Communications Specialist III

Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!

ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

Introduction

Loudoun County’s Office of Public Affairs and Communications develops and executes strategic, countywide internal and external communications and constituent services programs that connect Loudoun County residents, businesses, and communities to information about their government and its services.

The Public Affairs and Communications team is seeking two Communications Specialists who will support the county’s health and human services departments. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who have a passion for public service and who have expertise in the areas of public information, communication planning and strategy, digital communication, journalism, marketing, community outreach, graphic design, and/or other areas within the field of communication. The office allows up to two days of telework per week following an onboarding and orientation period.

Job Summary

We are looking for two professional communicators to provide overall communications support to Loudoun County’s health and human services departments, which primarily include the Departments of Health; Family Services; and Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Developmental Services. Together, these agencies provide a variety of programs and services to the residents of Loudoun County. This position will help plan and implement a broad range of communication activities and produce communication collateral and resources that support the departments’ needs, with an emphasis on reaching our underserved and vulnerable populations, as well as other target audiences.

Under the general direction of a Communications Manager, this position executes communications activities to promote an informed and engaged public. The successful candidate will perform a varied range of communications assignments including, but not limited to:

• Producing content, such as writing news releases; developing digital and print materials, such as web content, flyers and graphics, social media, photography and other content in accordance with the county’s brand standards; and supporting video production.
• Editing and maintaining the health and human services departments’ content on the county’s website.
• Consulting with department subject matter experts and the County's Public Affairs and Communications team to develop internal and external communications plans.
• Coordinating publicity plans for programs, activities, events, and services.
• Developing key messages for target audiences and disseminating those messages through various communication channels, such as print materials, digital content and direct outreach.
• Researching and synthesizing complex information to inform communications plans, strategies and content.
• Coordinating public events and special projects as assigned, independently or as a member of a team.
• Supporting community education and outreach activities to raise public awareness of programs and available benefits.
• Supporting media relations activities, such as coordinating interviews with subject matter experts and the departments’ spokespersons and providing public information.
• Supporting emergency and crisis communication activities on behalf of the department, under the direction of the department Director or their designee, and the Public Affairs and Communications Officer or their designee.
• Performing other essential job functions specific to the position and department assignment.

Hiring salary commensurate with experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field; two (2) years of related work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Contingencies and Special Requirements

Pass pre-employment criminal, credit, and DMV background checks.