Public Relations and Content Specialist - #W3389, W5506

At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2 billion agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them.

About the role

Reporting to the Senior Communications Manager within the Division of Public Affairs, the Public Relations and Content Specialist supports the planning, development, coordination and implementation of strategic communications, media relations, public information, and marketing initiatives that advance the mission, priorities, and programs of the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). The position serves as the primary communications partner supporting the Human Services portfolio, providing communications leadership, planning, consultation, and execution support to increase public awareness, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and promote agency programs, services, and initiatives across multiple channels.

Working collaboratively with division leadership, program staff, subject matter experts, and the Senior Communications Manager, the Specialist develops and implements integrated communications plans, public awareness campaigns, media outreach strategies, marketing initiatives, and content calendars that support divisional and agency-wide priorities. The Specialist identifies communications priorities, opportunities, and challenges; develops communications goals, key messages, and audience strategies; and translates complex policy, programmatic, operational, and data-driven information into clear, accurate, and audience-focused communications products. The position leads message development, strategic framing, content planning, and communications execution while ensuring information is communicated effectively, consistently, and in alignment with agency priorities and communications best practices.

Responsibilities

• Create written, digital, print, web, and multimedia content.
• Coordinate communications deliverables across multiple projects.
• Ensure brand consistency and message alignment.
• Evaluate communications effectiveness.
• Serve as a communications representative on internal and external committees, project teams, and cross-functional workgroups.
• Provide strategic communications counsel, identify emerging issues and opportunities, and facilitate coordination between program and communications functions to support proactive, timely, and effective communications for diverse audiences.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic communications, public relations, media relations, and marketing principles and practices.
• Considerable experience in communications planning, campaign development, audience segmentation, and message strategy, and applying content development best practices across print, digital, web, social media, and multimedia platforms.
• Professional knowledge of plain language, inclusive communications, and accessibility principles for public-facing content.
• Proficient in copywriting, editing, and proofreading clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate communications materials.
• Considerable experience in translating complex policy, programmatic, operational, and data-driven information into concise, compelling, and understandable content.
• Skilled in project management, prioritization, and coordination of multiple communications stakeholders, initiatives and deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with leadership, program staff, subject matter experts, and cross-functional teams while exercising sound independent judgment and providing strategic communications counsel.

Qualifications

Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of current communications, public relations, and integrated marketing strategies, principles, and best practices.
• Knowledge of multimedia, interactive, electronic, and social media communications tools and platforms.
• Knowledge of content management systems (CMS) and search engine optimization (SEO) principles and practices.
• Knowledge of journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field sufficient to perform the duties of the position.

Skills

• Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, including proficiency in AP Style.
• Strong consultative, client engagement, and needs assessment skills.
• Skilled in developing and editing content tailored to targeted audiences across web, multimedia, and social media platforms.
• Skilled in planning, coordinating, and managing multiple communications projects and initiatives simultaneously.

Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in collaborative, team-based environments.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, organize work effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to apply communications strategies and professional judgment to support organizational goals and business needs.

Additional Considerations

• Experience leading enterprise-level strategic communications initiatives with measurable outcomes, including developing integrated campaigns, advising executive leadership, and using audience insights and performance metrics to optimize communications effectiveness.

Benefits

• Excellent health and life insurance benefits.
• Pre-tax spending accounts.
• State funded Short and Long Term Disability.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Tuition assistance.
• Free wellness programs.
• State retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching.

Pay

$65,000-$90,000

Schedule

This position may be approved to work onsite for two days per week and work remotely for three days per week.