Strategic Communications Lead — Hybrid/Remote

Prince William County Service Authority; County Center (VA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Prince William Water seeks a Communications Manager in Virginia to advance its mission through strategic messaging, media relations, emergency communications, and digital content management. The role leads a team and reports to the Director of Communications & Community Engagement, coordinating campaigns across channels while ensuring brand alignment and DEI commitments.

The position requires strong leadership, superior writing, and the ability to translate complex information into clear public

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible communications experience, including project management and media relations.
• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or ability to obtain within two years.

Responsibilities

• Directs a team of communications professionals to ensure timely, accurate, accessible messaging aligned with objectives.
• Acts as primary media spokesperson and oversees strategies across web, social, newsletters and multimedia content.
• Supports leadership in Communications Services, planning and executing campaigns per the Strategic Communications Plan.
• Advises on opportunities, risks and messaging strategies for alignment with brand and policy.
• Develops and evaluates comprehensive communication strategies for major projects and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversees public messaging across channels for accuracy and alignment with brand and values.
• Leads media relations, responds to inquiries, coordinates interviews and earns media placements.
• Provides editorial direction and maintains high-quality writing in AP Style.
• Coordinates emergency communications planning and 24/7 PIO rotation; trains team members.
• Maintains website governance, content strategy and social media presence.
• Measures communications performance and recommends data-driven improvements.
• Builds relationships with media, internal stakeholders and vendors; manages contracts.
• Supervises staff, including hiring, training and performance management.
• Ensures alignment of messaging tone with Community Outreach Department; maintains confidentiality.

Skills

Public information management

Media relations

Crisis communications

Leadership

AP Style

Content management

Budget management

Writing/editing

Spokesperson

Digital and social media strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

Content management systems

Job description

Prince William Water seeks a Communications Manager in Virginia to advance its mission through strategic messaging, media relations, emergency communications, and digital content management. The role leads a team and reports to the Director of Communications & Community Engagement, coordinating campaigns across channels while ensuring brand alignment and DEI commitments.

The position requires strong leadership, superior writing, and the ability to translate complex information into clear public