Fairfax County Government · 10 hours ago
Head of Communications (Information Officer III)
Fairfax, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$79K/yr - $132K/yr
6+ years expFairfax County Government is committed to enhancing mobility and safety through its Department of Transportation. They are seeking a senior-level public information professional to develop and implement communication programs, manage media relations, and oversee community engagement efforts.
GovernmentService Industry
Responsibilities
Leads the FCDOT Public Information Team of three professional communicators
Serves as agency liaison with the media and acts as spokesperson for the agency
Serves as an information and communication consultant to all agency divisions and applies critical thinking and creative problem solving regarding internal and external communication issues, policies and procedures using a variety of communications tools and platforms
Develops and executes communication strategies for countywide Transportation Demand Management (TDM) initiatives which include Fairfax Connector bus service, ridesharing, employer outreach and other programs designed to reduce single-occupant travel
Writes and edits printed and electronic publications and other written material, included but not limited to newsletters, presentations, reports, grants, news releases and speeches, in support of the agency mission
Plans and executes special events and ceremonies, including overseeing logistical preparations, developing a compelling run-of-show, drafting event communications and talking points for key speakers and managing media coverage
Manages the FCDOT and Fairfax Connector websites, including developing content and updates
Applies industry best practices and trends in overseeing the agency’s presence on social media and developing creative approaches for outreach to diverse populations
Coordinates responses to requests under the Freedom of Information Act
Coordinates FCDOT community outreach and engagement and participates at community meetings and special events
Manages emergency communications and responds as essential personnel in emergencies
Manages responses to public inquiries through the agency’s DOTinfo mailbox
Reports after hours and on weekends – as assigned – for planned special events, community meetings and in emergency situations
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in journalism, government, public administration, or a related field; plus six years of progressively responsible experience in public information, broadcasting, or publications editing
Valid driver's license
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in communication, public administration, public relations or related field
Experience marketing transportation programs and/or services
Supervisory experience in multimedia and publication development
Strong written and oral communication skills
Extensive experience writing news releases and other internal and external communications tools
Experience writing, preparing, and giving presentations in front of a wide range of audiences, including public elected officials
Knowledge of fundamentals of graphic design software, photo editing tools and general publication standards
Experience working with a variety of media outlets and building relationships with media contacts
Experience collaborating with staff at all levels across a large organization with many competing strategic priorities
Experience with all aspects of event planning, public meetings management and community engagement strategies
Familiarity with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act requirements
Company
Fairfax County Government
Fairfax County Government is a government administrator organization.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Andrew Baptista
Assistant Chief Election Officer (Office of Elections)
Audra Michele Morris
Chief Election Officer
Recent News
2025-03-26
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