Job Announcement

If you're looking for a position in which you can have a real impact in strengthening the well-being of individuals, families, and communities, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) may be the place for you! NCS is seeking a dynamic leader to join our Communication Services unit. Plans, directs and administer internal and external communications, event planning and program marketing to support the mission of the department. Develops comprehensive internal and external communication plans on behalf of the department. Plans and implements photographic and media coverage of events. Assists with making presentations on behalf of the department to the community and county. Writes speeches for presentation to community and staff. Produces multimedia productions to support the goals of the department, including audio, video and online productions. Designs and implements print production projects, including internal and external newsletters, media releases, fliers, information sheets and brochures. Coordinates the department's internal webpages, external public webpages, and social media account, including page design, content and promotion. Works with agency leadership and content area experts to respond to media and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Conducts customer/constituent research for evaluation and measurement of communication efforts. Supervises the work of the Communication Specialist II positions. Help meet the demands of a fast-paced communications environment and be a part of an organization that makes a daily difference in Fairfax County communities.

Note: salary will not exceed the midpoint of the advertised salary range.

Position: Please note as this position is designated as Emergency Service Personnel, appointee may be required to work in a declared emergency situation.

Illustrative Duties

• Develops comprehensive strategic communication planning on behalf of the department and the County;
• Supervises and manages all communication planning and programs for the department;
• Planning and implementing photographic coverage of events;
• Plans and implements a Speakers Bureau or plans speaking engagements for department;
• Makes presentations on behalf of the department to community and County;
• Plans and implements event and meetings;
• Writes speeches for presentation to community and County;
• Develops proposals in support of departmental goals and projects;
• Coordinates presentations before the Board of Supervisors;
• Supervises the production of all communication tools (print, multimedia, online) in support of the department's mission;
• Implements and supervises the implementation of print production projects;
• Implements and supervises the implementation of website development and new media projects;
• Serves as spokesperson for the department with the media;
• Budgeting and cost control for communication projects that are supervised;
• Conducts audience / constituent research for evaluation and measurement of communication programs;
• Leads the department's communication planning (strategic planning, action planning) team;
• May interact directly with the Board of Supervisors and County Executive's Office on behalf of the department.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to supervise the work of others in publication management, multimedia development, community relations or media relations;
• Ability to write, edit and design for departmental publications;
• Ability to write for multimedia;
• Knowledge of photography and planning photography coverage;
• Knowledge of appropriate standards and formatting for online media;
• Ability to manage publications and to generate revenue;
• Ability to use current computer software and email;
• Ability to design and develop Web sites;
• Ability to problem solve;
• Ability to manage projects (including budgeting);
• Ability to communicate in a crisis;
• Knowledge of the methods for preparing information to increase the likelihood of its use;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with County government officials, regional officials, and potentially national and international dignitaries and government representatives.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to: bachelors degree in communication, business administration or field related to subject matter expertise, plus 6 years of progressively responsible experience in a communication area of specialization, government relations, management or area of specialization in which the department is represented.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check and a check of the child protective services registry to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Direct experience in providing internal and external communications for local, state or federal government.
• Demonstrated success in website design and content management.
• Demonstrated success in social media communications for local, state, or federal government.
• Experience with communications planning, evaluation, and measurement.
• Ability to design and implement print productions.
• Experience in planning events and ceremonies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work is generally sedentary in nature. However, incumbent may be required to do some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items up to 25 pounds. Ability to operate keyboard-driven equipment. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Sufficiently mobile to attend meetings at various locations and make presentations to county staff and community. All duties are performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview, may include exercise.

It is the policy of Fairfax County Government to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability 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.