Title: Communications and Executive Support Specialist - Director's Office - CF755

State Role Title: Program Administration Specialist II

Hiring Range: $60,000-$80,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Forensic Science

Location: Dept of Forensic Science

Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Forensic Science has experienced record growth and is currently in construction of a new state-of-the-art facility in Hanover County. Once completed, this Facility will house staff from the Central Laboratory, Director’s Office, Administrative Offices, and the Office of the Medical Examiner, currently located in Richmond. The transition is anticipated for First Quarter 2026.

Are you a dynamic communicator with a passion for organization, creativity, and executive-level support? The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) is looking for a Communications and Executive Support Specialist to join the Agency Director’s Office. This is a unique, high-impact position that blends communication with executive administrative support. This position offers the opportunity to help shape the agency’s public image through clear, creative, and consistent messaging, while also supporting the executive team in achieving agency objectives. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth in both communications and executive coordination.

In this pivotal position, you’ll be at the center of ensuring efficient operations of the Director’s Office by managing day-to-day administrative functions and contributing to internal and external communication strategies. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy variety in your work, and are passionate about enhancing organizational messaging and office functionality, we encourage you to apply!

In addition, this position is responsible for maintaining the agency’s social media presence and supporting website updates to ensure content is timely, engaging, and accurate. This position also provides graphic design support for public-facing materials, ensuring alignment with agency design and content standards. Other duties include serving as the agency’s Conflict-of-Interest Coordinator and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer, ensuring compliance with state regulations. Occasional overnight travel is required, and the employee will provide their own transportation as required. This position may be eligible for telework opportunities one day a week after completing agency training and orientation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Exceptional communication and reporting abilities, with advanced expertise in conceptual editing, copy editing, and proofreading
• Considerable experience driving and planning integrated communication strategies
• Experience developing leadership presentations and executive-level talking points
• Experience leading communications for internal events or leadership visibility efforts
• Experience managing web content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and engagement using website development software
• Experience with social media platforms and tools to enhance communication reach and impact
• Familiarity with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
• Experience drafting, editing, and reviewing a wide range of written documents and presentations
• Experience updating and publishing content using WordPress or similar content management systems
• Experience creating visual content using Canva or comparable design tools
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, engaging content
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills with a demonstrated ability to capture leadership tone and intent, and to incorporate feedback effectively
• Highly organized, accountable, and self-motivated, with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-expectation environments
• Discretion and professionalism when working with confidential or sensitive topics
• Collaborative team player, known for building strong relationships and earning the trust of leadership and colleagues
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation

Additional Considerations

• Experience managing communications strategies in the government sector
• Experience in developing and implementing issues and crisis communications strategies
• Work experience using a Small Purchase Charge Card (SPCC) and/or business charge card
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requirements
• General familiarity with and knowledge of the Department of Forensic Science, the criminal justice system, and 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.

The Department of Forensic Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified. The Department strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically, through this website, no later than the position’s closing date stated in the announcement. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume and required transcripts (if applicable).

Applicants needing accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov for additional information. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

DFS does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Selected candidate(s) must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current and previous supervisors.

Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

Economic Interest Statement: The selected candidate is required to file a Statement of Economic Interests form pursuant to the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3114, as a condition of employment. Additionally, the statement is to be filed annually by February 1. The selected candidate is required to complete the Statement of Economic Interest training within 60 days of employment and every two years thereafter.

Contact Information

Name: Tracey Kazelskis

Phone: 804-588-4000

Email: Tracey.Kazelskis@dfs.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.