📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Specialist, Senior
🔹 Company: Macomb County Government
🔹 Location: Mount Clemens, MI
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Government Administration
🔹 Date Posted: April 11, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and editing visually appealing media content to support Macomb County's messaging
- Collaborating with various departments to create content that meets the county's communication needs
- Managing project workflows and providing regular status reports
- Staying updated on the latest trends and best practices in media creation and digital communication
- Representing the department and participating in meetings, presentations, and project conferences
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Creates or approves materials for advertisements, brochures, reports, signage, website, and social media images, billboards, branded merchandise, displays, flyers, invitations, and other collateral materials.
✅ Develops, edits, and standardizes a wide range of visual media, including videos, photographs, graphics, and other digital and print content, to support the county's messaging and communication goals.
✅ Drafts and edits clear, engaging, and accurate written content to accompany visual media, ensuring the messaging is consistent, compelling, and aligned with the county's communication strategy.
✅ Manages the publication of visual and written content across various platforms, ensuring all materials are distributed promptly and effectively.
✅ Prepares mock-ups and reviews, incorporates feedback, and finalizes the material for its intended use.
✅ Maintains a catalog of finished work.
✅ Monitors and reports on the performance of digital campaigns and content, using analytics to recommend improvements and optimize future initiatives.
✅ Photographs events and people, as requested, and selects suitable images and organizes them for use.
✅ Delivers and picks-up materials and equipment, as assigned.
✅ Facilitates the department's digital presence by developing websites, maintaining social media, conducting online advertising, optimizing search engines, ensuring cross-platform compatibility, and developing content.
✅ Represents the department and participates in meetings, presentations, and project conferences to present strategic plans, operations, proposals, etc.
✅ May be required to work evenings and weekends; must be flexible and available on short notice, as needed.
✅ Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.
✅ Performs related duties as assigned.
ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional travel and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Graphic Design, Public Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field
Experience: Three (3) years of experience working as a graphic designer in an environment where multiple clients with differing needs are served, as well as marketing experience in the public or private sector requiring extensive contact with business and/or government officials
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Corel Draw, Canva)
- Experience with professional-grade digital cameras and editing software for both photo and video
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
- Familiarity with social media platforms, analytics, and best practices
- Knowledge of web design principles and basic HTML/CSS
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft and Google Suite Programs
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with a governmental agency or communications and marketing organization
Required Licenses or Certifications:
- Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel
Preferred Licenses or Certifications:
- Graduate certificate in Graphic Design or a field directly related to it from an accredited college or university
- Marketing certification in areas such as project management, content marketing, digital marketing
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensed drone pilot
ASSUMPTION: Preferred qualifications may enhance the candidate's prospects for success in this role but are not strictly required.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,399.42 - $91,055.76 per year
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan (401k and pension)
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with the possibility of working evenings and weekends as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information available in the job posting. However, the actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the county's budget.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Government Administration
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1818
Company Description:
- Macomb County offers extensive business opportunities, beautiful natural resources, and a richly diverse culture
- The county is committed to providing excellent services to its residents and fostering a thriving community
Company Specialties:
- Government
- County Government
- and Government Administration
Company Website: http://www.macombgov.org
ASSUMPTION: Macomb County Government is a large organization with a wide range of departments and services, offering numerous opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the County Executive or a designated Communications Director
Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of working remotely for certain tasks or projects
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a higher-level communications or management role within the county government
- Expanding skills and expertise in media creation, digital communication, and project management
- Potential opportunities in other departments or agencies within the county government
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the county government, with the potential to transition into management or leadership positions over time.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Government office building
Office Location(s): One South Main, Mount Clemens, MI 48043, US
Geographic Context:
- Mount Clemens is located in Macomb County, Michigan, approximately 20 miles north of Detroit
- The area offers a mix of urban and suburban environments, with easy access to major highways and transportation networks
- Macomb County is home to a diverse population of over 880,000 residents
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with the possibility of working evenings and weekends as needed
ASSUMPTION: The work environment for this role is primarily office-based, with occasional travel to events, meetings, or other locations as required.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or department head
- Background check and reference check
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills (written, verbal, and visual)
- Creativity and problem-solving abilities
- Project management and organizational skills
- Technical proficiency in design software and digital media
- Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Include examples of your design work and any relevant media projects you've managed
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication, problem-solving, and project management skills
- Research Macomb County Government and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the county's mission and values
ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Communications, Marketing, Media Creation, Project Management, Digital Communication, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Social Media, Web Design, HTML, CSS
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role may include assessments of your technical skills, as well as your ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
🛠 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Respect
- Excellence
- Innovation
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your communication skills align with the county's commitment to excellence and innovation?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you managed a complex project with multiple stakeholders, and how did you ensure the successful outcome?
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in media creation and digital communication?
ASSUMPTION: Macomb County Government values employees who are committed to delivering exceptional service to the community, with a strong focus on integrity, accountability, and respect.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and multiple projects
- Managing a wide range of media and communication tasks, requiring strong organizational skills
- Collaborating with various departments and stakeholders, each with their own priorities and expectations
- Occasional travel and working evenings or weekends as needed
ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges related to time management, prioritization, and balancing multiple projects, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in other industries, as it is focused on communicating the county's messaging and initiatives to its residents and stakeholders
- Unlike private sector communications roles, this position requires a strong understanding of government operations, policies, and procedures
- Career paths in government communications may vary from those in the private sector, with opportunities for progression into management or leadership roles within the county government
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges specific to working in a government environment, with a focus on public service and community engagement.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive marketing campaign to promote a new county initiative or service
- Creating a series of informative videos or animations to educate the public about a specific topic or issue
- Designing and implementing a new website or digital platform to improve the county's online presence and accessibility
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of media and communication tasks that may be required in this role, showcasing the need for strong technical skills and adaptability.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workflow for a media project, from inception to completion, and how this role fits into that process?
- How does the county support the professional development and growth of its communications staff?
- Can you provide an example of a successful communications campaign that the county has implemented, and what role did this position play in its execution?
- How does the county measure the success of its communications initiatives, and how does this role contribute to that process?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in government communications, and how does the county address those challenges?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the organization's culture and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the following link: https://macombgov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Administration-Building/Communications-Specialist--Senior_R25001599
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare a portfolio of your design work and any relevant media projects you've managed
- Research Macomb County Government and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the county's mission and values
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
