Social Media Specialist (12637, Grade 22)

Salary: $57,357.00 – $101,584.00 Annually

Location : Greenbelt, MD

Job Type: Career

Job Number: 12637

Department: PGC Parks and Recreation

Division: Public Aff and Comm Engagemt

Opening Date: 10/16/2023

Closing Date: 11/15/2023 11:59 PM Eastern

Description
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s, Department of Parks and Recreation, Public Affairs and Community Engagement Division is seeking a highly skilled and motivated, creative Social Media Specialist with a strong background in public relations to join our team.

The ideal candidate is passionate about both social media and strategic communication, with a proven track record of effectively managing online presence and building positive relationships with the public and media outlets. The Social Media Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing our brand’s online visibility, reputation, and engagement while aligning with our overall public relations goals.
Examples of Important Duties
Social Media Strategy: Under the direction of the Communications and Marketing Manager, to develop and implement comprehensive social media strategies to increase brand awareness, engagement, and audience growth across various platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.). Create, curate, and schedule compelling content that aligns with the brand’s voice, values, and goals. Monitor and respond to comments, messages, and mentions in a timely and professional manner. Utilize social media management tools to track performance, analyze data, and generate insightful reports.

Public Relations Integration: collaborate with the PR team to align social media efforts with broader public relations campaigns and initiatives. Leverage public relations expertise to craft compelling narratives, press releases, and media pitches for online distribution. Manage crisis communications by effectively addressing and mitigating negative sentiment on social media platforms.

Content Creation and Promotion: Conceptualize, create, and edit engaging visual and written content, including graphics, videos, blog posts, and infographics. Coordinate with design and multimedia teams to produce high-quality, shareable content that resonates with the target audience. Implement strategies to amplify PR efforts through social media channels, ensuring consistent messaging and storytelling.

Influencer Engagement: Identify and build relationships with relevant influencers, bloggers, and thought leaders to amplify the brand’s reach and credibility. Collaborate with influencers to create authentic content that aligns with the brand’s image and objectives.

Analytics and Reporting: Monitor key social media metrics (engagement rates, reach, followers, etc.) and use data-driven insights to optimize strategies.Regularly report on social media performance and PR integration, offering actionable recommendations for continuous improvement.
Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism,
   Public Relations, English, Political Science, Marketing or related field, and two (2) years of experience in journalism, marketing or public affairs; or
2. An equivalent combination of education and experience.
3. 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Proven experience (3 years) as a Social Media Specialist, with a strong understanding of public relations principles and practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and messages.
• Proficiency in using social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social) and analytics platforms.
• Creative mindset with a keen eye for design aesthetics and visual storytelling.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience in crisis management and handling sensitive issues on social media.
• Knowledge of the latest social media trends, algorithms, and best practices.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Familiarity with SEO and content marketing principles is a plus.

Supplemental Information
Classification Specification: Senior Public Affairs and Marketing Specialist (2815)

Working Conditions:
Work is primarily performed in an office with considerable pressure to meet deadlines. May work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Driving is required. Regular contact and interaction with the general public and staff.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

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.

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION

2023 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR MERIT SYSTEM EMPLOYEES

The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.

Eligibility
You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.

Retirement Programs

• Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members.

Plan: Employee Contribution
Plan C: 9%* of base salary (FOP members only) – *9.5% Effective 4/1/2023
Plan E: 4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.

• Deferred Compensation MissionSquare 457 plan (Optional)
• Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)

Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.

• Medical
  • Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with Prescription Plan – (15%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) – (20%)
  • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) – (20%)
• Prescription – CVS Caremark – (15%)
• Dental – Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO – (20%)
• Vision – EyeMed – (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
  • Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.

Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)

• Medical Account – Maximum annual contribution: $2,850
• Dependent Care Account – Maximum annual contribution: $5,000

Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)

• Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month

Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)

• Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
• Automatic coverage with opt-out provision

Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)

• Supplemental – 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
• Spouse/Dependent Combination – $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000

Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)

• Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
• Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
• Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birthadoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member

Leave Programs

• Annual: 15 days per year
• Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
• Sick: 15 days per year
• Holidays: 11 days per year

Other Benefits

• Credit Union
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Legal Services Plan
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Work-Life Program

For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission’s Health and Benefits Office at benefits@mncppc.org or 301-454-1694.