Communications Specialist, Food Services

Develop and implement a strategic communications plan that enhances the Department of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) brand awareness and supports organizational objectives. Maintain a cohesive communication strategy that ensures uniformity in messaging across various platforms including print digital and social media while implementing best practices to reinforce the organizations values and objectives. Performs other duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Designsdevelops and manages related media items publications and other communication and promotional tools. Creates flyers news releases email communications and manages social media for FNS.
• Serves as liaison to the Baltimore County Public Schools Department of Communications. Serve as specialist for production and distribution of departmental informational and promotional materials. Plans and coordinates communications for food tastings promotions and press events.
• Fields customer inquiries/concerns and works with operations staff to investigate and resolve customer service issues. Responds in writing and/or verbally to customer complaints. Maintains customer service call database and response records.
• Develops concepts related to brochures pamphlets and other informational and promotional materials.
• Writes and distributes media tips and media alerts. Verifies facts and statistics using reliable sources.
• Maintains and updates social media sites and determines appropriate content to be published.
• Designs timely content for FNS website and updates regularly.
• Produces various newsletters. Writes stories and takes photographs for the FNS website and print publications.
• Tracks the success rate and performance of on-going informational and promotional campaigns and makes the required changes for improved effectiveness.
• Maintains databases designs edits and publishes various internal FNS directories.
• Manages production stock and dissemination of all FNS communication materials as needed throughout system and in the community. Maintains catalogued history of materials.
• Assists the Director and Manager with communications presentations and event preparation including monthly manager meeting agendas and accompanying presentations ..
• Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Training and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in communications public relations business or a related field. Four years related professional experience. Experience with food service and/or school system operations preferred.

Licenses and Certificates:

• N/A

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public communications and public relations. Skilled in providing high level of diplomacy and professionalism required

• Knowledge of BCPS policies and guidelines.

• Knowledge of the development of informational materials.Demonstrated knowledge of personal computers and software including publication design software and social media tools.

• Demonstrated skill in composing clear effective and appropriate correspondence and other written materials. Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail required. Skill in communicating with the public.

• Thorough knowledge of English grammar punctuation usage and style including AP style and Gregg Manual standards.

• Computer systems skills required including data input and report generation.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships with the public executive staff members and peers.

Citizenship residency or work VISA in United States required

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The work of this class is generally sedentary. Work involves occasional travel to offices and schools throughout Baltimore County.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Persons appointed to this classification are designated as Essential-As-Needed Personnel and are required to work when schools and/or offices are closed during adverse weather conditions or any other emergency when contacted and directed to do so.

Employees may be required to work beyond their normally scheduled hours with little or no advanced notice. Work schedule may include nights occasional weekends and travel.

BENEFITS:BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans dental plans vision life insurance flexible spending accounts disability coverage and 403(b)/457 plans. Other benefits include paid vacation paid holidays sick personal business and bereavement days and flexible leave options such as FMLA sick bank and board approved new hires will attend a benefits meeting upon hire.

Visit the BCPS website for additional information about benefit plans for BCPS employees at class specification defines the types of duties and level of difficulty of work required of positions in this title. It shall not be held to exclude duties not mentioned nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

FLSA: Exempt

RETIREMENT: Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees Retirement System.

GRADE:

Grade 04 - 12 Month OPE Pay Scale

SALARY: $71856 to $113313 (Annual Salary Scale for Exempt 12-Month Employees Represented by BCPSOPE 2025-2026 Effective September 20 2025) Visit the BCPS Office of Payroll website for additional information on pay scales other compensation and leave accruals at COMPENSATION: This position may be eligible for comp time. Visit the BCPS website to review the OPE Master Agreement for additional information at Instructions

Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Information on your resume and application must match. This information is necessary for salary determination should you receive an offer of employment.
• Professional references must be submitted to complete your application. Examples of professional references include current and former principals supervisors managers mentor teachers and university/college references from colleagues friends community members not be accepted.
• Be sure to account for all periods of employment and unemployment. Failure to complete all fields of the Work Experience section of the application may result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be the only document considered in determining your qualifications for a position.
• You MUST attach your unofficial transcript(s) or license(s) to your application if you are applying for a position as a teacher or position which requires Licensure/Certification.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• All people employed by the Baltimore County Public Schools regular and temporary are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background investigation (per COMAR) completed. The fee charged for fingerprinting is $109.
• Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the US.
• If you have military experience you will be asked to provide a copy of DD214.
• Official transcripts will be required upon hire and must be sent via escript/clearinghouse from your university.
• Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing.
• All newly hired personnelmustattend aBenefits and Retirement Orientationmeeting.
• Additional job verification will be required for salary credit.

Contact Information
Office of Staffing & Licensure
Phone:
Email:

This document describes the duties and responsibilities of a position or group of positions. It shall not be held to exclude duties not referenced nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.