Senior Communications Specialist

Title: Senior Communications Specialist State Role Title: PR & Mktg Spec IV Hiring Range: $68,978 to $112,089 Pay Band: 5 Agency: VA Dept of Transportation Location: Suffolk, Burbage Dr Agency Website: www.virginiadot.org/jobs Recruitment Type: General Public - G Job Duties Join an award-winning team of strategic communications professionals at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the nation’s third largest state-maintained transportation network, as a Senior Communication Specialist. The VDOT Hampton Roads District Communications team seeks a dynamic and collaborative self-starter to further strengthen the agency’s external communications program. This creative and organized communications specialist will support the District Communications Manager, District Engineer and other VDOT staff regarding internal and external communications. Communications audiences includes local, state and federal audiences, media, government officials, non-profit, private sector and general public. Establish and maintain effective relationships with media. Develop, maintain and contribute to employee publications, internet and external internet sites, website content, social media, external newsletters, press releases, brochures, reports, FAQs, public presentations, speeches, fact sheets and outreach initiatives. Core responsibilities for job & position: Strategically direct and manage communication news vehicles and publication content as assigned. Develop news or publication sources and establish relationships with all levels of employees and applicable contacts inside and outside of the organization. Develop and execute multifaceted communications plans and outreach strategies for a diverse range of stakeholders in adherence with agency policy, along with the tracking and reporting of performance metrics during and following a specialized campaign or communications plan. Provide information and content to media and serve as official spokesperson or publication writer or editor for projects and emergency operations as assigned. Develop message and talking points on emerging and current issues. Establish and maintain media relationships. Build and maintain appropriate contact or publication lists. Required skills for job & position: • Advanced skill in writing technical and creative content for a variety audiences using multiple formats, such as news releases, talking points, social media, video scripts, print materials and website content and content. • Ability to positively represent VDOT plans and programs to media, citizens and elected officials. • Strong editing and proofreading skills in adherence with Associated Press (AP) Style guideline and internal brand and style guides. • Knowledge and application of strategic communication methods, best practices and theory as they relate to public and media relations, including developing plans with goals/objectives, strategies, tactics and evaluating effectiveness and performance. • Ability to maintain web site and use content management system. • Ability to understand and meet news media needs. • Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include MS Office and Adobe Creative Cloud products, Canva, Constant Contact, and digital cameras. • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines •Supports agency's communications and engagement goals with strong ability to work closely with team members to gather information and present technical or complex subject matter in a clear, concise manner that engages a variety of audiences. •Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment and integrate diverse thinking and feedback from multiple stakeholders. • Highly skilled in public speaking and conducting media interviews. VDOT is an emergency response agency, and this position is designated to support emergency operations during certain situations. As such, you will occasionally be required to work an assignment that includes hours outside the normal work schedule including weekends and holidays. We have Shared Values and a Code of Ethics. Your success in our organization depends upon modeling these values, therefore please review them and, if in agreement, we welcome you to apply. In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDOT offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short- and Long-Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. Minimum Qualifications • Advanced skill in writing for multiple audiences using multiple formats. • Skill in the use of computers, software applications to include Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud products and digital cameras. • Strong writing, proofreading and editing skills in adherence with Associated Press (AP) Style guidelines. • Ability to positively represent VDOT plans, programs and projects to media, citizens and elected officials. • Knowledge and application of communications methods, strategy and theory as they relate to public and media relations. • Ability to organize, synthesize complex issues into clear and concise content. • Ability to maintain web site and use content management system. • Ability to understand and address news media needs. • Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and multitask while managing portfolio of projects. •Strong problem solving and project management skills, ability to prioritize work and manage within limited resources in a fast-paced environment. • Ability to follow written and verbal direction, and demonstrate excellent customer service skills. Additional Considerations • Experience in communications, public relations, marketing, English, journalism or related field. • Professional experience in public relations or news media setting to include conducting media interviews. • Specialized training or experience in graphic design, video editing and production, special event planning, and crisis communications. Special Instructions You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position. This position requires a fingerprint based Criminal History Background Check, DMV Record Check and Work History Verification with references. VDOT is an emergency operation agency. As such, this job is essential to emergency response operations and expected to work in these situations, to include weekends, holidays, and after normal business hours; assignments may vary based on business needs to include working in severe weather. Your application requires writing samples (news release, talking points), design samples and communication plans. Please upload under “other” document attachment option. Once onboarded, this position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration of telework shall be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth telework policy. We are a “Virginia Values Veterans” (V3) official certified company and state agency that provides hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application. VDOT utilizes a market based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands. Contact Information Name: David Keesee Phone: 757-956-3291 Email: david.keeseevdot.virginia.gov In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019. Note : Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.