Public Relations Coordinator

Title: Public Relations Coordinator DSP02804

State Role Title: PR & Mktg Spec IV

Hiring Range: Negotiable and Commensurate with Experience.

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of State Police

Location: Suffolk, VA 

Agency Website: vsp.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

About the Position:

The Virginia State Police (VSP) is seeking to hire a Public Relations Coordinator in our Public Relations Office in Suffolk, Virginia. The job duties for this position include but are not limited to:

• Support the Public Relations Director and advance the objectives of the Public Relations Office of the Virginia State Police.
• Independently, carry out all public relations activities for a comprehensive public affairs, media relations, and public information program.

About the Agency:

We are seeking to expand our diverse team of change makers and innovators. As a member of the VSP family, you would make a difference by serving every city, county, town, resident, and visitors of the Commonwealth through supporting our vast public safety mission. Challenge yourself to make a difference today by applying for a career with VSP!

VSP embraces inclusion and diversity in our workforce and in the protection of all people. We embrace our tradition of professionalism and excellence, and we are excited for our future as we continue our journey to become a best-in-class state government agency. We are firmly committed to our family-like culture and are seeking to expand our team.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge:

• In the effective development, management and execution of public relations campaigns, social media platforms, marketing concepts, research methods, and crisis communications practices.
• In researching and writing press releases, speeches, newsletters, and various publications; and the preparation and facilitation of press conferences under time constraints.

Skills:

• In graphic design and in using personal computers with standard Microsoft Office software; Adobe InDesign/Photoshop; video editing and production; photography, and other web, cloud-based creative-design software.

Ability:

• To work with news media and respond to and research media inquiries on deadline and/or in response to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
• To communicate effectively orally and in writing in English; and to organize and present ideas, materials, and concepts creatively.
• To successfully manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, demanding work environment.
• To set and meet deadlines.
• To work independently and as a team member.
• To be self-motivated and make logical decisions.
• To assist with the layout, design, and editing of external and internal public relations projects.
• To establish and maintain effective working relationships with Department personnel, the public, and media; and to possess a positive attitude, energetic, creative team player with commitment to excellence.
• High school diploma or equivalency.

Additional Considerations

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major studies in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• Experience with law enforcement and crisis communications is highly desired.

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.

Elements of the selection process include the screening of application(s); the interviewing of qualified candidate(s), to include pre-employment testing, a presentation and/or a work sample, if applicable; salary negotiation(s) if applicable; a background investigation; and a medical evaluation if applicable. The anticipated duration of the pre-employment process is determined by the successful completion of the above items.
Applications, cover letters and/or resumes shall only be accepted on-line through the PageUp recruitment management system at https://jobs.virginia.gov and must be received by 11:55 P. M. on February 26, 2026. Please limit resumes to four pages and cover letters to one page. Any additional attachments received in excess of this will not be considered.

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