Title: Communications & Public Affairs Specialist
State Role Title: PR & Mktg Spec IV
Hiring Range: Communications & Public Affairs Specialist
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Dept of Labor and Industry
Location: Dept of Labor and Industry
Agency Website: www.doli.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Join Our Team
The Communications & Public Affairs Specialist is responsible for leading the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) comprehensive communications, media, and public engagement strategy to promote the agency’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities. This position serves as DOLI’s chief communications officer and primary spokesperson, managing internal and external communications, media relations, brand identity, and strategic messaging across all programs and initiatives.
The Specialist plays a pivotal role in advancing DOLI’s visibility, credibility, and impact by ensuring communication efforts reflect the agency’s Values-in-Action: Integrity, Trust & Respect; Executing with Quality; Passion to Learn & Succeed; and Sharing with Others. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to DOLI’s mission of making Virginia a better place to live, work, and do business. Additional information about our agency can be found at www.doli.virginia.gov.
Why the State Government?
Joining state government means becoming part of something bigger than yourself. It’s a chance to make meaningful contributions to your community while enjoying purpose-driven work, and opportunities to grow professionally. Your talents can help Virginia thrive – this isn’t just a job, it’s a legacy.
Total Compensation
The Commonwealth of Virginia offers a competitive total compensation package valued at approximately
$104,000 annually for a position with a base salary of $75,000. This includes state-funded retirement contributions under the VRS Hybrid Plan, comprehensive health and insurance benefits, and 16 paid holidays each year.
Estimated Total Compensation Value: ~$104,000 annually
Additional Benefits
• Membership in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Plan, combining defined benefit and defined contribution components for long-term financial stability.
• Employer-paid health, life, and disability insurance options.
• 16 paid holidays, annual and sick leave, and access to flexible work options (where applicable).
• Professional development, training opportunities, and access to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s employee discount program.
Please note that this breakdown is applicable to someone being hired at the max salary under the Hybrid retirement plan.
What will you do?
Strategic Communications and Leadership
• Execution and enhancement of DOLI’s comprehensive communications strategy that aligns mission, vision, and Top Five strategic priorities.
• Advise the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and division directors on media relations, public messaging, and stakeholder engagement.
• Establish and implement annual communication goals, metrics, and performance indicators for the Talent Management and Communications Division.
• Serve as the agency’s spokesperson and primary media contact, ensuring consistent, transparent, and timely communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Direct the development of internal communication strategies that promote engagement, reinforce agency culture, and support initiatives in conjunction with the Employee Engagement Council (EEC).
Media, Digital, and Brand Management
• Lead the agency’s media relations and digital engagement strategy, including proactive media outreach, press releases, and social media campaigns.
• Manage DOLI’s digital presence, including website content, SharePoint, and social media, to ensure consistency, accessibility, and alignment with state and federal communication standards.
• Oversee brand development and design standards to strengthen agency identity and message coherence.
• Monitor analytics to evaluate campaign impact and adjust strategies based on performance and feedback
Public Engagement and Outreach
• Coordinate and represent the agency at public events, press conferences, and community outreach programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, government partners, industry stakeholders, and the public.
• Develop and execute public information and educational campaigns that promote DOLI’s programs and enhance stakeholder trust.
• Collaborate with the Talent Management Consultant to support workforce recruitment and recognition initiatives through strategic messaging.
Project and Operations Management
• Plan and manage multiple projects and priorities, ensuring timely completion and quality execution.
• Develop budgets for communication initiatives and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Research, write, edit, and distribute publications, reports, speeches, and other communication materials for the Office of the Commissioner, ELT, and agency leadership.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of agency communications to ensure clarity, compliance, and relevance.
What will you bring?
• Comprehensive knowledge of communications, media relations, marketing, and public affairs principles and techniques.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, strategic thinking, analytical and project management skills.
• Proficiency in AP Style, digital content creation, and modern communication tools (e.g., social media, analytics, and content management systems).
• Ability to manage sensitive media issues and develop integrated, data-driven communication campaigns.
• Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across divisions and manage multiple complex priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to interact positively with customers in an inimical environment.
• Ability to function independently with minimal direction.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
Minimum Qualifications
• Progressive experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs principles and techniques.
• Demonstrated success in brand development, crisis communication, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to execute an integrated communications program, to include but not limited to, serving as the chief spokesperson for government agencies or private-sector organization.
• Demonstrated experience in managing digital social media platforms, to include but not limited to, communications software, chat boxes, and SharePoint.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to compose meaningful and accurate narrative reports and correspondence.
• Advanced skills in computer use and related software applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Internet, e-mail software, and data entry.
• Experience in escalating and managing complex customer issues, organizational culture and development, and change management related to strategic communications.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Additional Considerations
• Certification in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Experience leading communications strategies in a state or local government setting.
• Experience as a senior-level communications and public relations professional working in governmental communications, with specific experience supporting public policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Working knowledge of occupational safety and health and federal and state regulations related to occupational safety and health.
Special Requirements:
• Possession of a valid driver’s license at the time of hiring or within 30 days of hiring. Position is subject to an annual driver’s license record check.
• Ability to travel overnight occasionally.
• The selected candidate must pass a criminal background investigation and successfully serve a 12-month probationary period effective from the date of employment if beginning employment as an original hire or re-employment.
Special Instructions:
To apply, you must submit a completed State of Virginia Application for Employment at www.jobs.virginia.gov by 11:55pm on the posted closing date. A resume can be attached within the state application. The application and/or resume must be completed in a comprehensive manner and reference all pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any training and experience that relates to the position. You must also provide your education on your state application. Interview candidates may be required to demonstrate the skills and abilities necessary for satisfactory performance of work. Mailed, faxed, or e-mailed applications/resumes will not be accepted or considered.
Virginia Department of Labor and Industry does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., Lawful Permanent resident, or an alien authorized to work in the United States.
Current and former employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia who have either been laid off or will be laid off from State service, who indicate preferential hiring rights in the form of a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (yellow card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (blue card), must submit the card to our office by the application deadline. The card may either be scanned and attached to the application as a supplemental document or faxed to (804) 786-0139. Please include a fax cover sheet with your name and the position number for which you are applying.
The Department of Labor and Industry is committed to the goal of equal employment opportunity, with the intention that every employee and applicant for employment shall have an equal opportunity to be judged based on their fitness and merit to participate in the terms, conditions, privileges, and benefits of employment. All candidates are afforded opportunities without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability.
DOLI Talent Management and Communications will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation to provide access to the application and/or interview process. If any assistance is needed when applying online, please contact DOLI at hr@doli.virginia.gov.
Contact Information
Name: Talent Management and Communications
Phone: No Phone Calls
Email: hr@doli.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.