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PR and Mktg Mgr III

Virginia Department of Transportation
South Chesterfield, VA
Provide direction and advice to the District Engineer/Administrator and other executive staff regarding internal communications with VDOT divisions, sections and employees; and external communications with key local, state and federal audiences, including media, government officials, non-profit and private sector groups, and general public. Establish and maintain effective relationships with the media. Establish and administer the District's internal and external communication program.

How you will contribute:
  • Emergency Response: Develop and manage the district’s crisis communications strategy in coordination with Central Office Communications and using VDOT’s Statewide Crisis Communications Guidance document. Serve as the lead communicator before, during and after expected emergencies and during and after unexpected emergencies, including severe weather, road closures, or incidents involving infrastructure (at times in coordination with Central Office Communications). Draft real-time public updates, media advisories/press releases, social media and internal communications to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent messaging. Maintain preparedness through scenario planning, message templates, and training support. Reinforce VDOT's role as a first responder adhering to statewide communications emergency protocols. Handle emergency response and crisis communications duties as needed providing critical information via multi-media communications vehicles. Serve in the state, multi-agency or VDOT Joint Information Center during emergency events and/or handle media inquiries, including after-hours and weekends as needed and on a frequent basis. Participate in regular rotation as district on-call Communications contact for unanticipated events and incidents.
  • Executive Counsel and Strategic Advisor: Serve as the district’s strategic advisor on all communications matters. Provide executive leadership with timely counsel, message development, and scenario planning for proactive and reactive communications, including high-visibility or sensitive issues. Train leaders and project managers, as well as other communications professionals on VDOT communications policy, best practices, and the proper channels of communicating both locally and in coordination with the Central Office Communications Division (statewide). Draft executive talking points, presentations, statements, and internal guidance documents that ensure alignment with agency tone and public expectations. Work closely with District Engineer/Administrator to accomplish their goals and communication priorities, including development and sharing of district vision to employees.
  • Media Relations and Public Affairs: Act as the district’s official spokesperson and liaison to media outlets. Cultivate strong relationships with reporters to proactively pitch stories, respond to inquiries, and shape accurate media coverage of district initiatives and issues. Prepare press releases, media kits, interview briefings, and on-camera statements to reflect both transparency and message discipline. Use of journalistic Associated Press (AP) style writing. Train key district personnel to work effectively with the media.
  • Statewide Initiatives and Support: Support and execute the statewide communications plan. Maintain accurate and comprehensive media lists. Coordinate with Central Office to localize and implement statewide internal and/or external communication policies and campaigns that reflect both agency priorities and district-specific nuances. Keep all communications personnel at CO and the other Districts up to speed on current events and plans within assigned District. Lead execution efforts that bridge regional context with the VDOT brand, ensuring consistency across platforms and responsiveness to diverse audiences. Share and leverage communications best practices. Integrate data insights to fine-tune campaign messaging and outreach methods. Actively participate in the statewide Communications Working Group (CWG) meetings and serve as a leader or participate as a committee member on appropriate CWG subcommittees.
  • Strategic Communications Programs: Lead the development and execution of proactive communications plans that support transportation programs, construction projects, maintenance activities and community engagement. Design outreach strategies tailored to rural and urban audiences and stakeholders using a mix of digital platforms, traditional media, and direct engagement. Oversee internal communication campaigns to promote employee alignment and cultural cohesion. Integrate social media, video, and storytelling to extend reach and increase public understanding of VDOT activities and initiatives. Use performance data to evaluate, advance and modify the strategy if necessary.

What will make you successful:
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a variety of individuals and groups, including the media, in news writing and use of journalistic Associated Press (AP) style writing.
  • Ability to make presentations and to perform as spokesperson.
  • Ability to operate computer, Microsoft Office software and digital media devices.
  • Ability to positively represent VDOT's programs to the media, residents, and elected officials.
  • Ability to supervise staff.
  • Knowledge of mass media markets and operations.
  • Knowledge of printing and publications procedures, and use of Internet and social media.
  • Knowledge of strategic communications planning for internal and external audiences.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ability to make presentations and to perform as spokesperson.
  • Ability to manage and supervise staff.
  • Ability to positively represent VDOT's programs to the media, residents and elected officials.
  • Knowledge of printing and publications procedures in a communications or public affairs environment, and use of Internet and social media.
  • Skill and ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a variety of individuals, groups including the media, using journalistic style writing.
Additional Considerations:
  • A combination of training, experience, or education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field desired.
  • Ability to develop a tactical plan to implement strategic communication plans.
  • Business literate in Virginia state government.
  • Completed coursework focused on National Incident Management System (NIMS). FEMA EMI certifications.
  • Experience managing issues/crises.
  • FEMA EMI certifications.
  • Familiarity with AP style writing.
  • Familiarity with Adobe software products.
  • Knowledge of strategic communications planning.
  • Management experience in communications, marketing or public relations.
  • Progressively responsible communications experience reflecting advanced knowledge of mass media markets and operations.
Click below to learn more about the Competency Model associated with this Position:
Competency Model

VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
VDOT Code of Ethics
Standards of Conduct
Posted 2025-09-10

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