Perform special duties as assigned. Provide support to the District Communications Manager, District Engineer and other VDOT staff regarding external communications with key local, state, and federal audiences, including the media, government officials, non-profit and private sector groups, and the public. Establish and maintain effective relationships with the media, as well as executing the district’s communication program. Responsible for executing the VDOT strategic communications plan and statewide initiatives in the district.
How you will contribute:
Communication Materials: Contribute information for use in VDOT's internal communications tools. Develop brochures and public involvement materials; create routine and weekly traffic alerts, customer inquiry responses and templates, speeches, talking points, news releases and presentations for district. Keep newsroom and project web pages current with latest information according to statewide policy.
Emergency Response : Provide critical information to citizens before, during and after natural disasters, emergencies, and traffic congestion-causing incidents. Reinforce VDOT's role as a first responder. Provide communications support for other VDOT offices or state agencies as called upon during emergency incidents. Assist in devising plans for district and regional external communications during emergency activities. Handle emergency response and crisis communications duties as needed (serve in the state or VDOT joint information center during events or handle media calls).
Media Relations: Execute proactive media relations program fostering transparent, open and positive relationships. Serve as a spokesperson for VDOT. Maintain a clear understanding of the district's local media market including advising district staff on how to effectively work with media. Maintain comprehensive district media contact list in VDOT news account and market news and feature stories that reflect favorably upon VDOT.
Perform duties as assigned.: Perform duties, tasks, activities and/or projects as assigned.
Statewide Initiatives and Support: Support and execute the statewide communications plan. Serve as a leader or committee member on committees as assigned. Maintain media lists for emergency events. Implement statewide communications policies developed by the Central Office and Public Affairs Council.
Strategic Communications Program: Assist in executing statewide communication plans and initiatives as well as district and regional communication programs. Identify audiences and goals, craft messages and strategies. Provide advice and continuity for maintaining VDOT's brand and image. Research, write, and edit collateral materials, including newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, news releases, and fact sheets, brochures, and scripts. Make presentations to various audiences. Incorporate appropriate public meetings, public involvement activities, special events or presentations to support communications programs.
What will make you successful:
Skill in conducting interviews with news media.
Skill in news writing and AP style.
Skill in speaking in front of groups and to people in various settings.
Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include MS Office products and digital cameras.
Skill in writing agency activities for multiple audiences using multiple formats and tools.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ability to conduct interviews with the news media.
Ability to positively represent the agency’s programs to the media, citizens, elected and appointed officials.
Ability to use a content management system to maintain web site materials.
Knowledge of communications methods and theory as they relate to public relations and media relations.
Skill in writing organizational activities for multiple audiences using multiple formats and tools and experience in news writing and AP style.
Additional Considerations:
A combination of training, experience, or education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field desired.
Click below to learn more about the Competency Model associated with this Position:
Competency Model
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements
VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
VDOT Code of Ethics
Standards of Conduct
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements
VDOT utilizes a market based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.
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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force.
Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please be aware all VDOT positions require pre-employment screenings. These screenings may include the following:
- Fingerprint based Criminal History Background Check
- DMV Record Check
- Work History Verification
- References
- Pre-employment physical
- Drug screen
