Communications Officer at Virginia Department of Social Services

Alexandria, Virginia, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

25 Jun, 26

Salary

39.6

Posted On

27 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Writing, Editing, Designing, Interviewing, Graphic Design, News Releases, Media Inquiries, Content Management System, Webmaster, Communication Plans, Stakeholder Involvement, Desktop Publishing, AP Style Guide, City Style Guide, Project Management, Analytical Work

Industry

Government Administration

Description

The City of Alexandria is bordered by Washington D.C. and the Potomac River, Arlington and Fairfax counties, and Maryland. The small city has a cosmopolitan feel with 150,000 people living within its 15.75 square miles. At the Department of Community and Human Services, we provide essential safety net services to help city residents enjoy a sense of well-being, safety and self-sufficiency. Our behavioral health programs provide compassionate services that support self-determination and recovery. The beauty of our diverse and resilient people and our commitment to race and social equity, coupled with a historic district dating to 1749, charming waterfront, vibrant arts community and unique places for foodies and shopping, make the City of Alexandria a uniquely wonderful place to live, work and play. We invite all qualified candidates to learn more and apply for our Communications Officer position. General Statement of Duties: This is the advanced level for Administrative Analysts that are responsible for analytical work on a variety of administrative or technical areas within the Local Departments of Social Services. This Administrative Analyst is distinguished from other administrative assistants by the performance of professional work while conducting special administrative projects that requires analyzing various issues, recommending actions, and managing projects. A Communications Officer performs internal communication and public information work for the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). Work in this class involves writing, editing and designing brochures, flyers, news releases, reports and infographics; interviewing staff, clients and stakeholders for newsletter story development; assisting in multi-platform delivery of information and maintaining the Department website through use of a content management system. Work requires the exercise of creativity and independent judgment and is performed under the supervision of the Communications Manager. Description of Duties: * Utilizes writing editing and interviewing skills to develop stories, brochures and other publications. * Utilizes graphic design skills to develop flyers and invitations for trainings and special events. * Writes news releases and coordinates responses to routine media inquiries. * Follows the City Style Guide, AP Style Guide and City policy in the production of materials. * Utilizes web sites, social media, newspapers, radio, television and other communication mediums to disseminate information about events and initiatives. * Tracks and coordinates work with members of the Department Communications Team and City Communications. * Coordinates and monitors the work of contractors involved in the production of information materials. * Assists in carrying out communication plans for initiatives, including meeting with staff, developing timelines and actions plans, researching similar ventures, identifying and involving key stakeholders, identifying target audiences, developing collaborative relationships within and outside the Department, and determining outcomes as needed. * Researches best practices, consults knowledge bases, updates skills, participates in special projects not directly related to own work, organizes photo/image and content files and maintains other resources. * Assists in maintaining the Department website by serving as webmaster. Develops, posts, updates and organizes information on the website through use of the Content Management System. * Serves on committees within the Department and the City. * Performs related work as required. Minimum Qualifications: Considerable experience in communications, public relations, public information and graphic production or publications editing work, desktop graphic publishing; Some experience with writing and editing information for wide distribution under deadlines. Completion of college-level courses in journalism, communications, multimedia production, public administration, government, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Considerable knowledge of administrative management principles and practices including planning, organizing, personnel and fiscal management. Skills in operating a personal computer and the use of computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and file maintenance programs. Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, other agencies and the community. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in related field. Four-year college degree in communications, journalism or related field. Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, business or related field supplemented with progressive administrative experience in business or public policy management OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Considerable experience in communications. Some experience using desktop publishing software such as InDesign.

Responsibilities

This role involves performing internal communication and public information work for the Department of Community and Human Services, including writing, editing, designing publications, and managing website content via a Content Management System. Duties also include assisting in carrying out communication plans, coordinating with media, and tracking work with the Communications Team.