll deduction, and direct deposit.
 
Sky Point Federal Credit Union
Member Services: (301) 279-1964

Legal Resources
Through Legal Resources, participating employees and their eligible family members can get free advice, consultation, and courtroom representation for common legal services.
Member Services: 1-800-728-5768
Web Site: http://legalresources.com/
 
Employee Assistance Program
The City provides free, confidential counseling, assessment, and referral services to help employees deal with personal problems. Trained, certified employee assistance counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is also available for family members who are eligible health insurance plan dependents.
 
BHS EAP
24 hour Assistance Line (800) 327-2251
Web Site: http://www.bhsonline.com/
 
Long-term Disability Programs
The City's Income Protection Plan provides long-term disability benefits for both on and off the job injuries or illnesses. Coverage for off the job injuries or illnesses is provided after one year of employment with the City. Details are available from the Human Resources Department.

College Savings Plans
College America is a 529 college savings plan that can help you build a nest egg for college.  These plans, named after a section of the tax code, were created by Congress to offer significant tax advantages to those who invest for higher education. Details are available from the Human Resources Department.
 

01
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
  • High School or GED
  • Some College
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree or Higher
  • None of the Above
02
How many years of experience do you in journalism, public relations or public information?
  • No Experience
  • Less than 2 years
  • 2 years to less than 3 years
  • 3 years to less than 4 years
  • 4 years to less than 5 years
  • 5 years or more

* Required Question

Employer
City of Rockville
Address
111 Maryland Ave

Rockville, Maryland, 20850
Phone
(240) 314-8470

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