- Position Information
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The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking an experienced professional to provide strategic communications support as an Operations Communications Specialist for a comprehensive, integrated communications program for DES. The Communications Program includes the following functional areas of responsibility: marketing communication; public education; media relations; event coordination; public affairs; employee communication; crisis communication; and social media. This communications specialist will be a member of the DES Communications and Public Engagement Team and will work closely with the Operations Divisions.
- Additional Information
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Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (some flexibility with approval).
The official title of this position is Communications Specialist II.
Specific duties include:
- Developing and coordinating strategic communication plans for projects;
- Designing, implementing and managing internal and external communications and outreach materials;
- Writing and/or editing press releases, news and special feature articles, fact sheets, talking points and more;
- Marketing new program services, programs and projects to the public, media and other stakeholders through the development of listservs, website, videos and more;
- Managing DES project and interdepartmental websites, including primary responsibility for generating content, developing and updating webpages;
- Coordinating with the County Manager’s Office and DES communications teams regarding programs, projects and communications strategies and tactics;
- Managing media inquiries and serving as a department spokesperson;
- Assisting in the design and coordination of DES special events; and
- Providing after-hours emergency communications support, including responding to media inquiries and proactively updating media and the community via press releases, the County website and social media.
This position will be part of the DES Communications Team and will report directly to the Communications and Engagement Manager. Additionally, the employees will be a member of the County-wide Communications Group and the External Relations Emergency group.
- Selection Criteria
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Minimum:
- Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Information, Business/Public Administration, Journalism, or related field; plus
- Three (3) years' experience in the communications field.
Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:
- Working with a wide variety of mass media;
- Corporate, agency and/or public sector communications work;
- Emergency or crisis communications;
- Operations, or other related field; and/or
- Planning and executing marketing communications.
- Special Requirements
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The selected candidate must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon favorable review of the applicants driving record.
A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
Covid-19 Vaccination: Arlington County Government is committed to the health, safety, and wellness for all staff. In support of that commitment, all current and newly hired employees are required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination. For those qualified employees with a disability or sincerely held religious belief which prohibits them from receiving a vaccine, you will be able to contact the Office of Human Rights to request a reasonable accommodation. Adherence to this policy is a condition of employment.
Please use the link provided for more information about the application process.
Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions. Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached, however; it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.