Title: Public Relations & Marketing Specialist Sr. (Henrico)

State Role Title: PR & Mktg Spec IV

Hiring Range: $80,000 - $95,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia Employment Commission

Location: VEC CENTRAL OFFICE

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is seeking a Public Relations and Marketing Specialist Sr. to lead strategic communications that educate Virginians about Unemployment Insurance (UI) and support the successful launch of the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. This role develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies, produces high‑quality multimedia and visual content, manages media relations, advances digital engagement, and coordinates outreach and stakeholder efforts that strengthen public understanding and trust. The Specialist serves as a trusted advisor to leadership while independently managing complex projects, creating executive communications, supporting crisis response, and ensuring consistent messaging and accessible content across platforms.

Join the VEC and be part of a mission-driven agency dedicated to supporting workers, strengthening communities, and promoting economic stability across the Commonwealth. We administer Virginia’s UI benefits program with a commitment to providing customer-centered, accessible, inclusive, and impactful services to support our shared mission: lifting up Virginia, one unemployed worker at a time. The VEC is also an integral part of a historic milestone as Virginia becomes the first state in the South to offer PFML. Our agency will be responsible for standing up and administering this new program, which will expand the vital support we provide for employees when they need it most.

We offer paid leave; a minimum of 13 paid state holidays per year; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions); and are a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.

If you’re motivated by public service, continuous improvement, and meaningful work that supports opportunity for all, the VEC is a place where your contributions matter!

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of communications, public relations, marketing, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to independently plan and execute strategic communications initiatives.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to simplify complex information for diverse audiences.
• Skilled in media relations with the ability to manage press interactions with sound judgment.
• Expertise in digital communications, content strategy, and social media management.
• Proficient in full‑cycle video production, including scripting, filming, lighting, audio, editing, captioning, and post‑production.
• Proficiency in graphic design and visual communication for both print and digital materials.
• Experience using professional multimedia tools for video editing, graphic design, photography, and content creation, such as Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, Synthesia, Canva
• Ability to capture and edit high‑quality photography for communication needs.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards, plain‑language principles, AP style, and brand governance.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate engagement metrics and provide data‑driven recommendations.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines in fast‑paced environments.
• Demonstrated independent judgment and discretion in sensitive or high‑profile communication matters.
• Strong collaboration skills with experience leading cross‑functional communication efforts.
• Knowledge of effective public education and outreach strategies for government programs.

Additional Considerations

• Experience developing and executing communications strategies in government, public sector, or highly regulated environments.
• Experience supporting executive‑level communications.
• Experience planning and executing crisis communications.
• Experience communicating complex programs, policies, or benefits information to diverse audiences.
• Experience supporting the launch, implementation, or promotion of new programs, initiatives, or organizational change efforts.

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.

This position is located within the Central Office in Henrico, VA. This is not a remote-work position.

Submission of an online application is required for this position. The VEC does not accept applications, résumés, cover letters, etc., in any other format. When applying for jobs, please ensure your online application and/or résumé are complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.

The Virginia Employment Commission is committed to upholding our values in our employment opportunities across the Commonwealth to people from all backgrounds, including all races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program, and a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

The selected candidate must successfully pass a comprehensive background check including an FBI fingerprint background investigation and an Unemployment Insurance (UI) fraud background check.

Please carefully review the details of this recruitment including the location of the position and the posted salary before applying. The VEC does not provide relocation assistance, and no salary will be offered outside of the posted salary range / flat rate.

The VEC does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be a citizen or national of the U.S., a Lawful Permanent Resident, or an alien authorized to work in the US.

Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Applicants needing accommodations should contact the Human Resource office for additional information.

A valid Virginia Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.

For the status of your application and this position, please refer to your PageUp / Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via email or telephone.

NOTICE: VEC 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.

Contact Information

Name: VEC Human Resources / Recruitment

Phone: For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account. We do not provide application status updates via phone.

Email: Careers@vec.virginia.gov for recruitment related questions. Emailed applications, résumés, or cover letters will not be accepted. For the most up-to-date status of your application, please refer to your Jobs.Virginia.Gov account.

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.