Communications Manager

Job Open Date 01/03/2022

Job Close Date 01/24/2022

Hiring Range $72,293 - $117,476

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) employees serve the citizens of the Commonwealth and traveling public daily through our mission to plan, deliver, operate and maintain a transportation system that is safe, moves people and goods, enhances the economy, and improves quality of life. Our culture includes teamwork, transparency, nimble learning, creativity and collaboration that values differences.

The VDOT Northern Virginia District is excited to announce the opportunity to serve as a Communications Section Manager/PR and Marketing Manager II.

Position specific responsibilities and duties will include, but not limited to:

Sets strategic direction and provides leadership related to the District’s communication program. Provide direction and advice to the District Administrator (DA) and other executive staff regarding external communications with key local, state and federal audiences, including media, government officials, non-profit and private groups, and general public. Establish and maintain effective relationships with the media. Manage an in-house communications team and oversee project consultant activities as appropriate.

Create and execute communications plans for VDOT’s projects and programs. Identify audiences and goals, craft messages and strategies. Research, write and edit materials including newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, news releases, fact sheets, brochures, scripts, and web content, and create multimedia assets such as photo and video. Plan virtual and in-person events, meetings, and media conferences. Ensure appropriate VDOT branding and style for all communications. Ensure real-time traffic information is delivered effectively through a variety of means to assist in meeting district goal of reducing clearance time for incidents. Manage district social media accounts and content. Develop and administer proactive media relations programs, fostering transparent, open and positive relationships. Respond to media inquiries and serve as VDOT primary spokesperson. Using AP style, research and write news releases, media advisories and other materials, and distribute to meet deadlines. Market news and feature stories to media contacts reflecting favorably on VDOT. Train key district staff to work effectively with the media.

Advise senior management on identifying and solving communications issues and challenges. Write speeches, prepare presentations and other communications materials for senior district and central office staff. Participate in staff and planning meetings at the district and central office level. Work closely with DA to accomplish their goals and communication priorities, including development and sharing of district vision to employees.

Provide critical information to citizens before, during and after natural disasters, emergencies and traffic congestion-causing incidents and reinforce VDOT’s role as a first responder adhering to statewide public affairs emergency protocols. Provide communications support for other VDOT offices or state agencies as called upon during emergency incidents. Handle emergency response and crisis communications duties as needed (serve in the state or VDOT joint information center during events or handle media calls, including after-hour and weekends as needed).

Support and execute statewide communications plans. Attend and actively participate in statewide Communications Working Group, and lead or serve as committee member for appropriate committees. Implement statewide communications policies developed by Central Office and the Communications Working Group. Communicate statewide communications activities and initiatives clearly to district leadership and staff.

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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, please visit “Information for VDOT Employees and Applicants” at:

http://www.virginiadot.org/jobs/information_for_employees.asp

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. Access the following link: http://www.virginiadot.org/jobs/benefits_of_working_at_vdot.asp for additional information.

We have Shared Values and a Code of Ethics: Your success in our organization depends upon modeling these values, therefore please access the following link: http://www.virginiadot.org/about/missionandvalues.asp to review them and, if in agreement, we welcome you to apply.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Progressively responsible communications experience reflecting advanced knowledge of mass media markets and operations; and advanced knowledge of strategic communications planning.

Experience reflecting advanced knowledge of media relations, communications theory and planning, materials creation, outreach, and results measurement.

Considerable skill and ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a variety of individuals and groups including the media, using AP style.

Managerial experience reflecting ability to supervise staff.

Ability to positively represent VDOT’s programs to the media, citizens, and elected officials.

Advanced ability to make presentations and serve as spokesperson.

Preferred Qualifications

An experienced leader with appropriate industry experience, preferably in transportation demonstrating the ability to work in a fast-paced and complex urban environment.

Advanced degree in public relations, communications or related field preferred.

Experience serving as a spokesperson representing an organization with private or public entities in a political setting.

Special Requirements

The Commonwealth of Virginia requires all Executive Branch employees, including new hires, rehires or transfers to disclose their vaccination status upon hire. Disclosure of vaccination status (and for those fully vaccinated, proof of vaccination) will be required during new employee orientation on your first day of work. If you are not vaccinated for any reason or choose not to disclose your vaccination status, you will be required to be tested for COVID-19 once per week on an indefinite basis while employed with The Commonwealth of Virginia, and wear a face covering at work while indoors, outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained, and when riding in vehicles with others.