Communications Specialist Ii

Salary : $66,103.86 - $110,173.86 Annually
Location : FAIRFAX (EJ32), VA
Job Type: FT Salary W BN
Job Number: 24-00253
Department: DPWES Directors Office
Opening Date: 01/20/2024
Closing Date: 2/2/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: S24
Posting Type: Open to General Public
Job Announcement
If you're looking for a job where every day is different, assignments are exciting, communication is key and your input and ideas are integral components, come on board and develop messages, videos and graphics that resonate and inspire others.
The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) seeks an experienced Communications Specialist II to provide dynamic communications and promotions management and support of projects, initiatives and events for the high-functioning business areas of DPWES. You would join a team of creatives, filled with ideas for spreading the word about all the environmentally sound programs and initiatives at one of the most respected and forward-thinking public works agencies in the country.
DPWES is a diverse, nationally accredited and award-winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for the most populous county in Virginia. Join our team to help us protect the environment and serve the people of Fairfax County by creating and preserving a sustainable community that is an ideal place to live, work and play for everyone.
Fairfax County Government is committed to our employees, and offers comprehensive benefits, including a defined-benefit retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Through our LiveWell Program and the county Benefits Division, we strive to cultivate a culture of wellbeing that empowers, educates and engages employees and retirees to make life-long choices that promote a holistic approach to their physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual and financial wellness. Please review our awesome benefits:The value of the county's benefits, which are free to the employees, is 50% above the advertised salary for this position.
The Director's Office provides support for all four business areas of DPWES (Capital Facilities, Stormwater Management, Wastewater Management, and Solid Waste Management). Responsible for communication and public engagement, information technology, safety, emergency planning, and human resource policy oversight, the Director's Office is foundational for the department's success in delivering quality and equitable services to our community.
Seeking a highly motivated, self-starting, enterprising and energetic professional to work with a team of high-level, communicators to promote the award-winning Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services. Given the many business areas, divisions and branches that comprise DPWES, the incumbent must be flexible, a strong communicator, and able to adapt in a fast-paced environment. The position duties include, but are not limited to, managing social media strategy and content, writing stories, pitching stories, engaging media, responding to media inquiries, drafting news releases, managing events and handling public relations, and leading communications/education/outreach for major DPWES projects. Must be proficient with digital photography, videography, editing and storytelling. Goes into the field with crews to observe their work and tell the story of DPWES. Assists in the coordination of FOIA request responses for the agency in alignment with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Ensures all documents are ADA compliant and follow One Fairfax and DPWES Equity and Diversity policies. Assists in collaborative, inter-agency and intra-agency communications during emergencies and activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or Joint Information Center (JIC). Complies with DPWES safety policies and guidelines. Must be available for occasional weekend and evening work.
Illustrative Duties
(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

• 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;
• Writes proposals in support of departmental goals and projects;
• Produces multimedia productions to support the goals of the department (multimedia may include audio, video or online productions);
• Implements and supervises the implementation of print production projects;
• Implements and supervises the implementation of website development and new media projects;
• May serve as spokesperson for the department with the media;
• Budgeting and cost control for communication projects that are supervised;
• Conducts audience / constituent research for evaluation and measurement of communication programs;
• Serves as a member of the department's communication planning (strategic planning, action planning) team;
• Makes public presentations on behalf of department.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all inclusive list.)

• 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;
• Ability to use photography equipment and to plan photography coverage;
• Ability to format online media;
• Ability to use current computer software and email;
• Ability to develop or create Web sites;
• Ability to solve problems;
• Ability to be able to manage projects (including budgeting);
• Ability to be able to communicate in a crisis;
• Ability to adapt broadly defined policy guidance to specific situations with a minimal amount of supervision;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Ability to participate in meaningful interchange of views on matters of critical importance to the County;
• Ability to plan and review the work of others;
• Ability to lead a division of communicators;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the public, the press, and County employees.

Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
(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, journalism, public administration, political science, or field related to a department's business, plus five years of progressively responsible experience in communication area of specialization or area of specialization of department represented.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid driver's license.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three or more years of experience drafting comprehensive communications plans, strategies and collateral (e.g. brochures, flyers, etc.) for projects, programs and/or initiatives
• Ability to interact with media and draft responses to media inquiries.
• Three or more years direct experience in providing digital, online and social media communications for local, state or federal government agencies.
• Three or more years of demonstrated success in use of social media for business operations and public information, both posting and responding/interacting.
• Three or more years analyzing social media metrics and analytics for a government agency or recognized private sector agency.
• Three or more years of experience with still photography and videography, as well as video production and editing for digital media platforms.
• Three years or more of experience utilizing Adobe Premier, Canva and other similar software.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of graphic design software and photo editing tools, and general publication standards.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write for multiple media formats and conduct public presentations.
• Experience responding to or coordinating responses to Freedom of Information Act requests.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to capture creative photos and video. Ability to lift 25 lbs. Ability to operate keyboard driven equipment. Ability to walk long distances. Sufficient mobility to attend meetings/events throughout the County. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.
The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home () 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.EEO/AA/TTY. #LI-JT1
Merit Positions
Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:

• Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• LiveWell Program
• Flexible Spending Programs
• Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
• Paid Holidays
• Contributory Retirement Plan
• Deferred Compensation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employees' Child Care Center
• Commuter Benefit Program
• Continuous Learning Opportunities

NOTE: Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more information about the PSLF program: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
For additional details please visit the
Non-Merit Positions

1. Non-Merit Benefit Eligible: scheduled to work a minimum 1,040 hours and no more than a maximum of 1,560 hours in a calendar year.
   • Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
   • Flexible Spending Program
   • Deferred Compensation
2. Temporary: scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year.
   • No benefits

01
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Less than 12th grade
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctorate degree

02
If you answered "Some college" for the highest level of education completed, please indicate the number of quarter or semester hours you have completed towards a related degree.

• Less than 45 quarter hours
• 45 to less than 90 quarter hours
• 90 to less than 135 quarter hours
• 135 to less than 180 quarter hours
• 180 or more quarter hours
• Less than 30 semester hours
• 30 to less than 60 semester hours
• 60 to less than 90 semester hours
• 90 to less than 120 semester hours
• 120 or more semester hours
• Not applicable

03
Please indicate all major(s) or minor(s) for your completed degree(s). Check all that apply.

• Communication
• Journalism
• Public administration
• Political science
• Broadcast journalist
• Public relations
• Marketing
• Other (related field)
• Other (non-related field)
• Not applicable

04
If you answered "Other (related field)" or "Other (non-related field)" for the previous question, please list all of your completed majors and minors. If this question does not pertain to you, or you do not have a degree, enter "Not applicable".
05
How many years of full-time equivalent professional progressively responsible experience in communication area of specialization or area of specialization of department represented do you possess?

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six to less than seven years
• Seven to less than eight years
• Eight to less than nine years
• Nine years or more

06
Do you currently possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

07
How many years of ongoing full-time equivalent do you have drafting comprehensive communications plans and collateral (e.g. brochures, flyers, etc.) for projects, programs and /or initiatives?

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to...