23699 - Communications Spec Sr
About The Position
Execute strategic communications plans and statewide communications initiatives, supporting VDOT leaders and staff with internal and external communications for local, state, and federal audiences, media, government officials, nonprofit and private-sector organizations, and the general public. Establish and maintain effective media relationships. Maintain employee publications and the internet site, web content, external newsletters, press releases, brochures, reports, and outreach initiatives. Assist with district, regional, and statewide communications programs; participate on assigned committees; and implement best practices and procedures developed by Central Office and the Communications Working Group. Help identify communications objectives, messaging approaches, and strategies that align with VDOT’s brand and reputation. Develop news or publication sources as assigned, build relationships with employees and relevant contacts inside and outside the organization, and improve communication methods and consistency. Provide information and content to the media and serve as an official spokesperson, publication writer, or editor as assigned. Develop messages and talking points on emerging and current issues, maintain media relationships and contact or publication lists, and support communications in emergency situations. The work may require availability on weekends, holidays, and outside normal business hours, with assignments varying according to business needs.
Requirements
- Ability to maintain websites and use a content management system.
- Ability to organize and synthesize complex issues into clear, concise content.
- Ability to positively represent VDOT plans and programs to media, the public, and elected officials.
- Ability to understand and anticipate news media needs.
- Ability to work 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 and media relations.
- Skill in using digital cameras, video cameras, computers, and software applications for editing pictures, graphics, and video, such as Canva, Microsoft Office products, and Adobe products.
- Skill in writing for multiple audiences using multiple formats.
- Strong editing skills and familiarity with AP style guidelines.
Nice To Haves
- Training, experience, or education in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism, or a related field.
- 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.
- Professional experience in public relations or a news media setting, including conducting media interviews.
Responsibilities
- Execute district, regional, and statewide strategic communications plans and initiatives.
- Support VDOT leaders and staff with internal and external communications for diverse audiences.
- Serve on committees as assigned and implement communications best practices and procedures developed by Central Office and the Communications Working Group.
- Help define communications objectives, messaging approaches, and strategies consistent with VDOT’s brand and reputation.
- Develop news or publication sources as assigned and maintain employee publications, internet and web content, external newsletters, press releases, brochures, and reports.
- Establish relationships with employees and applicable contacts inside and outside the organization.
- Maintain and improve communication methods to support effective, consistent communications.
- Provide information and content to media; serve as an official spokesperson, publication writer, or editor as assigned.
- Develop messages and talking points on emerging and current issues.
- Establish and maintain media relationships and appropriate contact or publication lists.
- Support outreach initiatives and public engagement efforts.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
