Program Manager I (Public Affairs and Community Engagement Coordinator), Grade N23
Montgomery CountyAbout the Position
- Please note: The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $76,742 to $109,655 based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
WHO WE ARE
The Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) works to preserve and increase the supply of affordable housing, maintain existing housing in a safe and sanitary condition, preserve the safety and quality of residential and commercial areas, ensure fair and equitable relations between landlords and tenants, and support the success of common ownership communities – all with a focus on reducing racial inequities and climate change impacts.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) seeks a Program Manager I to coordinate community engagement and outreach activities, to support public affairs and communications functions, and to facilitate Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) records requests related to DHCA programs. This role involves collaboration with DHCA staff, members of the public, and community organizations. The position operates under broadly stated guidelines, requiring extensive interpretation and considerable judgment
What You'll Be Doing
The Program Manager I plays a key role supporting DHCA’s engagement with the public by conducting community outreach, responding to Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) requests, and coordinating communications activities such as website and social media updates. The position sits in the DHCA Director’s Office and reports to the Public and Legislative Affairs Manager (Program Manager II).
Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assist DHCA program managers in coordinating community outreach communications and events, serve as the point of contact for DHCA outreach events, and attend events in the community, as needed.
- Coordinate fulfillment of the Maryland Public Information Act across the Department and serve as a custodian of records for DHCA.
- Manage updates to DHCA website content and social media platforms.
- Draft and review communications from managers for accuracy in grammar, tone, and syntax.
- Develop graphics and assist with production and design of reports, memoranda, and other public communications content.
- Identify and review feedback and recommendations from community members and organizations on issues associated with DHCA programs and communicate these issues to DHCA management.
- Promote communication with community leaders and organizations to deliver information about DHCA programs.
- Plan and coordinate DHCA-related events with internal and external stakeholders.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.
Experience: Considerable (3+ years) professional experience in a program/specialization area directly related to communication, community outreach and engagement, or similar tasks.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
License: Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class "C" (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant's state of residence.
Financial Disclosure Statement: This position is designated as one that requires filing a Financial Disclosure Statement and you will be required to disclose information about your financial affairs.
Medical Exam Protocol: This position requires completion of a pre-employment Medical History Form to assess your ability to safely perform the essential duties of the role.Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences
We will use interview preference criteria:
- Knowledge and experience in communications and/or public relations principles and practices, including digital and social media strategy.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including writing, editing, and grammar skills tailored to different platforms and audiences.
- Ability to synthesize and analyze information for communications products, including presentations.
- Ability to meet deadlines, work both independently and collaboratively, and manage competing requests from executives, staff, elected officials, and stakeholders.
- Strong planning, outreach, and networking skills with conducting community outreach and activities across diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic communities.
- Ability to coordinate and produce high-quality outcomes amidst ambiguity or without clearly defined requirements, and to think critically and analytically in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity and knowledge of housing and community development issues at the Federal, State, and local levels.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the public, organizational stakeholders, and individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Willingness and ability to attend meetings and perform assignments at locations outside the office and on some nights and weekends.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.
Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at Hiring@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.
MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.
All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.
This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.
If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.
Montgomery County Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.