Communications Specialist (Bilingual English/Spanish)

Accountabilities: The Communications Specialist will lead the development and coordination of accessible bilingual communications, ensuring that program information is accurate, consistent, and understandable for diverse stakeholder groups. Develop and maintain a communications calendar to organize key announcements, content releases, and stakeholder updates. Support a consistent messaging framework across stakeholder groups, including individuals receiving developmental disabilities services, families, providers, advocates, and legislators. Write and produce clear, plain-language communications in English and Spanish, including FAQs, fact sheets, website content, presentations, and other informational materials. Ensure all communications meet Section 508 accessibility requirements and applicable WCAG 2.1 AA standards. Create original Spanish-language content, adapting messages to the needs of Spanish-speaking audiences rather than relying solely on direct translation. Communicate program changes, analytics-informed reforms, and fiscal initiatives in an accessible and audience-appropriate manner. Contribute to quarterly stakeholder feedback summaries and the annual stakeholder experience summary report. Coordinate with communications staff and third-party vendors to ensure alignment, consistency, and timely delivery of stakeholder communications. Support the production and remediation of accessible documents and digital content across Word, PowerPoint, PDF, and web formats. Manage communications deliverables and priorities throughout the engagement, including periods of increased activity around major content releases. Requirements : The ideal candidate will combine strong professional communications experience with bilingual writing expertise, accessibility knowledge, and an understanding of public-sector or health and human services environments. Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, or a related field. At least 5 years of professional communications experience, including a minimum of 3 years in government, Medicaid, healthcare, or human services communications. Professional fluency in both English and Spanish, with excellent written and spoken communication skills. Demonstrated ability to write original content in Spanish, not simply translate existing English materials. Proven experience with Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility remediation for Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, and web content. Strong plain-language writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly to public audiences. A portfolio or writing samples will be required. Experience developing communications strategies, messaging frameworks, and communications calendars for a public agency or large-scale program. Ability to work independently and coordinate effectively with internal teams and external vendors. Availability to start in December 2026 and work during Maryland business hours (Eastern Time). Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to Baltimore, Maryland. Current U.S. work authorization; visa sponsorship is not available. Must be independent of direct service providers funded by the client agency, with no financial, ownership, or organizational relationship. Preferred qualifications include: Experience communicating with people with disabilities and their families. Previous experience working with Maryland state agencies. Graphic design and web production skills. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, Drupal, or similar content production and web management tools. Benefits : Hourly compensation of $40–$50, depending on experience and qualifications. Part-time contract engagement of approximately 360 hours through June 30, 2027. Expected workload of approximately 10–12 hours per week, with increased hours around major communications releases. Fully remote working arrangement. Occasional travel to Baltimore, Maryland, required. Flexible contract structure available through either 1099 or W-2 engagement. Opportunity to contribute to a public-sector initiative supporting accessible communications and stakeholder engagement in developmental disabilities services.