Regional Communications Manager

Department-of-Energ; Wise (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Energy is seeking a Regional Communications Manager to serve as the agency’s on-the-ground communications presence in Southwest Virginia. This position manages day-to-day communications activities for the Big Stone Gap office and its program areas, including the Division of Mined Land Repurposing, the Abandoned Mine Land program, Coal Mine Safety, and Mineral Mining.

The role works closely with the Director of Strategic Communications in Richmond to ensure consistent, timely, and

Qualifications

• Strong writing and editing skills across multiple formats (press releases, social media, talking points, public-facing content).
• Event planning and logistics coordination, including on-site support.
• Relationship-building with local officials, community stakeholders, and industry partners.
• Social media platform management (scheduling, analytics, content calendars).
• Ability to work independently while maintaining regular coordination with a centralized team.
• Sound judgment in reactive, crisis, or emergency communications situations.
• Basic photo/video capture and editing for social and web use.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a consistent communications presence in the coalfield region that supports Virginia Energy’s mission.
• Build and strengthen relationships with local officials, communities, and industry partners.
• Develop and disseminate timely, accurate regional communications and public-facing content.
• Coordinate seamlessly with the centralized Communications Team in Richmond.
• Support regional media relations in collaboration with the agency’s Public Relations Manager.
• Provide reliable communications support during emergency or incident situations.

Skills

Strong writing & editing

Event planning

Relationship-building

Social media management

Independent work

Crisis communications

Basic photo/video editing

Job description

Title: Regional Communications Manager

State Role Title: PR & Mktg Spec IV

Hiring Range: $65,000 - $85,000/annually

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Energy

Location: Big Stone Gap, Virginia

Agency Website: energy.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Virginia Energy is seeking a Regional Communications Manager to serve as the agency’s on‑the‑ground communications presence in Southwest Virginia. This position manages day‑to‑day communications activities for the Big Stone Gap office and its program areas, including the Division of Mined Land Repurposing, the Abandoned Mine Land program, Coal Mine Safety, and Mineral Mining. The role works closely with the Director of Strategic Communications in Richmond to ensure consistent, timely, and accurate public‑facing information across the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain a consistent communications presence in the coalfield region that supports Virginia Energy’s mission.
• Build and strengthen relationships with local officials, communities, and industry partners.
• Develop and disseminate timely, accurate regional communications and public‑facing content.
• Coordinate seamlessly with the centralized Communications Team in Richmond.
• Support regional media relations in collaboration with the agency’s Public Relations Manager.
• Provide reliable communications support during emergency or incident situations.

Virginia Energy’s mission is to lead the Commonwealth to a safe, reliable and responsible energy future with greater emphasis on renewable energy programs and economic development, as well as implement the Virginia’s Energy Plan to ensure the Commonwealth has abundant, reliable, affordable and clean energy.

Come be a part of an agency that makes a difference. We have offices in Big Stone Gap, Charlottesville, and Richmond, Virginia.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong writing and editing skills across multiple formats (press releases, social media, talking points, public-facing content)
• Event planning and logistics coordination, including on‑site support
• Relationship‑building with local officials, community stakeholders, and industry partners
• Social media platform management (scheduling, analytics, content calendars)
• Ability to work independently while maintaining regular coordination with a centralized team
• Sound judgment in reactive, crisis, or emergency communications situations
• Basic photo/video capture and editing for social and web use

Additional Considerations

Experience in a communications generalist role covering a specific region, agency, or organization; prior state or local government communications experience; familiarity with Southwest Virginia communities, coalfield localities, or the mining/energy sector.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: [e-mail]

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 AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

All applicants for employment must consent to a comprehensive background check. Selected candidates must successfully pass a drug test, reference, driving, and criminal background check.

This position is designated to file a financial disclosure under the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act. This is a condition of employment, and you are required to submit the Statement of Economic Interests electronically through the Virginia Ethics Council’s online filing system annually.

This position requires regular travel across Southwest Virginia project and event sites, plus occasional travel to Charlottesville and Richmond offices.

This position does not offer visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future. Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form.

Virginia Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer by both policy and practice, therefore prohibits discrimination on basis of sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation or disability in the recruitment, selection and hiring of our workforce.

As a certified V3 organization, Virginia Energy honors the Commonwealth’s veterans hiring preference. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other National Service Alumni are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or any part of the remaining hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.

Note

Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.