Assistant Director Of Communications #01241

Title:Assistant Director of Communications #01241

State Role Title: Public Relations & Marketing Specialist V

Hiring Range: $71,093 to $88,000 annually

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: VDACS CENTRAL HEADQUARTERS

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (VDACS) Office of Communications is seeking an individual to work in conjunction with the Director of Communications to plan, develop, and organize agency-wide public relations, communication plans, programs, events, and policies. These programs and initiatives promote and educate the public and media on Agency programs that support Virginia's agricultural, food, and forestry products in addition to educating the public on consumer protection and animal health issues. Media outreach will target local, national, and international audiences and consumers. This position will serve as the social media coordinator and as back-up to the Agency webmaster. The selected applicant must have the ability to be flexible to travel and work variable hours as needed to meet agency business needs, including emergency or unforeseen situations. Once onboarded, this position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration of telework shall be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth’s telework policy.

Minimum Qualifications

Considerable knowledge and experience in writing, public information, media and public relations, and promotional and marketing techniques. Demonstrated exceptional customer service skills; proficiency in grammar, spelling, and punctuation in document production; exhibit exceptional oral and written communication skills; effective interpersonal skills; and advanced computer and desktop publishing skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite. Demonstrated ability to write press releases and speeches; create reports and newsletters; capture photos and video and edit video content; manage multiple projects; work well independently and in a team environment; speak/present to diverse groups; and to research information and obtain data for issue resolution. Current experience in a similar position with duties that include researching information as well as planning and organizing media programs, educational campaigns, and web-based marketing strategies and other multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines. Experience in evaluating written and audio-visual material for social media and traditional media, marketing, special events and promotional programs; and experience with media communications and public relations, including using social media platforms of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. H.S Diploma or equivalent required.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Business or Agriculture. Individuals who have a combined public relations and agriculture background are preferred along with those with experience with Adobe Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Premiere.

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.

Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 Layoff, and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-371-8577

Email: hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov

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.