Assistant to the Department of Human Services Director (Communications)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Arlington County's Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking an innovative and mission-driven Communications Director who will lead Communications and Public Engagement efforts for the agency, which works in partnership with 50,000 vulnerable Arlington residents. This position supervises 1.5 FTE and is responsible for planning and executing communications and engagement efforts to promote DHS programs, services, and initiatives. 

Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.

Specific duties include:

• Communications: Leading all community-facing and internal communications efforts for the department using tools that include the website, intranet, social media, printed materials, presentations, e-newsletters, videos, and other communications vehicles. 
• Managing media relation and collaborating with other County departments to cross-promote DHS initiatives;
• Serving as the lead Communications official for DHS for press inquiries;
• Building and maintaining partnerships with community-based groups (including non-profits, educational institutions and faith-based organizations) and individuals that foster two-way information sharing, trust, and collaborative problem solving;
• Representing the department at community events to diverse cultural and linguistic audiences;
• Delivering presentations and answer questions about DHS programs and services to the public and to elected officials;
• Performing administrative and managerial duties that include contract management, legislation review, board report processing, constituent services, volunteer and donation management in the event of an emergency, commission and advisory group support, holiday giving program management, and the County fair;
• Maintaining DHS website and intranet; manage social media, using Canva, Adobe, GovDelivery, Public Input, and other accounts.

The ideal candidate must be a team player with strong written and oral communications, website development, supervisory, and organizational skills who has a hands-on approach and is willing to assist with community events outside of normal business hours.
 

Minimum: 

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or related field; and
• Considerable experience in Community engagement and communications with a focus on work with at-risk or vulnerable populations; and Social media, graphic design, publication design.

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis. 

Desirable: Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following: 

• Master's degree specializing in a relevant area;
• Experience working with multicultural audiences who may be non-native English speakers; and
• Experience working with low-income and vulnerable populations. 
   

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 

A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates selected for employment. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday with some telework. Some evenings and weekends are required. 

The official title for this position is Assistant to the DHS Director

Selected candidates must complete pre-hire federal background check and State of Virginia Central Registry Check.

Please note: A complete application will include a letter of interest and resume. Please provide a letter of interest and resume (or use the space within the Supplemental Questionnaire) to address how your education