CO - P0697 - Communications Manager

DEQ is seeking an experienced professional to join the Office of Communications to perform as the second in command and provides management, expertise and oversight to the Communications team. The selected candidate will represent the agency on sensitive and confidential issues by coordinating responses that address the need for discretion, while ensuring timely responses and develops strategies on disseminating information to the news media, the public and appropriate audiences. This position acts as an agency spokesperson, serves as a contact for the news media, works responsively with local, regional and national news media to share agency news and accomplishments, develops messaging for communicating the agency’s mission, values and vision, and consults with agency topic experts and staff to ensure timely, accurate and appropriate messaging. This position provides management and direction to the Communications team and manages initiatives to improve public involvement processes and procedures in an effort to improve transparency and raise awareness of agency programs and environmental decision-making opportunities in Virginia.

 

Qualifications include excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability in preparing and presenting complex information for multiple audiences, including the media. Ability to independently research, write and edit materials: website content, brochures, news releases, presentations/speeches, features, and more. Experience translating technical language and industry jargon into plain language. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Proven experience managing multiple assignments under tight deadlines. Demonstrated experience in social media management and content creation for different channels. Proven track record of collaborating with a wide variety of agency staff in different levels of the organization (including leadership) and leading projects on a broad range of topics. Skills in utilizing creative approaches to communicating with varied audiences. Computer skills include Word, PowerPoint, and related tools.