Reston Community Center seeks a communications professional who can write, edit and manage multiple marketing platforms and media releases in a high-volume and fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience with publication production from text assembly and editing to final production. RCC’s Public Information Officer serves on a communications team responsible for marketing more than 2,000 events, classes, programs, and other activities for the benefit of Reston residents and employees. Experience in communicating in print, at events and through community networking is required.

Illustrative Duties

Gathers, writes and edits material for news releases and publications to inform the public of County services and activities;
Lays out publications to prepare camera-ready copy;
Answers inquiries and assists news media covering County Government activities;
Takes and processes photographs to illustrate publications and news releases;
Participates in public contact activities such as tours of the County Government Center, speaking engagements, and dealing with the general public.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Ability to write news copy for press and radio according to generally accepted standards (AP Style);
Knowledge of editing and layout techniques;
Knowledge of page design software;
Knowledge of new media techniques;
Knowledge of requirements of news media;
Ability to process digital still photographs;
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the public, news media and County employees.

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") Bachelors degree in journalism or a related field, and three years of experience in reporting and editing, broadcasting, or related work; or a combination of the above.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check and Child Protective Services Registry check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

At least four years of experience working in journalism or communications.
Experience developing brochures, flyers, multi-page books or reports, or social media content.
Proficiency using a PC and Microsoft 365 Suite applications.
Proficiency with managing web content using Drupal, WordPress, etc., using Microsoft Office Software Suite, and HTML/CSS.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Employee may be required to lift up to 15 pounds. Job 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.