H7042 - Communications Coordinator Wage

Virginia Department of Transportation•VA, VA

10h•Onsite

About The Position

This role provides support to the District Communications Manager, District Engineer, and other VDOT staff regarding external communications with key local, state, and federal audiences, including the media, government officials, non-profit and private sector groups, and the public. The position is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective relationships with the media, executing the district’s communication program, and implementing the VDOT strategic communications plan and statewide initiatives within 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.
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 the district.
Keep electronic communication materials current with the latest information according to statewide policy.
Maintain a comprehensive district media contact list in the 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.