23699 - Communications Spec Sr

Virginia Department of Transportation•Suffolk, VA

22h

About The Position

Execute the strategic communications plan and statewide communications initiatives. Support 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 relationships with media. Maintain employee publications and the internet site, web content, external newsletters, press releases, brochures, reports, and outreach initiatives. Assist in executing district, regional, and statewide strategic communications plans and programs. Serve on committees as assigned and implement best practices and procedures developed by Central Office and the Communications Working Group. Help identify communications objectives, messaging approaches, and strategies aligned with VDOT’s brand and reputation. Develop news or publication sources as assigned, build relationships inside and outside the organization, and improve communication methods and consistency. Provide information and content to media and serve as an official spokesperson, publication writer, or editor as assigned. Develop messages and talking points on current and emerging issues, maintain media relationships, and keep appropriate contact or publication lists. The role may involve emergency situations, including work on weekends, holidays, or 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 and 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, 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.
Skill or ability to generate visual content for internal and external communications, including social media, newsletters, websites, bulletin boards, or videos.
Skill in public speaking and conducting interviews.

Responsibilities

Assist in executing district, regional, and statewide strategic communications plans and programs.
Serve on committees as assigned and implement communications best practices and procedures developed by Central Office and the Communications Working Group.
Support the identification of communications objectives, messaging approaches, and strategies that align with VDOT’s brand and reputation.
Develop news or publication sources as assigned.
Establish relationships with employees and applicable contacts inside and outside the organization.
Maintain and enhance communication methods to improve communication and ensure consistency.
Provide information and content to media and serve as an official spokesperson, publication writer, or editor as assigned.
Develop messages and talking points on current and emerging issues.
Establish and maintain media relationships and appropriate contact or publication lists.
Maintain employee publications, internet and web content, external newsletters, press releases, brochures, and reports, and support outreach initiatives.