Title: Senior Communications Specialist (00009)

State Role Title: PR & Mktg Spec IV

Hiring Range: $75,000 - $85,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: The Library of Virginia

Location: Library of Virginia Building

Agency Website: https://www.lva.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Library of Virginia, the leading source of information on Virginia’s history, government and people, is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to help shape and execute its external and internal communications strategies. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, this role serves as the lead content creator within the Library’s Marketing and Communications (Marcom) Division. The Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and executing communications strategies; coordinating multiple projects; writing and editing for various media; coordinating cross-platform messaging; and engaging audiences to elevate the Library’s visibility and deepen public understanding of its mission.

Core responsibilities:

Content Development & Editorial Planning
• Manage editorial calendars across print, web, email, and social media platforms.
• Serve as editor of the Library’s quarterly magazine, leading story development, author recruitment and content review, as well as coordinating the layout with graphic designers.
• Write and/or edit content for a variety of communications materials, including newsletters, eblasts, exhibition copy, rack cards, and other collateral.
• Edit the Library’s monthly patron newsletter, internal employee newsletter and targeted eblasts, working with the communications and marketing specialist on content ideas.
• Manage Mailchimp email lists, monitor performance benchmarks (e.g., open rates, click-through rates) and optimize content accordingly.

Media Relations
• Draft and distribute press releases and media advisories in coordination with the Chief Communications Officer.
• Build and maintain targeted media lists and track coverage.

Digital Engagement
• Coordinate content creation for LVA social media accounts, ensuring a cohesive schedule of organic posts and appropriate messaging per platform with the goal of increasing public engagement.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Library for content ideas.
• Lead development of the annual social media plan in collaboration with the multimedia content specialist and the communications and marketing specialist.
• Track audience engagement and work with the Chief Communications Officer on refinement of strategy.
• Provide content updates to web pages maintained by Marcom.
• Coordinate schedules for social media accounts, working with colleagues across the agency.
• Serve as backup or designated contact for coordinating media interviews and event coverage as needed.

Cross-Team Collaboration & Planning
• Participate in communications planning for the agency and develop campaigns for events, initiatives and promotion of resources in general.
• Collaborate with other Library units and the Foundation to align messaging and timelines.
• Monitor communications trends and recommend innovative ideas to enhance outreach.

Minimum Qualifications

• Comprehensive experience in marketing and communications experience within Virginia state government.
• Demonstrated success in writing and serving as editor for a magazine, including leading editorial planning, managing contributors, collaborating with designers, and delivering high-quality content on deadline.
• Proven track record of strategically managing social media accounts to drive engagement and audience growth.
• Comprehensive knowledge of standards and principles of editing as recognized in the Chicago Manual of Style and the Associated Press Stylebook.
• Extensive experience drafting press releases, working with the news media and tracking coverage.
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Substantial experience with managing email lists through marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp) and analyzing performance metrics (open rates, click-through rates).
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and juggle multiple priorities while collaborating with individuals across an organization.

Additional Considerations

• Coursework in communications, public relations or marketing.
• Expert level understanding of content management strategy.
• Significant experience working in marketing and communications for a historical, cultural or educational institution.
• Proven ability to develop and implement successful communications plans.
• Demonstrated ability to schedule content across multiple formats (e.g., newsletters, press releases, web copy, etc.)
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills.

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.

State employees who have been affected by Policy 1.3 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card) must submit the card BEFORE the closing date for this position. The card may be scanned and attached to the application or faxed to (804) 371-7401. Please include your name and the position number of the fax cover sheet. A criminal background investigation prior to employment is required for the successful candidate. Drug screening will be required upon employment.

Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. AMERICORPS, PEACE CORPS, AND OTHER NATIONAL SERVICE ALUMNI ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. Please call 804-225-2131 for assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Contact Information

Name: Marjorie McGregor

Phone: 804-338-9034

Email: marjorie.mcgregor@dhrm.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.