H1025 - Communications Coordinator Hourly

Virginia Department of Transportation • Bristol, VA

12d • $25 - $40 • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides support to the District Communications Manager, District Communications Team, and other VDOT staff regarding internal and external communications. The role is responsible for executing the VDOT strategic communications plan and statewide initiatives in the district.

Requirements

• Ability to conduct interviews with internal and external stakeholders as it relates to Communications material.
• Ability to develop content across multiple platforms (e.g., newsletters, web, social media, presentations).
• Ability to generate visual content to be used for internal and external materials such as social media, newsletters, websites, bulletin boards, or videos.
• Ability to perform administrative duties as assigned.
• 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 and theory as they relate to public relations 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 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 organizational activities using multiple formats and tools.

Nice To Haves

• A combination of training, experience, or education in Communications, Public Relations, 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.

Responsibilities

• Contribute information for use in VDOT's internal communications tools.
• Research and develop brochures and public involvement material and scripts.
• Create routine and weekly traffic alerts, customer inquiry responses and templates, speeches, talking points, news releases and presentations for district.
• Keep electronic communication materials current with latest information according to statewide policy.
• Maintain comprehensive district media contact list in VDOT news account.
• Monitor media outlets for VDOT stories and related content and upload information daily.
• Provide support for Communications initiatives that promote transparent and positive engagement with internal and external stakeholders and ensure consistent, effective communication.
• Contribute to communication outreach and efforts to enhance public understanding, which may include stakeholder communication and guidance to staff on Communications practices.
• Perform media relations activities such as coordinating with media, serving as a spokesperson when designated, maintaining media contact information, and monitoring or sharing coverage as applicable.
• Provide critical information to public citizens before, during, and after natural disasters, emergencies, and traffic congestion-causing incidents.
• Reinforce VDOT's role as a first responder.
• Provide communications support for other VDOT offices or state agencies as called upon during emergency incidents.
• Assist in devising plans for district and regional external communications during emergency activities.
• Handle emergency response and crisis communications duties as needed (serve in the state or VDOT joint information center during events or handle media calls).
• Perform duties, tasks, activities and/or projects as assigned.
• 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.

Benefits

• Pre-employment screenings may include: Fingerprint based Criminal History Background Check, DMV Record Check, Work History Verification, References, Pre-employment physical, Drug screen.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed