Senior Communications Officer

An Overview
A Senior Communications Officer is responsible for performing journalistic and media relations work, outreach, and disseminating public information in a large department to residents, clients, the public, and employees. Communication Managers assist the Director of Transportation & Environmental Services and supervise public information staff to publicize, promote, and assist the Office of Communications with City-wide public and employee emergency communications, as required. Work is performed under the Director or designee's general supervision with considerable latitude for independent judgment and decision-making in completing work assignments.

What You Should Bring
In-depth knowledge of public relations and communications methodologies for disseminating information and publicizing programs, projects, and events; knowledge of strategic communications metrics and measurement methodologies; negotiation skills; ability to assume responsibility and ownership of work product; ability to perform public relations and public affairs work in a lead role; ability to coordinate and implement strategic outreach and objectives; ability to leverage.

The Opportunity – Examples of Work

• Researches, writes, edits, and proofs (sometimes on tight deadlines) copy for a variety of media including websites, social networks, press releases, brochures, newsletters, annual reports and other publications;
• Responds to routine media inquiries for information about T&ES programs, services, activities, and issues. This will involve serving as a representative for the department, Director or other T&ES staff;
• Maintains an awareness of City Council, City Manager, and City government policies, procedures, and positions on issues;
• Collaboratively assists the T&ES Director and his staff with communicating important information about departmental programs, projects, events, initiatives, services, and issues to residents, the business community, employees, and the media;
• Schedules, prepares, and assists in coordinating the production of regular, periodic publications and other materials such as newsletters, reports, and brochures;
• Assists the Director and his staff with internal and external emergency communications, including on-call work;
• Prepares materials for use in presentations to the public, including speaking points, video scripts, and PowerPoint presentations;
• Researches and maintains an awareness of public relations, communications, and media relations techniques and strategies to provide advice and assistance on appropriate and effective publicity and information campaigns;
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department
The Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) is a community partner in shaping a livable, green, and prospering Alexandria. We plan, build, operate, and maintain transportation systems and infrastructure that improve mobility and provide people and businesses with core public services. The work we do keeps Alexandrians moving, growing sustainability, and thriving.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

A Master’s Degree, or enrollment in a Master’s Degree program with approximately 50% completion; five to seven years of experience as a press officer or community outreach specialist with emphasis on strategic communications planning, supervision, strategy and tactical communications products and dissemination; five years of progressively responsible work experience in the field of communications, journalism, marketing, or public relations; strong communications, writing and editing skills; media relations experience. Additionally, an ideal candidate will have experience with new media platforms (particularly social media platforms such as Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social), email marketing (such as Salesforce, Mailchimp or Constant Contact) and Content Management Systems (such as Drupal, SharePoint). Ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks.
Please submit two writing samples of previous, related work (e.g., an authorized press release or journalistic style piece).