Director of External Affairs & Communications

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is a political subdivision established by Chapter 1230 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly. VPRA is responsible for promoting, sustaining, and expanding the availability of passenger and commuter rail services in the Commonwealth, including all administrative and fiduciary responsibilities for Virginia's state-supported passenger rail services. The VPRA also funds Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and administers all capital expansion projects, infrastructure, and land acquisitions related to the $3.7 billion Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, which will double Amtrak and VRE service in Virginia over the next decade. The VPRA acts as a "responsible public entity" for the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, or operation, or any combination thereof, of a "qualifying transportation facility" under the Public Private Partnership Act of 1995. Are you a strategic communications leader ready to shape Virginia's transportation future? If so, VPRA wants to hear from you! The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is seeking a Director of External Affairs & Communications to manage diverse aspects of our business by leading the external affairs and communications staff. The role develops and executes VPRA's external affairs and communications strategy, manages VPRA's relationships with government bodies at the State and Federal level, industry associations and trade groups, as well as local constituents. The position directs VPRA's communications and media relations efforts, including VPRA's online and social media presence, and the writing and distribution of the organization's communication materials. This position reports directly to the Chief Administrative Officer. This position may be based in either our Alexandria or Richmond, Virginia office, with key working relationships centered in Richmond.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in political science, communications, public relations, speech, English, journalism, or other related field required.
Demonstrated leadership in managing a high-performing team.
Seven (7) years of experience in government or public relations, including promotional campaigns, government affairs, public speaking, special events, publications, or working with television, radio, and print media.
Thorough understanding of current developments in state and national rail transportation policy; comprehensive knowledge of Commonwealth government structures and decision-making processes.
Knowledge of communication strategies and implementation.
Familiarity and experience with social media platforms, including but not limited to LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
Ability to work well under pressure and manage fluctuating priorities to meet deadlines.
Knowledge of the bill enactment process and bill tracking systems in Virginia and the U.S. Congress.
Ability to work effectively with legislators and legislative committees.
Comprehensive knowledge of journalism, public relations, and communications principles, paired with a strong understanding of current communication and marketing techniques, issues, and trends.
Skill in analyzing a broad range of issues and preparing written materials to influence the opinions of a wide range of constituencies and legislators.
Ability to supervise and train employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management, supported by a strong knowledge of management principles and practices.
Ability to research legislative history and the status of pending legislation and to analyze pending and enacted legislation.
Ability to use independent judgment and manage and impart information to a range of internal and external organizations and constituencies.
Exceptional organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, coupled with strong project management, analytical, strategic planning, and presentation abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Political Science, Communications, Public Relations, Speech, English, Journalism, or other related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with the Executive Leadership and VPRA staff to set VPRA's overall strategy as well as short and long-term state, local, and federal legislative goals.
Direct staff that will monitor and analyze key legislative, judicial, regulatory, and political developments and industry trends impacting VPRA, and recommend policies to respond to those developments.
Identify opportunities for engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders and industry groups in the state and across the passenger rail industry on legislative, regulatory, and other issues and developments impacting VPRA.
Support the Secretary of Transportation's office on legislative inquiries and development of policy positions, and coordinate with the Department of Rail and Public Transportation on legislative and regulatory positions.
Provide input and feedback to Virginia General Assembly members and staff, respond to requests for assistance, and provide talking points, testimony, advocacy materials, and other guidance as needed.
Build relationships with key officials and staff in the General Assembly, Commonwealth transportation organizations, in Congress, at the US DOT, and other federal agencies, and in major cities and counties in Virginia.
Oversee media relations (drafting and distribution of press releases and pitches, responding to media inquiries, developing and maintaining relationships with key reporters, tracking media coverage of VPRA-related issues, writing and submitting op-eds and letters to the editor)
Direct comprehensive communications plans and strategies, taking into consideration VPRA's mission, goals, priorities, and accomplishments.
Develop and maintain organization-wide policies and guidelines related to image, branding, advertising, and marketing strategies.
Develop talking points and speeches for executive staff, Board Members, and other Commonwealth officials relating to public forums, legislative hearings, and press conferences.
Oversee the gathering and analysis of data to draft and release annual reports, board reports, presentations, organizational strategic plan, and other necessary public materials.
Directs and plans special events such as conferences, public announcements, shovel-ceremonies, and ribbon-cuttings for infrastructure projects, and industry outreach forums.