Responsibilities

• To direct marketing and public relations for VDOT and its programs and manage the VDOT Office of Public Affairs.
• Communications: Provide communications council to the Secretary of Transportation, Commissioner, Chiefs and management. Provide channels for the public to access valid and timely information. Communicate with the public and stakeholders for all modes of transportation. Ensure agency compliance with federal and state laws as well as regulations concerning the collection and dissemination of information for use in VDOT's business operations.
• Internet Content: Manage and oversee content and communication capabilities of VDOT's external web presence and internal web portal. Oversee development and management of content for VDOT dashboard. Enhance, develop and oversee implementation and enforcement of communication policies and procedures for the organization through systems that will improve VDOT's overall operation and effectiveness.
• Media Issues: Recommend and formulate VDOT position on media issues. Research issues from factual, policy and statutory perspectives. Serve as primary VDOT spokesperson and coordinate media contacts with Commissioner and VDOT subject matter experts. Direct staff who may serve as VDOT spokespersons and oversee preparation of information for media release. Serve as liaison with outside organizations and agencies, including the Governor's press office, the Secretary of Transportation's office, and the Federal Highway Administration. Ensure VDOT leaders are updated on media issues affecting VDOT.
• Program Management: Develop, implement and direct professional and comprehensive public relations and communications programs. Integrate division units by implementing common goals and objectives around comprehensive communication plans. Direct the affairs and operations of the division of Public Affairs, including staff and resources. Direct I and R and Customer Services. Develop, implement, and monitor division budget. Consult with Commissioner's staff, divisions, districts, and residencies to develop and implement strategies that facilitate access to technical and business information. Ensure comprehensive communication plans are in place for targeted projects, revised as priorities change, and carried out by the Office of Public Affairs.

Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
• Ability to strategically plan, direct, and coordinate public affairs initiatives for a large organization with a high public profile.
• Comprehensive experience in public relations, communications, outreach programs management and techniques.
• Considerable ability to motivate, direct, manage staff to maximize talents, productivity, and professional development.
• Considerable experience with media relations, speech writing, presentations, as well as managing media professionals, writers, web designers and multimedia professionals.
• Experience applying state processes, policies and procedures as they relate to public relations and marketing.
• Experience applying supervisory, human resources principles, practices to include hiring, discipline, performance management and employee development.
• Experience using APA style, multi-media, interactive and electronic communication tools, including social media.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications.

Preferred

• A combination of training, experience, or education in Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, English or related field desired.
• Experience with media relations, speech writing and presentations. Considerable experience managing media professionals, writers, web designers and multimedia professionals.