Senior Communications Specialist

Henrico County, VA (On-site)

$83K/yr – $95K/yrSenior Level5+ years expFull time

Posted 2 weeks ago

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Job Summary

Shape the public narrative for a cannabis regulator by owning external and internal comms, media, and digital-channel strategy with cross-team coordination to protect public trust.

  • Communications Strategy & Execution: Develops and delivers clear internal and external messaging aligned with policy priorities.
  • Media & Digital Management: Handles media relations and oversees digital platforms and monitoring.
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Risk: Guides complex issues and coordinates with partners to maintain public trust.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • The Communications Officer manages the Cannabis Control Authority’s communications and public affairs efforts.
  • Develops and delivers clear strategies for internal and external communications.
  • Oversees media relations and digital platforms.
  • Ensures accurate, timely information is shared with stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.
  • Provides expert guidance on complex issues.
  • Coordinates across teams to strengthen public trust and support the Authority’s mission.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in communications, media relations, public affairs, or a related discipline.
  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Principles and best practices of public relations, media engagement, and strategic communications.
  • Strong command of AP Style and professional editing standards.
  • Knowledge of digital communication tools, content platforms, analytics, and media monitoring systems.
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and message-development skills, including executive-level communications.
  • Ability to manage media relations, including during emerging, sensitive, or fast-moving issues.
  • Strong organizational, analytic, and project management skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including executives, the public, media, and stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with media outlets, community stakeholders, and internal partners.

Nice to have

  • Experience within government, public sector, or regulated industries.
  • Familiarity with digital content management systems and analytics tools.
  • Advanced writing and editing experience supporting executive or senior leadership communications.
  • Experience managing or contributing to large-scale communications campaigns.
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Virginia Information Technologies Agency

VITA connects, protects and innovates IT services, infrastructure and cybersecurity for 67 Virginia agencies, 55,000 state workers and 8.6 million Virginians. VITA's new guiding principles:Our new vision is to be Virginia's most customer-focused technology partner, empowering the Commonwealth to achieve more through innovative, efficient and secure technology.Our new mission is to deliver sustainable and effective results to our customers through innovative, efficient and secure services.Our new tagline is Connecting - Protecting - InnovatingOur agency personas: we are the Commonwealth's IT protector, our partners' collaborator and Virginia's innovator.Our new value statements:Accountability - We take ownership for delivering on defined outcomes, being transparent and responsible for the decisions we make.Inclusive Collaboration - We engage diverse individuals and teams from VITA, customers and suppliers to develop solutions together and foster mutually beneficial partnerships.Growth Mindset - We embrace challenges and opportunities for growth, striving to discover innovative solutions and never accepting the status quo.Effectiveness - We work decisively to deliver solutions by taking a data-driven approach that creates value for the Commonwealth.Persistence - We are dedicated to accomplishing our mission by delivering timely and innovative solutions for our customers despite challenges.

Founded in 2003
Richmond, Virginia, USA
401 employees (15 in marketing)