Job Announcement

This position will assist in executing the key message platform for a Member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors as well as work with the Member, Chief of Staff, and other appropriate staff to develop and execute the strategies necessary to better inform and communicate issues, activities, and priorities of the Member to the public directly and through the media. In addition to communications duties, this position will assist with a variety of constituent issues.

Essential Job Functions:

• Work with Chief of Staff to develop and execute a proactive communications strategy for the Member including but not limited to preparing talking points, producing weekly email newsletters, scheduling and pitching news stories, and working with editors of publications to determine op-ed opportunities.
• Effectively communicate through all social media platforms and maintain Member’s website.
• Attend all board meetings, attend many of the Member’s official events and public forums, some on nights and weekends.
• Evaluate and facilitate requests for media interviews with the Member and develops appropriate background information briefings.
• Keep abreast of local, state and national events and attends meetings as needed to remain informed of local programs, activities and events in order to advise on the necessity, method and timing of press statements or potential public relations problems.
• Serve as primary liaison with reporters:
  • Develop a relationship with local reporters that cover the area
  • Strategically leverage relationships with local media to increase visibility for the Member and the Member’s top priorities
  • Schedule requests for media interviews (alongside staff scheduler)

Work Hours: This position is full-time, in office. Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing in a variety of situations with a diverse audience.
• Critically evaluate and disseminate a variety of subject matter from the standpoint of reader interest, appropriateness, organization of materials and content, style and English language usage.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Member, Senior Staff, media, community and citizen groups, members of boards and commissions, officials and staff members of local, state, federal offices, members of the legislature and the general public.
• Predict and identify media opportunities and challenges to assist in managing a positive public image.
• Meet deadlines, work under pressure, be detail oriented while managing multiple assignments.

Employment Standards

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”)
Graduation from high school or GED issued by state department of education; plus three years of experience in communication area of specialization (government, policy advocacy, or other public policy role).

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Not applicable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience working with elected official or local government. Familiarity with the Fairfax County community and/or government is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will be a well-organized and detail-oriented individual; with strong problem solving, time management and organizational skills. Must have excellent oral and written communications skills. Must also be computer literate and have experience using Microsoft Office suite software, as well as experience with and knowledge of social media usage and metrics. The ideal candidate will also possess strong political instincts and understand how public policy impacts people’s lives.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs may be subject to a weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.
• Due to the scope and responsibilities associated with the position, the appointee must be available and willing to work nights and weekends.
• The appointee to the position must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position is primarily sedentary; may require lifting up to 15 pounds. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview.

This job announcement is listed with a closing date of 02/03/2023 and interested applicants are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the recruitment with candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. If your application is received later in the recruitment process, it may not be reviewed or considered. The application process may close prior to the currently advertised closing date when the position has been filled.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.