Head of Communications (Information Officer III)

Join the future of transportation with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation!

Since 1977, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has been at the forefront of transforming our community. We are committed to enhancing mobility, safety, and the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. Our mission is to plan, coordinate, fund, implement, and sustain a cutting-edge multimodal transportation system that meets the dynamic needs of Fairfax County.

FCDOT is seeking a senior-level public information professional to develop and implement comprehensive communication programs in a deadline-driven environment; manage media relations and emergency communications; develop and maintain FCDOT's website and social media content; oversee FCDOT responses to public inquiries, including those under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and participate in the planning, direction and administration of internal and external communications, community engagement, event planning and program marketing.

Responsibilities include:

• Leads the FCDOT Public Information Team of three professional communicators;
• Serves as agency liaison with the media and acts as spokesperson for the agency;
• Serves as an information and communication consultant to all agency divisions and applies critical thinking and creative problem solving regarding internal and external communication issues, policies and procedures using a variety of communications tools and platforms;
• Develops and executes communication strategies for countywide Transportation Demand Management (TDM) initiatives which include Fairfax Connector bus service, ridesharing, employer outreach and other programs designed to reduce single-occupant travel;
• Writes and edits printed and electronic publications and other written material, included but not limited to newsletters, presentations, reports, grants, news releases and speeches, in support of the agency mission;
• Plans and executes special events and ceremonies, including overseeing logistical preparations, developing a compelling run-of-show, drafting event communications and talking points for key speakers and managing media coverage;
• Manages the FCDOT and Fairfax Connector websites, including developing content and updates;
• Applies industry best practices and trends in overseeing the agency's presence on social media and developing creative approaches for outreach to diverse populations;
• Coordinates responses to requests under the Freedom of Information Act;
• Coordinates FCDOT community outreach and engagement and participates at community meetings and special events;
• Manages emergency communications and responds as essential personnel in emergencies;
• Manages responses to public inquiries through the agency's DOTinfo mailbox;
• Reports after hours and on weekends - as assigned - for planned special events, community meetings and in emergency situations; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to") Bachelor's degree in journalism, government, public administration, or a related field; plus six years of progressively responsible experience in public information, broadcasting, or publications editing.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid driver's license.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in communication, public administration, public relations or related field.
• Experience marketing transportation programs and/or services.
• Supervisory experience in multimedia and publication development.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Extensive experience writing news releases and other internal and external communications tools.
• Experience writing, preparing, and giving presentations in front of a wide range of audiences, including public elected officials.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of graphic design software, photo editing tools and general publication standards.
• Experience working with a variety of media outlets and building relationships with media contacts.
• Experience collaborating with staff at all levels across a large organization with many competing strategic priorities.
• Experience with all aspects of event planning, public meetings management and community engagement strategies.
• Familiarity with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act requirements.