23699 - Communications Spec Sr

Virginia Department of Transportation

Suffolk (VA)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 95,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Virginia Department of Transportation seeks an experienced communications professional to execute statewide plans and engage diverse audiences. You will serve as a media liaison, craft clear messages, and support publication of employee communications, web content, newsletters, and press materials.

The role emphasizes coordinating with leadership, managing content across channels, and delivering accurate, timely information.

Qualifications

Experience in public relations or media relations for public sector or similar setting.
Ability to craft clear, concise content for diverse audiences using multiple formats.
Proficiency with content management systems and web content updates.
Strong editing skills with familiarity with AP style guidelines.

Responsibilities

Execute strategic communications plans and statewide initiatives.
Maintain relationships with media and serve as a spokesperson or editor as assigned.
Develop talking points and content for various audiences including officials and the public.

Skills

Media relations

Public speaking

AP style

News writing

Content management

Digital content creation

Editing

Tools

Canva

MS Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Job Description

Execute the strategic communications plan and statewide communications initiatives. Support VDOT leaders and staff regarding internal and external communications. Support includes local, state and federal audiences, media, government officials, non-profit, private sector and general public. Establish and maintain effective relationships with media. Maintain employee publications and internet site, web content, external newsletters, press releases, brochures, reports and outreach initiatives.

Job Description

How You Will Contribute

Communication Programs and Initiatives: Assist in executing strategic Communications plans to include district, regional and statewide Communications programs. Serve as a member on committees as assigned. Implement best practices and procedures developed by Central Office and the Communications Working Group. Support identifying Communications objectives, messaging approaches, and strategies to ensure alignment with VDOT’s brand and reputation. Develop news or publication sources as assigned. Establish relationships with all levels of employees and applicable contacts inside and outside of the organization. Maintain and enhance methods of communication in order to improve communication and ensure consistency.
Media Relations and Emergency Response: Provide information and content to media and serve as an official spokesperson, publication writer or editor as assigned. Develop message and talking points on emerging and current issues. Establish and maintain media relationships. Maintain appropriate contact or publication lists.

What Will Make You Successful

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and meet deadlines.
Ability to maintain web sites and use content management system.
Ability to organize and synthesize complex issues into clear and concise content.
Ability to positively represent VDOT plans and programs to media, the public and elected officials.
Ability to understand and anticipate news media needs.
Knowledge of communication methods and theory as they relate to public and media relations.
Skill in developing, editing, and delivering clear, effective written and verbal communications for diverse audiences.
Skill in news writing techniques and AP style communications.
Skill in or ability to generate visual content to be used for internal and external communications (e.g., social media, newsletters, websites, bulletin boards, or videos, etc).
Skill in public speaking and conducting interviews.
Skill in the use of digital cameras, video cameras, computers and various software applications for editing pictures, graphics and video (e.g. Canva, MS Office products, and Adobe products).

Minimum Qualifications

Ability to maintain websites and use content management system.
Ability to organize, synthesize complex issues into clear and concise content.
Ability to positively represent VDOT plans and programs to media, the public and elected officials.
Ability to understand and anticipate news media needs.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and meet deadlines.
Ability to work in emergency situations including weekends, holidays and after normal business hours; assignments may vary based on business needs.
Knowledge of communications methods, theory as they relate to public and media relations.
Skill in the use of digital cameras, video cameras, computers and various software applications for editing pictures, graphics and video (e.g. Canva, MS Office products, and Adobe products)
Skill in writing for multiple audiences using multiple formats.
Strong editing skills with familiarity with AP style guidelines.

Additional Considerations

A combination of training, experience, or education in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism or related field desired.
Experience supporting public engagement efforts such as public meetings, outreach efforts, or special events.
Knowledge of crisis or emergency communications.
Knowledge of public sector communications operations.
Professional experience in public relations or news media setting to include conducting media interviews.

Competency Model

Physical Requirements

VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.

VDOT Code of Ethics

Standards of Conduct

Qualifications

About Us

VDOT utilizes a market based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please be aware all VDOT positions require pre-employment screenings. These screenings may include the following: