Title: District Communications Manager 

State Role Title: PR & Mktg Mgr III

Hiring Range: $86,133 - $139,966

Pay Band: 6

Agency: VA Dept of Transportation

Location: Staunton District Office

Agency Website: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/jobs/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Are you a public relations professional driven by outstanding communications and public service?  VDOT's District Communicatons Manager is the job for you!

Job Duties

VDOT's Staunton District is seeking a highly qualified District Communications Manager to provide direction and advice to the District Engineer/Administrator and other executive staff regarding internal communications with VDOT divisions, sections and employees; and external communications with key local, state and federal audiences, including media, government officials, non-profit and private sector groups, and general public. In addition, the District Communications Manager will establish and maintain effective relationships with the media and establish and administer the District's internal and external communication program.  As the qualified candidate, you will provide:

• Statewide Initiatives and Support - Support and execute the statewide communications plan. Attend and actively participate in Public Affairs Council meetings and serve as a leader or committee member for appropriate committees. Maintain accurate and comprehensive media lists

• Executive Counsel - Serve as the district’s strategic advisor on all communications matters.

• Media Relations - Act as the district’s official spokesperson and liaison to media outlets. Cultivate strong relationships with reporters to proactively pitch stories, respond to inquiries, and shape accurate media coverage of district initiatives and issues.

• Strategic Communications Programs - Lead the development and execution of proactive communications plans that support transportation programs, construction projects, maintenance activities and community engagement.

• Emergency Response - Develop and manage the district’s crisis communications strategy in coordination with Central Office Communications and using VDOT’s Statewide Crisis Communications Guidance document. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to positively represent VDOT's programs to the media, residents, and elected officials.

• Advanced ability to make presentations and to perform as spokesperson.

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

• Managerial experience reflecting ability to supervise staff.

• Communications or public affairs experience reflecting advanced knowledge of printing and publications procedures, and use of Internet and social media.

Additional Considerations

• A combination of training, experience, or education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field desired.

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

• Familiarity with AP style writing.

• Familiarity with Adobe software products.

• Proven ability to develop a tactical plan to implement strategic communication plans.

• Experience managing issues/crises.

• Management experience in communications, marketing or public relations.

• Completed coursework focused on National Incident Management System (NIMS). FEMA EMI certifications.

• Business literate in Virginia state government.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

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

We have Shared Values and a Code of Ethics which may be viewed at www.Virginiadot.org/about. Your success in our organization depends upon modelling these values, therefore please to 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.

Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.

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.

This position is classified as “designated” to emergency operations and may be required to work outside of normal work hours, on weekends and holidays during emergency situations which may include but are not limited to inclement weather, disaster response and emergency operations to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 pm on the closing date through the PageUp System. State applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered. Applicants are expected to fully represent qualifications and work history on the State application and or resume. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide detailed information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may impact your interview eligibility.

Contact Information

Name: Ciara Diehl

Phone: (540)292-4079

Email: Ciara.Diehl@VDOT.Virginia.gov

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 AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.