Communications Spec Sr

Job Title:

09020 - Communications Spec Sr

Join to apply for the 09020 - Communications Spec Sr role at Virginia Department of Transportation.

Execute the strategic communications plan and statewide communications initiatives. Support VDOT leaders and staff regarding internal and external communications. Support includes local, state and federal audiences, media, government officials, non‑profit, private sector and general public. Establish and maintain effective relationships with media. Maintain employee publications and internet site, web content, external newsletters, press releases, brochures, reports and outreach initiatives.

• Communication Programs and Initiatives:
  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 the organization. Develop new methods of communication in order to maintain and improve communications.
• Media Relations and Emergency Response:
  Provide information and content to media and serve as official spokesperson or publication writer or editor as assigned. Develop message and talking points on emerging and current issues. Establish and maintain media relationships. Maintain appropriate contact or publication lists.

• Ability to edit documents representing numerous areas of engineering, legal, and social science research.
• Ability to maintain web site and use 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, citizens and elected officials.
• Ability to understand news media needs.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work well with authors as well as all levels of Research staff.
• Knowledge of communication methods and theory as they relate to public and media relations.
• Skill in editing and with familiarity with AP style guidelines.
• Skill in public speaking and conducting media interviews.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include MS Office products.
• Skill in writing for multiple audiences using multiple formats.

• Ability to maintain web site and use content management system.
• Ability to organize, synthesize complex issues into clear and concise content.
• Ability to positively represent VDOT plans, programs to media, citizens and elected officials.
• Ability to understand news media needs.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of communications methods, theory as they relate to public and media relations.
• Skill in the use of computers, software applications to include MS Office products and digital cameras.
• Skill in writing for multiple audiences using multiple formats.
• Strong editing skills with familiarity with AP style guidelines.

• A combination of training, experience, or education in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism or related field desired.
• Professional experience in public relations or news media setting to include conducting media interviews.

Competency Model

Physical Requirements

VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Fingerprint based Criminal History Background Check
• DMV Record Check
• Work History Verification
• References
• Pre-employment physical
• Drug screen

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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI).

Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link:
Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at , or DBVI at .

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse workforce.

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.