23699 - Communications Spec Sr

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Virginia Careers is seeking a seasoned communications professional to support VDOT across internal and external channels. You will execute strategic plans, manage media relations, and maintain publications and online content for diverse audiences.

The role emphasizes clear writing, AP style, CMS proficiency, and the ability to work independently or with teams, including crisis communications and event support.

Qualifications

• Ability to maintain websites and CMS.
• Ability to organize and synthesize complex issues into clear content.
• Ability to positively represent VDOT plans to media and public.
• Ability to understand and anticipate news media needs.
• Work independently and collaboratively and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to work in emergency situations, including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Execute strategic communications plans statewide and for districts/regions.
• Support VDOT leaders and staff regarding internal and external communications.
• Establish relationships with media and oversee publications and web content.
• Develop news and publication sources as assigned; write/edit materials.

Skills

Media relations

Public speaking

News writing

CMS content management

Editing

AP style

Interviews

Team collaboration

Deadline driven

Education

Diploma/degree in Communications or related field

Tools

Canva

MS Office

Adobe suite

Video editing software

Job description

Hiring Range: $68978.00 to $112089.00

Full Time or Part Time: Full_Time

Description for Candidates:

• 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.

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.

Click below to learn more about the Competency Model associated with this Position:

Physical Requirements

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

VDOT Code of Ethics

Standards of Conduct