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 messages 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 of 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 guidelines 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, and tactics and evaluating effectiveness and performance.
• Ability to maintain website and use content management system.
• Ability to understand and meet news media needs.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include Microsoft 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 a 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 various 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 and synthesize complex issues into clear and concise content.
• Ability to maintain website and use content management system.
• Ability to understand and address news media needs.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and multitask while managing a portfolio of projects.
•Strong problem-solving and project management skills, as well as the ability to prioritize work and manage within limited resources in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions and demonstrate excellent customer service skills.
Additional Considerations
• Experience in communications, public relations, marketing, English, journalism, or other related fields.
• Professional experience in public relations or news media setting, including conducting media interviews.
• Specialized training or experience in graphic design, video editing and production, special event planning, and crisis communications.