Communications & Digital Media Specialist

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is designated as an Emergency Personnel Position. Due to the nature of the job functions and responsibilities associated with this position, the person in this position may be required to report to work during an emergency, or during non-business hours to support agency operations, even if state offices are closed or other state workers are excused from work.

General Duties

The Communications and Digital Media Specialist performs public information and preparedness activities on behalf of the agency, including, but not limited to:

• Implementing effective digital strategies across multiple platforms to enhance public engagement, support preparedness and raise overall awareness of the work and objectives of MEMA.
• Developing content/information for the agency's website and posting information to the agency's website.
• Managing MEMA's social media channels.
• Develop high-quality graphic design for distribution on website and social media.

• Track analytics and measure performance of digital content to inform decision-making and communications strategy.

• Preparing and disseminating emergency and non-emergency information to the public, media and stakeholders pertaining to agency and State Emergency Operations Center activities.
• Preparing and disseminating media releases and advisories.
• Responding to inquiries from members of the media.
• Assists in coordinating the agency's public information activities with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, the Governor's Office, and other agencies and organizations.
• Supporting emergency communications to the public via the agency's alert and warning platforms.
• Supporting public information and messaging needs for pre planned events.
• Shooting, editing, and distributing video segments featuring emergency management-related news and programs.
• Promoting the agency and emergency management through stakeholder engagement, tours of MEMA's facilities, public information and outreach, and other activities.
• Generating, editing, publishing, and sharing engaging visual content daily that promotes and supports work across MEMA's departments, and divisions.
• Design brochures, signage, and collateral for EOPSS use.
• Ensures all emergency management programs and services are equally accessible to and effective for individuals with access and functional needs (AFN) and those with limited English proficiency.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Public Outreach & Preparedness

a. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist supports MEMA's mission by increasing public awareness of threats and hazards, sharing information with the public in anticipation of, and during disasters, emergencies, and pre-planned events and promoting personal, family, business, and community preparedness.

b. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist plays an active role in community preparedness. The incumbent, in collaboration with the Community Engagement Specialist, will thoroughly develop preparedness campaigns, videos, toolkits for locals, and outreach strategies. The incumbent may work with Executive Level Agencies to prepare citations, promote campaigns, and other related tasks.

c. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist uses several platforms and mediums to communicate with the public and stakeholders, including, but not limited to social media, Agency's website, print media, radio, television, email, presentations, tours, meetings, expositions, and conferences. The incumbent makes recommendations to Unit Leadership on the use of new or different communications tools, systems, and methods to enhance the agency's public information activities and outreach.

d. Develop and maintain an electronic library of pre-scripted social media messages for various threats, hazards and situations, and ensure that all such messages are periodically reviewed and updated and are consistent with each other and information on MEMA's website

e. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist may be asked to instruct basic public information or related courses.

f. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist ensures all emergency management programs and services are equally accessible to and effective for individuals with access and functional needs (AFN) and those with limited English proficiency.

Working with the Media

a. Under supervision, the Communications and Digital Media Specialist responds to inquiries from and communicates with the media. The incumbent maintains good relationships with members of the media and maintains distribution and contact lists to facilitate communication with the media.

b. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist serves as a point of contact with public, private, and non-profit agencies and organizations seeking or needing general information about the Agency, preparedness information, emergency and non-emergency information about the State Emergency Operations Center and response and recovery activities, and emergency management.

c. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist works with Agency staff and external stakeholders on developing and disseminating information to the public, and related messaging. The incumbent develops/drafts handouts and brochures, media releases, social media posts, remarks, presentations, and content for the agency's website.

Promotes the Agency

a. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist works across social media platforms to maximize MEMA's web presence and outreach. The incumbent maintains the Agency website and provides content and support for the Agency's SharePoint. The incumbent will document Agency activities through photojournalism and will be expected to attend meetings, exercises, activations, press conferences, and other events as directed.

b. Track social media analytics and overall program metrics. Use these analytics and metrics to help improve future programs and messages.

c. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist serves as a goodwill ambassador and gives tours, presentations, and other educational endeavors on behalf of the Agency.

d. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist maintains the Agency's archives and may be responsible for building and displaying exhibits.

Planning, Emergencies, Activations, and Afterhours

a. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist will draft, contribute to emergency plans, or serve as a subject matter expert for the Planning Unit.

b. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist is responsible for communicating with the public, media, and/or coordinating with other agencies, as necessary, with incident related information requirements. The incumbent is responsible for developing and releasing information about the incident to the news media, incident personnel, and other appropriate agencies and organizations.

c. When the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is activated, the Communications and Digital Media Specialist may assume the Public Information Officer position within the SEOC. The incumbent may operate as the Public Information Branch, or as an Emergency Support Function (ESF). The incumbent will serve as part of a Joint Information System (JIS) and may serve in a Joint Information Center (JIC).

d. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist is responsible for ensuring the whole community has access to emergency information. The incumbent must develop products or the means to communicate with entire population, including those with without hearing, eyesight, or speak a different language.

e. The Communications and Digital Media Specialist will have on-call responsibilities for media line coverage.

Additional Duties:

1. May be assigned to participate in, or support training programs, drills and exercises.

2. May be assigned to work in or support the State Emergency Operations Center, one of

MEMA's Regional Emergency Operations Centers, or a local, regional or state Emergency Operations Center or command post during disasters, emergencies, incidents and pre-planned events. May also be assigned to support field response or recovery operations.

3. May be required to work extended hours, including during nights and weekends in the event of a disaster, emergency, incident or threat affecting the Commonwealth, or in support of pre-planned events or activation of a state, regional or local emergency operations center.

4. May be required to travel within and outside of the Commonwealth in support of work assignments and responsibilities. Travel may require overnight stays.

5. May be required to carry and use a two-way public safety radio during duty hours.

6. Must have basic computer knowledge and experience, and a willingness and ability to learn and use work-related software programs, applications, and technology systems.

7. Must have reliable transportation to and from work or assigned locations on a daily basis as well as during emergency activations or operations.

8. Must have the ability to form effective and productive working relations with others, and to work well with others and as part of a team.

9. Fulfill other work-related assignments as required or assigned.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Strong writing, editorial and communication skills

2. Ability to multi-task under tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail

3. Comprehensive understanding of media networks, including trade publications and electronic media outlets

4. Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines

5. Ability to write quickly, clearly, and convincingly, recognize newsworthiness, manage and deliver on internal expectations

6. Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills

7. Knowledge of and experience in social media and electronic communications

8. Experience shooting and editing video

9. Experience with graphic design (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva)

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the-required experience.

II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for the required experience.

III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.

Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.