Communications Manager I

Job Summary

The Communications Manager will be an employee of the Office of Public Affairs and Communications but be deployed to support the Department of Planning and Zoning on a full-time basis, day-to-day. This is position develops and implements creative and effective communication strategies and initiatives to inform the public about the work of the department, Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, which typically garners broad public interest.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating the department’s overall communication requirements with staff within the Department of Planning and Zoning and with the communications team within the Office of Public Affairs and Communications
• Coordinating media relations activities
• Developing and implementing public engagement campaigns
• Developing and implementing strategic communication plans, both internal and external
• Researching and writing news releases, correspondence with members of the public, communication plans, and technical communications
• Synthesizing complex information into messages for lay audiences
• Planning and managing events and community meetings
• Managing website content
• Producing content, e.g., flyers in Canva, social media posts, photography, video scripts, etc.
• Coinciding marketing/paid advertising activities
• Providing executive support
• Participating in crisis communications planning and responses

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or related field; four (4) years of related work experience including one (1) year of supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master’s degree in journalism, public relations, communication, marketing or other related discipline, and five (5) years of related experience.
• Experience managing communications for a local government department and/or with the topic of land use, as well as working with senior elected and appointed officials in a communications capacity, will be helpful.
• Candidates with experience translating scientific or technical material into digestible content for the general public are preferred.
• Experience working independently to serve the communications needs of an entire department or organization will be useful.

Benefits

Loudoun County offers a meaningful career, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.