Regional Communications and Outreach Coordinator #00230

Title: Regional Communications and Outreach Coordinator #00230

State Role Title: PR & Mktg Spec IV

Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience and qualifications ($62,000-$80,000)

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Emergency Management

Location: 9711 Farrar Court, N. Chesterfield, VA 23236

Agency Website: www.vaemergency.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is seeking a skilled and dynamic Regional Communications and Outreach Coordinator to join our Communications team.

The Regional Communications and Outreach Coordinator will oversee and manage the Partners in Preparedness Program to identify and leverage trusted messengers who can strengthen our outreach efforts to vulnerable communities. The Regional Communications and Outreach Coordinator will collaborate with multiple divisions, develop tailored messaging strategies, and manage the agency’s communications plan. Additionally, the incumbent in this position will serve as a Public Information Officer (PIO) and handle media relations matters.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Manage and maintain the Partners in Preparedness Program, identifying trusted messengers to enhance our communication strategy.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Communications Division, Regional Support Division, and Commonwealth Coordination Bureau to create targeted messaging for various communities, with a focus on vulnerable populations.
• Lead the development, implementation, and analysis of outreach initiatives that align with the agency’s mission.
• Serve as the agency’s Public Information Officer (PIO), conducting media interviews and responding to public inquiries as needed.
• Provide regional field support by spending approximately 20% of your work week directly supporting regional staff and programs.
• Develop, maintain, and implement regional emergency communications policies and plans.

All VDEM employees are designated as essential personnel and may be required to work during emergency situations, such as inclement weather, and natural or man-made disasters/events as directed. This may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the official duty station, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee’s official EWP.

Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable understanding and knowledge of public relations strategies and principles, effective communication concepts, techniques, and electronic distribution channels.
• Proficient in writing, public speaking, and delivering clear and concise messages for various audiences.
• Skilled in project coordination and time management to ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to handle complex situations.
• Ability to manage communications between the agency and state/local stakeholders effectively.
• Skilled in using information technology for communication purposes.
• Must possess the ability to work independently, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively with media during crisis situations, including emergency or disaster scenarios.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint).
• Must possess a satisfactory driving record and a valid driver's license.
• Ability to complete required agency training within the first 12 months of employment.
• Possess the ability to work 12-hour shifts during a State of Emergency/declared
disaster and rotate weekly on-call responsibilities during routine operations

Additional Considerations

• Experience in Communications, Public Relations, Community Engagement or other related field.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Applications will only be accepted on-line through the State Job website. Applications must include all work history and references. The decision to interview an applicant is solely based on the information provided in the application materials. Therefore, it is essential to provide enough information to make this assessment.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a fingerprint-based cr