Title: Communications Specialist

State Role Title: Public Relations & Marketing Specialist III

Hiring Range: $65,000 - $72,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: Dept of Health

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Communications Specialist manages and produces website content and updates to support to assigned VDH website platforms and provides related administrative and public relations support. This position is responsible for updating existing content, creating and/or editing new material as needed, and implementing solutions to improve the user experience. Ensures accessibility standards are in compliance with state and federal regulations, and ensures that website content is current, relevant, and actionable. Serves as a lead to effectively manage projects and assignments and works collaboratively with others to design and complete digital communications projects and initiatives. Provides consistent quality control and website maintenance.

This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) for the period ending, November 30th, 2025. The funding may be extended further and is scheduled for review before the grant expiration date and periodically thereafter. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience writing, reviewing, and editing website copy, developing web content, selecting assets, and optimizing the user experience
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical and complex information to plain language
• Experience providing communications and public relations support, such as experience with digital communications projects and initiatives, marketing support, and ensuring quality control
• Experience creating effective, engaging website content
• Knowledge of web design and/or web accessibility
• Ability to work independently and prioritize deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong project management skills and experience providing technical communications and website development expertise to others
• Excellent research and organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate across teams/departments and maintain effective working relationships
• Considerable experience in Microsoft 365 programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams

Additional Considerations

• Experience using web content management systems, such as WordPress
• Experience with graphic design platforms such as Canva or Adobe Illustrator
• Understanding e-newsletters / digital marketing, and a preferred understanding of GovDelivery software

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.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Contact Information

Name: Rose Sandra Bose

Phone: 804-998-7871

Email: rose.bose@vdh.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.