Senior Public Affairs Coordinator

City of Manassas, VA; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Manassas, VA seeks a Senior Public Affairs Coordinator to translate city priorities into clear communication plans, workflows and inclusive engagement. You will guide coordinators and move multiple projects from planning through timely completion.

You will lead day-to-day Public Affairs operations, ensure accessibility and brand consistency, and collaborate with leadership, media and community partners while mentoring staff and tracking performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field with six years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs, media relations and communications strategy.
• Advanced knowledge of FOIA requirements, ADA standards, AP style and integrated communication best practices.

Responsibilities

• Leading day-to-day Public Affairs and communications workflows and ensuring brand guidelines across platforms.
• Producing graphic, video, print and digital content using Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva.
• Planning and executing integrated communication and public engagement campaigns.
• Coordinating and tracking Virginia FOIA requests.
• Mentoring communications staff and tracking performance metrics.

Skills

Graphic design

Digital media

Bilingual content management

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Canva

Job description

As Senior Public Affairs Coordinator, you will turn City priorities into clear communication plans, workflows and inclusive engagement efforts. Working closely with the Public Affairs Manager, you will lead day-to-day Public Affairs and Communications operations, coordinating cross-department projects, managing bilingual content and translation workflows, and ensuring communications are timely, consistent and on brand. You will also guide Public Affairs Coordinators and help movemultiple projects from planning and scheduling through timely completion.

Hiring Range: $82,305.60 - $113,172.80, DOQ

Position is open until filled and may close at any time.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a strategic and creative communicator who can turn complex initiatives into clear, engaging and accessible content. The successful candidate will have a strong background in graphics and digital media production. They will manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgement and work independently while collaborating effectively with departments, leadership, the media and community partners.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of scheduling, managing and completing multiple projects; experience in managing small teams or working across multiple department divisions and organizations; and experience serving as a lead media liaison among departments, organizational groups and the media.

• Leading day-to-day Public Affairs and communications workflows and supporting the implementation and consistent application of City brand guidelines across communication platforms.


• Producing graphic, video, print and digital content using Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva or similar tools.


• Planning and executing integrated communication and public engagement campaigns.


• Supporting emergency communications and serving as a Public Information Officer.


• Coordinating and tracking Virginia Freedom of Information Act requests.


• Managing editorial calendars, social media platforms, websites and intranet content.


• Developing print and digital newsletters.


• Managing multiple communications projects by establishing schedules, coordinating resources, tracking milestones and ensuring timely completion.


• Writing and editing articles, news releases, speeches and other materials in AP style.


• Ensuring digital and print materials meet accessibility standards as well as brand standards.


• Advising departments and leadership on communication planning and execution.


• Mentoring communications staff and delegating assignments; identifying areas for improvement and training as necessary.


• Tracking performance metrics and preparing reports with recommendations for leadership.


• Developing standard operating procedures, training materials and project-management systems including a content calendar.


• Coordinating media coverage, community outreach and public events.


• Improving workflows and maintaining consistency across communication platforms

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field, supplemented by six years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs, media relations and communications strategy. Advanced knowledge of FOIA requirements, ADA standards, AP style and integrated communication best practices is required. Review the Full Class Spec

• Applicants must provide a portfolio or link to relevant work samples demonstrating experience in writing, graphic design, video production, digital content and website management.


• Ability to complete required Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) training and certification within the first two months of employment.


• Ability to complete required emergency management and Public Information Officer training within the first three months of employment.