Head of Communications; Information Officer III

Overview

Join the future of transportation with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT). Since 1977, FCDOT has been at the forefront of transforming our community, enhancing mobility, safety, and quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. Our mission is to plan, coordinate, fund, implement, and sustain a cutting‑edge multimodal transportation system that meets the dynamic needs of Fairfax County.

• Lead the FCDOT Public Information Team of three professional communicators.
• Serve as agency liaison with the media and act as spokesperson for the agency.
• Consult on internal and external communication issues, applying critical thinking and creative problem solving.
• Develop and execute communication strategies for countywide Transportation Demand Management initiatives, including Fairfax Connector bus service, ride sharing, employer outreach, and other programs to reduce single‑occupant travel.
• Write and edit printed and electronic publications, newsletters, presentations, reports, grants, news releases, and speeches.
• Plan and execute special events and ceremonies, overseeing logistical preparations, developing a compelling run‑of‑show, drafting event communications and talking points for key speakers, and managing media coverage.
• Manage the FCDOT and Fairfax Connector websites, including developing content and updates.
• Apply industry best practices to oversee the agency’s presence on social media and develop creative approaches for outreach to diverse populations.
• Coordinate responses to requests under the Freedom of Information Act.
• Coordinate community outreach and engagement, participating at community meetings and special events.
• Manage emergency communications and respond as essential personnel in emergencies.
• Manage responses to public inquiries through the agency’s DOTinfo mailbox.
• Report after hours and on weekends as assigned for planned special events, community meetings, and in emergency situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, government, public administration, or a related field plus six years of progressively responsible experience in public information, broadcasting, or publications editing.

Valid driver’s license.

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, public administration, public relations, or related field.
• Experience marketing transportation programs and/or services.
• Supervisory experience in multimedia and publication development.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Extensive experience writing news releases and other internal and external communications tools.
• Experience preparing and giving presentations in front of a wide range of audiences, including public elected officials.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of graphic design software, photo editing tools, and general publication standards.
• Experience working with a variety of media outlets and building relationships with media contacts.
• Experience collaborating with staff at all levels across a large organization with many competing strategic priorities.
• Experience with all aspects of event planning, public meetings management, and community engagement strategies.
• Familiarity with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act requirements.

Job is generally sedentary in nature. Employee may be required to walk, bend, and carry items under 25 pounds. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population. We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply. Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY . DHREmployment EEO/AA/TTY.

This position is partially funded by a grant.