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. Research and develop brochures and public involvement material and scripts. Create routine and weekly traffic alerts, customer inquiry responses and templates, speeches, talking points, news releases and presentations for district. Keep electronic communication materials current with latest information according to statewide policy.
Communications Engagement: Maintain comprehensive district media contact list in VDOT news account. Monitor media outlets for VDOT stories and related content and upload information daily. Provide support for Communications initiatives that promote transparent and positive engagement with internal and external stakeholders and ensure consistent, effective communication. Contribute to communication outreach and efforts to enhance public understanding, which may include stakeholder communication and guidance to staff on Communications practices. Duties may also include media relations activities such as coordinating with media, serving as a spokesperson when designated, maintaining media contact information, and monitoring or sharing coverage as applicable.
Emergency Response : Provide critical information to public 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).
Perform duties as assigned.: Perform duties, tasks, activities and/or projects as assigned.
Strategic Communications Program: Assist in executing strategic communications plans to include district, regional and statewide Communications programs. Serve as a member on committees as assigned. Implement best practices and procedures developed by Central Office and the Communications Working Group. Support identifying Communications objectives, messaging approaches, and strategies to ensure alignment with VDOT’s brand and reputation.
What will make you successful:
Ability to conduct interviews with internal and external stakeholders as it relates to Communications material.
Ability to generate visual content to be used for internal and external communications (e.g., social media, newsletters, websites, bulletin boards, videos, etc.)
Skill in developing, editing, and delivering clear, effective written and verbal communications for diverse audiences.
Skill in news writing techniques and AP style communications.
Skill in the use of digital cameras, video cameras, computers, and various software applications for editing pictures, graphics and video (e.g. Canva, MS Office products, and Adobe products).
Skill in writing for diverse audiences using multiple formats and tools.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ability to conduct interviews with internal and external stakeholders as it relates to Communications material.
Ability to develop content across multiple platforms (e.g., newsletters, web, social media, presentations).
Ability to generate visual content to be used for internal and external materials such as social media, newsletters, websites, bulletin boards, or videos.
Ability to perform administrative duties as assigned.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and meet deadlines.
Knowledge of communications methods and theory as they relate to public relations and media relations.
Skill in developing, editing, and delivering clear, effective written and verbal communications for diverse audiences.
Skill in news writing techniques and AP style communications
Skill in the use of digital cameras, video cameras, computers and various software applications for editing pictures, graphics and video (e.g. Canva, MS Office products, and Adobe products).
Skill in writing organizational activities using multiple formats and tools.
Additional Considerations:
A combination of training, experience, or education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field desired.
Experience supporting public engagement efforts such as public meetings, outreach efforts or special events.
Knowledge of crisis or emergency communications.
Knowledge of public sector communications operations.
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