COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST I

As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.
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CLASSIFICATION TITLE:
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST I
SALARY:
$55,007.80 - $71,147.99
DEPARTMENT:
Planning and Economic Development
Opening Date:
10/09/2026
Closing Date:
10/20/2026 12:00 a.m.
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt - overtime pursuant to Human Resources and Labor Relations Policy
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period
CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) with an ability to balance hours from home or in the office as current responsibilities allow. The starting time for this position is currently 8:00 a.m.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under direction, provides communications and marketing support to advance the mission of the Macomb County Planning and Economic Development Department to retain, grow and attract investment in Macomb County, while enhancing the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. Develops, prepares, edits and disseminates communication materials that promote the department's Fueling the Talent Pipeline program. Assists in coordinating communication efforts by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and effective public engagement. Maintains the accuracy, quality, and consistency of content across social media platforms, websites, advertising, presentations, and other promotional materials.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Consults with supervisory staff to develop marketing strategies for department programs and services, including the Fueling the Talent Pipeline initiative.
Prepares, edits, and disseminates information about department programs and services through social media, web updates, press releases, print materials, and display boards.
Creates and edits documents, photos, and videos for promotion, reporting and documentation of events.
Ensures the integrity and effectiveness of departmental information presented to internal and external audiences.
Plans or assists in the coordination and promotion of community outreach and special events.
Assists with media contact when assigned.
Represents the department and attends professional meetings and conferences as determined by department leadership.
Monitors local and national media reports and identifies opportunities to promote the department.
Researches data, statistics, and information and communicates information in language and formats suitable to targeted audiences.
Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field
Two (2) years of related work experience in communications, public relations, or closely related field
Preferred Education and Experience
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field
Required Licenses or Certifications
Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:
County/department policies and procedures
Principles, methods, procedures, and strategies concerning public information, marketing, and communications
Associated Press (AP) standards, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Knowledge of social media platforms
Career tech education programs in the county
Skill in:
Excellent customer service, maintaining professional and cordial interactions at all times
Public speaking and delivery of presentations to community, school, worksite, and professional groups
Performing a variety of duties, requiring prioritization, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
Creating brochures, flyers, newsletters, e-newsletters, displays, web and social media messaging, using graphics software
Knowledge of Smartsheets, Canva, and Adobe products
Performing basic web page edits and updates
Development of social media and digital marketing campaigns
Writing and interpreting reports and analyzing data
Graphic design
Using audio/visual equipment
Ability to:
Translate complex information for various target audiences into easy-to-understand messages
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, outside agencies, other professionals, and the public
Coordinate and organize the work of others while promoting a collaborative, team environment
Work independently and be self-motivated
Exercise diplomacy, sound judgment, and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures
Work under pressure and meet deadlines with little supervision
Research and problem solve independently
Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy
WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS
The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously
Work Environment
Office or similar indoor environment: F/C
Outdoor environment: N/S
Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S
Construction site: N/S
Confined space: N/S
Exposures