Job Duties

Are you poised to lead an award-winning communications team with endless energy and mission-focused projects?

Do you dream of multimedia solutions to transform how people think and behave?

Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative group setting, and get excited developing solutions to unique challenges?

We have the role for you, as the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Assistant Division Administrator- External Communications!

The VDOT communications team centers around ideas and delivery, while customizing materials for our target audiences. This dynamic leader will serve as an Assistant Division Administrator of the Communications Division located at the Central Office in Richmond, VA. This individual is an exceptional communicator, proven leader and has expertise in a number of areas including strategic external communications planning, media relations and digital communications. This role will oversee the planning and execution of external communications, focus on audience awareness, perception, knowledge and understanding of VDOT’s core story and messaging, and will act as an interface between the agency and the news media. Directs, oversees and measures an external communications strategy that effectively informs and engages Virginia’s 8.6 million residents. This includes producing and delivering agency messages and campaigns. Serves as strategic counsel and a trusted advisor to senior VDOT leaders; works directly with senior leaders on external communications including press releases, talking points and media inquiries. Though this position is focused on external communications, experience with internal communications, executive communications, marketing and employee engagement is a plus. The ideal candidate for this position is a talented and experienced communicator who is willing to work hard to learn the work of VDOT, has a proven track record of success in integrated storytelling and media relations, is adept at crisis communications, and can multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment, where breaking news events often dictate a day’s priorities. Identifies emerging trends and recommends new and innovative initiatives to grow VDOT’s external communications program. Leads and inspires a team of professionals; sets and communicates clear priorities. Responsible for message development; Provides accurate and timely information about VDOT’s achievements, projects, and services to external customers utilizing a variety of communication tools. Participates in 24/7 on-call emergency communications. Serves as a media spokesperson. This position will report directly to the Division Administrator of the Communications Division.

Your application will require a sample of your portfolio of work, either attached as an optional document or by providing a link to your portfolio in your answer in the job specific questions section. Please include at least one of each of the following materials created without the assistance of a contractor: communications plan, three writing samples for external audiences, a print media response, a link to an on-camera media interview or media reel and any other products that show your strengths.

VDOT employees serve the residents of the Commonwealth and traveling public daily through our mission to plan, deliver, operate and maintain a transportation system that is safe, moves people and goods, enhances the economy, and improves quality of life. VDOT is the third largest state maintained highway system in the country, maintaining over 58,000 miles of roads, bridges, and tunnels, and employing over 7,700 people through a diverse workforce. Our culture includes teamwork, transparency, nimble learning, creativity and collaboration that values differences.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDOT offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded short and long-term disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing or related field, or equivalent experience. Progressively responsible experience at a senior or executive level, leading the communications function, and supervising and motivating a team in the field of communications or public relations. Extensive writing and editing experience. Detailed knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint. Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills. Strong digital skills in the use of technology and social media.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree, preferably with a concentration in communications or public relations, is preferred. Completed coursework focused on National Incident Management System (NIMS). FEMA EMI certifications. Business literate in Virginia state government.

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.

This position requires a fingerprint based Criminal History Background Check, DMV Record Check and Work History Verification with references.

VDOT is an emergency operation agency. As such, this job is essential to emergency response operations and expected to work in these situations, to include weekends, holidays, and after normal business hours; assignments may vary based on business needs to include working in severe weather.

Your application will require a sample of your portfolio of work, either attached as an optional document or by providing a link to your portfolio in your answer in the job specific questions section. Please include at least one of each of the following materials created without the assistance of a contractor: communications plan, three writing samples for external audiences, a print media response, a link to an on-camera media interview or media reel and any other products that show your strengths.

Once onboarded, this position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration of telework shall be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth telework policy.

We are a “Virginia Values Veterans” (V3) official certified company and state agency that provides hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application.

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.

Contact Information:

Name: Candace Drew

Phone: (804) 807-4781

Email: candace.drew@vdot.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 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