Title: Media Specialist - #W1263

State Role Title: Media Specialist IV

Hiring Range: $75,500-$80,500

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2 billion agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDSS offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short and Long Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching – Employee Benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in creating a visually appealing brand presence through digital and print media, by using brand elements consistently and promoting a brand to increase familiarity.
• Demonstrated proficiency and advanced knowledge of media production, communications, and dissemination techniques, including the effective use of written, oral, and visual media to support internal and external audiences.
• Knowledge of internet and intranet site design, development, and maintenance, including the creation of web-based and online media products.
• Advanced technical proficiency in media production tools and applications, with emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud, graphic design software, presentation tools, and related multimedia technologies.
• Demonstrated experience in video and audio production, including directing, producing, filming, editing video and audio content, performing voiceovers, and supporting presentation development.
• Knowledge of digital photography, photo editing, and computer graphics design to enhance publications, presentations, and video products.
• Demonstrated ability to design and develop publications, mass communications, and presentation materials, utilizing a variety of multimedia approaches.
• Experience with communication planning and execution, including coordinating campaigns and initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with webcasting and virtual platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, WebEx, GoTo or similar technologies).
• Considerable knowledge of video software and hardware in a studio environment, including managing scheduling, use, and day-to-day operation of a media studio and related equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to independently organize and manage workload, oversee assigned projects and programs, and provide coordination or media support to others in support of training and agency initiatives.
• Ability to manage projects and contribute to project teams, including coordinating tasks, meeting deadlines, and supporting collaborative work efforts.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate respectfully and professionally—both verbally and in writing—across all organizational levels and provide high-quality customer service.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, building strong working relationships and applying sound practices to enhance the success of communications and media initiatives.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in planning and executing special projects and creating strategic communications plans.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for customer and personal services, including needs assessment, quality standards, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Ability to interpret and apply agency and unit policies and procedures, adapt to changing organizational needs, and adhere to applicable guidelines, including state travel reimbursement requirements.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment, including some remote work, on-site work weekly at the VDSS Home Office in Glen Allen, VA, and occasional travel throughout the Commonwealth (valid driver’s license required).
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience with media production, communications, and dissemination techniques, including the effective use of written, oral, and visual media to support internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in video and audio production, including directing, producing, filming, editing video and audio content, performing voiceovers, and supporting presentation development.
• Experience with digital photography, photo editing, and computer graphics design to enhance publications, presentations, and video products.
• Considerable experience with video software and hardware in a studio environment, including managing scheduling, use, and day-to-day operation of a media studio and related equipment.
• Experience in creating a visually appealing brand presence through digital and print media, by using brand elements consistently and promoting a brand to increase familiarity.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in planning and executing special projects and creating strategic communications plans.
• Advanced technical proficiency in media production tools and applications, with emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud, graphic design software, presentation tools, and related multimedia technologies.
• Ability to manage projects and contribute to project teams, including coordinating tasks, meeting deadlines, and supporting collaborative work efforts.
• Knowledge of internet and intranet site design, development, and maintenance, including the creation of web-based and online media products.
• Previous progressively responsible experience in Communications, Marketing, Government Relations or other related field.

Additional Considerations

Experience in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including SharePoint and the set-up and use of SharePoint site pages; Knowledge of the Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center.

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.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

VDSS 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.

Please be advised that this position may be approved to work onsite for two days per week and work remotely for three days per week.

Selected candidate may be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional considerations as stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

VDSS does not provide sponsorship.

VDSS is an official certified state agency that values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site when you apply.

Contact Information

Name: VDSS- Division of Human Resources

Phone: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

Email: dssrecruitment@dss.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.