Communication Content Developer / Graphic Designer

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Communication Content Developer / Graphic Designer position.

An Overview

A Communication Content Developer / Graphic Designer performs public relations/public information work for the Department of Community and Human Services. Work in this class involves writing, editing and designing digital and printed deliverables; assisting in multi-platform delivery of information; and maintaining the Department website through use of the City’s Content Management System. Work requires the exercise of creativity and independent judgment and is performed under the supervision of the Senior Communications Officer (Communications Manager).

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should have the ability to report to the office in-person three days/week in an open space work environment with access to focus rooms; ability to communicate effectively, write clearly and concisely; skill in composing and editing written work through word processing; knowledge of communications methodologies, social media development and management; graphic design and desktop publishing including use of Adobe InDesign and photo editing; ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, media and other organizations; ability to analyze complex information.

The Opportunity

1. Utilizes writing and graphic design skills to develop digital and printed deliverables (newsletters, flyers, brochures, and postcards) for special events, trainings, initiatives, programs, etc., for internal and external audiences.
2. Writes news releases for the media and responds to media inquiries.
3. Creates social media content and caters content to specific platforms, schedules content, uses trending and subject matter hashtags and uses metrics for reporting purposes.
4. Develops communication plans for initiatives, including meeting with staff, developing timelines and actions plans, researching similar ventures, identifying and involving key stakeholders, identifying target audiences, developing collaborative relationships within and outside the Department, and determining outcomes as needed.
5. Assists in maintaining the Department’s public website and SharePoint intranet site by serving as primary webmaster.
6. Develops, posts, updates and organizes information on the website through use of the City’s Content Management System.
7. Provides and ensures quality control for web and print deliverables with existing City standards and protocols (such as reinforcing branding, best image resolution and size best practices, date/time formats, titles and references).
8. Assists in coordination of translation of materials as needed.
9. Utilizes web sites, social media, newspapers, radio, television, calendars, eNews and other communication platforms to disseminate information about events, programs and initiatives.
10. Develops surveys through the City-approved platforms and generates reports as needed.
11. Tracks, coordinates, and updates project status with members of the Department Communications Team and Office of Communications and Public Information (OCPI).
12. Coordinates and monitors contractor duties involved in the production of deliverables.
13. Serves on committees within the Department and the City.
14. Researches best practices, consults knowledge bases and subject matter experts, updates skills, files and maintains access to all images, written and design collateral and other resources.
15. Performs related work as required.

About the Department

The Office of Administrative Services (OAS) comprises Finance, Quality Assurance, Information Technology and Program Evaluation. Like the larger Department, DCHS, of which we are part, we are ethical stewards of the resources entrusted to us and are accountable for our actions. We communicate consistently, honestly and openly and demonstrate integrity in all aspects of our work.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Four-Year College Degree; Completion of college-level courses in communications, graphic design and computer science.

Preferred Qualifications

Four-year college degree in communications, journalism, graphic design or related field; At least three years of experience in communications, public relations, public information, graphic design or publications editing work; At least three years of experience with desktop graphic publishing and experience with writing and editing information for wide distribution under deadlines; Completion of college-level courses in journalism, multimedia production, public administration, government, or a related field; At least three years of experience in communications in a social service or behavioral health setting; At least one year of experience using InDesign for desktop publishing and using Adobe applications for photo editing; Knowledge of print production and processes.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; education/certifications; and driver’s license.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, flexible business hours.