Strategic Communications Manager #00039

Dept of Emergency Management; Virginia; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management seeks a Strategic Communications Manager to support the Director of Communications. This full-time, salaried role leads outreach initiatives, content development across all platforms, media relations, and serves as the agency's primary spokesperson.

The position requires managing communications during emergencies and maintaining cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in all internal and external communications.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of strategic communications, public relations, crisis communications, and media relations principles.
• Knowledge of emergency management operations, incident response frameworks, and Joint Information Center functions.
• Skill in media relations, public speaking, and spokesperson preparation.
• Knowledge of digital communication platforms including web, social media, and emerging technologies.
• Ability to craft clear, concise, audience-specific messaging in AP Style.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Director of Communications in advancing the agency's mission through strategic outreach.
• Oversees content development across platforms and manages media relations.
• Serves as the primary agency spokesperson and coordinates communications during emergencies.
• Ensures communications are culturally sensitive and inclusive in all materials.

Skills

Strategic communications

Crisis communications

Media relations

Public speaking

Spokesperson preparation

Digital platforms

AP Style messaging

Job description

The Strategic Communications Manager supports the Director of Communications at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to advance the agency's mission of protecting lives and property through effective strategic communications. This full-time salaried position manages the agency's outreach initiatives, content development across all platforms, media relations, and serves as the primary agency spokesperson. The role requires managing communications during emergencies and maintaining cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in all internal and external communications.

Key qualifications:

• Knowledge of strategic communications, public relations, crisis communications, and media relations principles
• Knowledge of emergency management operations, incident response frameworks, and Joint Information Center functions
• Skill in media relations, public speaking, and spokesperson preparation
• Knowledge of digital communication platforms including web, social media, and emerging technologies
• Ability to develop clear, concise, compelling, and audience-specific messaging in AP Style
• Professional experience in public relations or news media setting with media interview experience