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Communications Specialist III

Fairfax County Government
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Oversees the planning, direction, and administration of an office of communications; leads departmental communication planning and strategy. Directs strategic communication programs to support the mission of the agency, and performs other duties as required. 

Executes strategies and tactics designed to promote a favorable public view of JDRDC. Prepares publications, news releases, articles, and other materials, oversees JDRDC website content updates, assists in development and execution of communications strategies and tactics, coordinates communications work on special events, conducts interviews for JDRDC newsletters and other collateral, and works with JDRDC colleagues and partners on communications projects. Implements JDRDC online communications strategy by conceptualizing, researching, designing, writing, editing, coordinating, verifying, and evaluating public information published online and through other communication channels. 

In coordination with the Office of Public Affairs, responds to emergencies by generating emergency information content for online and/or other communications platforms, and in coordination with the Office of Public Affairs and Office of Emergency Management. Responds to general information and research requests from agency staff, government officials, clients, media and the public. Develops and maintains a thorough understanding of the services and programs provided by JDRDC. Serves as secondary agency FOIA contact. Works under the direction of the Agency Court Operations Manager.

Performs other duties as assigned to support the communication goals of the agency. 

Schedule: May be required to work a flexible schedule.

Illustrative Duties

 

Develops comprehensive strategic communication planning on behalf of the department and the County;

Supervises and manages all communication planning and programs for the department;

Planning and implementing photographic coverage of events;

Plans and implements a Speakers Bureau or plans speaking engagements for department;

Makes presentations on behalf of the department to community and County;

Plans and implements event and meetings;

Writes speeches for presentation to community and County;

Develops proposals in support of departmental goals and projects;

Coordinates presentations before the Board of Supervisors;

Supervises the production of all communication tools (print, multimedia, online) in support of the department’s mission;

Implements and supervises the implementation of print production projects;

Implements and supervises the implementation of website development and new media projects;

Budgeting and cost control for communication projects that are supervised;

Conducts audience / constituent research for evaluation and measurement of communication programs;

Leads the department’s communication planning (strategic planning, action planning) team;

May interact directly with the Board of Supervisors and County Executive’s Office on behalf of the department.
 

 

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

 

Ability to supervise the work of others in publication management, multimedia development, community relations or media relations;

Ability to write, edit and design for departmental publications;

Ability to write for multimedia;

Knowledge of photography and planning photography coverage;

Knowledge of appropriate standards and formatting for online media;

Ability to manage publications and to generate revenue;

Ability to use current computer software and email;

Ability to design and develop Web sites;

Ability to problem solve;

Ability to manage projects (including budgeting);

Ability to communicate in a crisis;

Knowledge of the methods for preparing information to increase the likelihood of its use;

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with County government officials, regional officials, and potentially national and international dignitaries and government representatives.
 

 

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:  (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Bachelor’s degree in communication, business administration or field related to subject matter expertise, plus 6 years of progressively responsible experience in a communication area of specialization, government relations, management or area of specialization in which the department is represented.
 
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete the following to the satisfaction of the employer:
 

  • Criminal Background Investigation
  • Child Protective Services Registry Check


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
 

  • A bachelor's or master's degree in communications, public relations, strategic communications, advertising or marketing;
  • At least two years of experience working within a communications team; .
  • At least two years of experience conceptualizing, researching, designing, writing, editing, coordinating, verifying and evaluating public information published online and through other channels; .
  • At least two years of experience developing and maintaining online collaborative workspaces;
  • At least two years of experience writing, editing and designing print and online content for internal and external audiences;
  • Experience using digital signage;
  • Knowledge of principles and best practices for online communications and social media;
  • Experience in managing social media campaigns;
  • Ability to work independently as well as lead and/or be part of a team;
  • Experience in social services or related field;
  • Two years of experience developing comprehensive strategic communication plans to further agency programs and initiatives;
  • One year of experience overseeing the development of visual communication materials, including the use of photographic, and graphic media to promote agency operations and programs;
  • Two years of experience developing and making presentations on behalf of the department to the Board of Supervisors, community, and county partners;
  • Experience writing speeches, and press release on behalf of agency leadership;
  • Experience supervising the implementation of agency print production projects;
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications, Web metrics tools and social media platforms;
  • Proficiency with Adobe Suite; and
  • Knowledge of SharePoint, Drupal, HTML and web content management systems.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
 

  • Ability to communicate well, both in person and over telephone.
  • Employee may be required to lift up to 15 pounds.
  • Work is generally sedentary in nature, however, visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor, incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment.
  • All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.


SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include a practical exercise.
 
The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  
 
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.