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Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is hiring: Communications Special

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), Laurel, MD, United States, 20724

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Content Summary: Communications Specialist at Laurel, for Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Communications Specialist

Location: Laurel, Maryland

Functional Title: Communications Specialist

Recruitment Category Type: Standard

Functional Category: Communications

Grade: GS.15

FLSA Status: Exempt

Requisition Number: 25-0193

Number of Vacancies: 1

Job Level: Non-Management

Job Code: N/A

Job Description Summary:

The Communications Specialist plans, develops, and implements communications vehicles to effectively keep stakeholders informed of WSSC Water issues, activities, projects, personnel, and successes.

Essential Functions

  1. Develops and implements communications for key internal and external audiences.
  2. Writes internally- and externally-focused speeches for executive management and department heads.
  3. Researches, writes, copy edits and proofreads a variety of communications, including internal newsletters, digital signage, emails, fact sheets, letters, reports, and other copy.
  4. Manages a network of approximately 35 digital signage screens, including maintaining and upgrading the screens, creating and posting content, and designing a training manual.
  5. Collaborates with IT to train users at locations outside of the Support Center to develop location-specific content for their screens.
  6. Writes and directs creative material for WSSC Water’s annual, water quality and other reports.
  7. Writes WSSC Water external website content to ensure audience understanding and clarity of issues in collaboration with the web content & design team.
  8. Writes and manages design for quarterly customer newsletter.
  9. Assists finance, OSDI, and regulatory services with the writing and editing of their annual reports.
  10. Develops internal communications strategies for employee-related events.
  11. Manages editorial calendar for internal and external communications.

Other Functions

  1. Ensures consistency of messaging across internal- and external-facing communication channels.
  2. Assists with PowerPoint presentation content and design for monthly presentations.
  3. Serves as lead copy editor and proofreader for communications.
  4. Primary editor for other departments’ communications functions.
  5. Participates in meetings related to strategy and implementation.

Work Environment And Physical Demands

Work is performed in a standard office environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

  1. Thorough knowledge of the principles, techniques, and practical applications of effective communications as applied to media and management.
  2. Thorough knowledge of current English usage and AP news style.
  3. Ability to gain strong knowledge of WSSC Water organization and the various functions in the latest organizational structure.
  4. Ability to compose news stories, articles, special reports, presentations, newsletters, and speeches for internal and external stakeholders.
  5. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with managers and employees at all levels.
  6. Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and PowerPoint skills.
  7. Ability to develop and implement communications programs for varied audiences.
  8. Ability to track and use new communications tools and techniques and interact with new and emerging media.
  9. Ability to meet multiple deadlines under pressure.

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements

  1. Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, business communications, public relations, or related discipline + 4+ years of experience in journalism, corporate communications, public relations, or a related field + 2+ years of experience in speech writing and in developing and publishing an annual report.
  2. OR - High school diploma or equivalent + 8+ years of experience in journalism, corporate communications, public relations, or a related field + 2+ years of experience in speech writing and in developing and publishing an annual report.

Additional Requirements

Completion of the WSSC Water Financial Disclosure statement within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter.

Preferences

Graphic design certification.

EEO Statement

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is the policy of the Commission to select new employees and to promote current employees without regard to race, sexual orientation, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap. The Commission does not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability and will make reasonable accommodation for any disability that does not result in undue hardship for the Commission.

Close Date

03/05/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please upload at least two writing samples as follows: One writing sample that is a speech, remarks, or other similar style of writing that you’ve done, AND one writing sample that is a published article (could be externally published or internally, such as for an internal newsletter).

Additional Information

All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.

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