Perform special duties as assigned. Provide support to the District Communications Manager, District Communications Team, and other VDOT staff regarding internal and external communications. Responsible for executing the VDOT strategic communications plan and statewide initiatives in the district.
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.
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.
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.
Ability to work in emergency situations including weekends, holidays and after normal business hours; assignments may vary based on business needs.
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.
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.
Click below to learn more about the Competency Model associated with this Position:
VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
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:
The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
