Title: Communications Assistant

State Role Title: PR & Mktg Spec III

Hiring Range: Up to $35/hour comm w/ experience

Pay Band: 4

Agency: VA Board People w/Disabilities

Location: Board Ppl with Disabilities

Agency Website: https://vbpd.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

About the Agency:

Our mission is to create a Commonwealth that advances opportunities for independence, personal decision-making, and full participation in community life for individuals with developmental and other disabilities. Our vision is to help Virginians with developmental and other disabilities direct their own lives and choose how they live, learn, work, and play.

Job Duties:

The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) is seeking a Communications Assistant to assist the Communications & Information Manager in the development of communications content through writing and design of print and digital materials such as booklets, flyers, e-newsletters, social media posts, infographics, video, website content, promotional materials and other media, using appropriate software (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Acrobat, MS Office applications) to complete work efficiently and effectively. Additional duties will include support agency communications, including tasks such as updating websites to reflect new/updated information and remove outdated information, updating communications materials to reflect current policies, events, and initiatives. Other duties will include but not limited to producing analytics reports using social media, websites and other program performance metrics as requested; developing campaigns on social media platforms; understanding various audiences of the agency and finding ways to repurpose content and use different social media/marketing tools to expand reach among a broad array of stakeholders.

This position is eligible for telework. Telework days may vary depending on agency needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge:
- Knowledge of current social media & ability to be trained on platform-specific backend operations

Skills/Abilities:

- Proficiency with MS Office (Word/PowerPoint/Excel/Outlook/Access)
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and graphic design software (InDesign/Photoshop/Illustrator, Acrobat, Canva)
- Entry level to higher proficiency with Content Management Systems (e.g. WordPress)
- Entry level to higher proficiency with email marketing software (e.g. Constant Contact)
- Skills in photography/videography/writing/proofreading/editing
- Superior planning and organizational skills
- Understanding of Section 508 digital accessibility compliance
- Above-average PC literacy
- Considerable marketing/communications experience with an emphasis on graphic design.
- Considerable professional experience with social media and other digital communications platforms (Constant Contact, WordPress).

Additional Considerations:

N/A

Special Instructions:

• This has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2-1201.1
• A fingerprint-based criminal history check will be required of the finalist candidate.
  
  Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.
  
  Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.
  
  To Apply:
  
  Equal Opportunity Employer State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. PageUp will provide you with 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.

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Email: Recruitment@dars.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.