Title: Press Secretary

State Role Title: Press Secretary

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Attorney General & Dept of Law

Location: Office of the Attorney General

Agency Website: https://www.oag.state.va.us/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Chief Objective: The Press Secretary will work closely with the Director of Communications and other senior staff to develop and execute effective communication strategies. The Press Secretary must develop and maintain relationships with the press. Daily responsibilities will include but not be limited to drafting press releases, statements, advisories, social media content, and other relevant materials; identifying opportunities to enhance communications within the Commonwealth; working with OAG attorneys and other legal support staff on projects and key issue areas; developing and maintaining robust online social media presence and creating a content calendar.

Work Tasks and Duties:
• Draft press releases, statements, advisories, and other written materials for distribution to media outlets and the public regarding the Attorney General's activities, legal actions, and policy positions.
• Develop and implement social media content across all OAG platforms, maintaining a robust online presence and creating a content calendar to ensure consistent messaging.
• Respond to media inquiries and serve as a point of contact for journalists, providing timely and accurate information about the Office's work.
• Monitor news coverage and media trends relevant to the Attorney General's priorities and the Commonwealth, identifying opportunities to enhance communications.
• Collaborate with OAG attorneys and legal support staff to understand complex legal matters and translate them into accessible public communications.
• Coordinate with the Director of Communications and senior staff to develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies aligned with the Attorney General's goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, and other members of the media covering Virginia government and legal affairs.
• Assist with planning and coordination of press conferences, media events, and other public appearances for the Attorney General.
• Track and analyze media coverage and public engagement metrics to assess the effectiveness of communications efforts.
• Travel periodically throughout Virginia to support the Attorney General's outreach activities and regional media engagements.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of 1 year of experience in media relations, communications, social media, or a related field demonstrating an increasing scope of work and responsibility.
• Prior Virginia press experience and/or prior government, political, and/or campaign communications experience is strongly preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and manage shifting deadlines and multiple priority assignments effectively.
• Ability to work well independently and as a productive member of the Attorney General's Office and wider Executive team.
• Ability for periodic travel within Virginia is required.
• Valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia

Special Instructions

Kindly utilize the Virginia Jobs website (https://www.jobs.virginia.gov) to submit your application. Applications sent to the Recruitment email address will not be reviewed for the hiring process. We do not entertain phone calls or emails inquiring about application status; instead, please login to the PageUp/RMS system for updates on your application's status.

Contact Information

Name: OAG Recruitment

Phone: 804-786-2071

Email: recruitment@oag.state.va.us

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.