What are the responsibilities and job description for the District Communications Manager position at VA Dept of Transportation?
Title: District Communications Manager
State Role Title: PR and Mktg Mgr Ill
Hiring Range: $86,133-$139,966
Pay Band: 6
Agency: VA Dept of Transportation
Location: Culpeper District Complex
Agency Website: Virginiadot.org/jobs
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Position specific responsibilities and duties will include but not limited to:
Coordinate with Central Office to localize and implement statewide communication campaigns that reflect both agency priorities and district-specific nuances.
Lead execution efforts that bridge regional context with the VDOT brand, ensuring consistency across platforms and responsiveness to diverse audiences.
Integrate data insights to fine-tune campaign messaging and outreach methods.
Actively participate in the statewide Communications Working Group.
Serve as the district’s strategic advisor on all communications matters. Provide executive leadership with timely counsel, message development, and scenario planning for proactive and reactive communications, including high-visibility or sensitive issues.
Train leaders and project managers, as well as other communications professionals on VDOT communications policy, best practices, and the proper channels of communicating (both locally and in coordination with Communications Division statewide).
Draft executive talking points, statements, and internal guidance documents that ensure alignment with agency tone and public expectations.
Work closely with District Engineer to accomplish their goals and communication priorities, including development and sharing of
district vision to employees.
Act as the district’s official spokesperson and liaison to media outlets. Cultivate strong relationships with reporters to proactively pitch stories, respond to inquiries, and shape accurate media coverage of district initiatives and issues.
Prepare press releases, media kits, interview briefings, and on-camera statements to reflect both transparency and message discipline. Train key district personnel to work effectively with the media.
Lead the development and execution of proactive communications plans that support transportation programs, construction projects, maintenance activities and community engagement.
Design outreach strategies tailored to rural and urban stakeholders using a mix of digital platforms, traditional media, and direct engagement. Oversee internal communication campaigns to promote employee alignment and cultural cohesion.
Integrate social media, video, and storytelling to extend reach and increase public understanding.
Use performance data to evaluate, advance and modify the strategy if necessary.
Develop and manage the district’s crisis communications strategy in coordination with Central Office.
Serve as the lead communicator during emergencies such as severe weather, road closures, or incidents involving infrastructure.
Draft real-time public updates, media advisories, and internal communications to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent messaging.
Maintain preparedness through scenario planning, message templates, and training support.
Serve in the state or VDOT joint information center during events or handle media calls, including after-hour and weekends as needed and on a frequent basis.
Participate in regular rotation as district on-call Communications contact for unanticipated events and incidents.
Required skills for this position include:
- Advanced knowledge of printing and publications procedures, use of Internet, social and digital media.
- Ability to supervise staff.
- Advanced knowledge of strategic communications planning.
- Demonstrated ability to positively represent VDOT's programs to the media, citizens, and elected officials. Advanced ability to make presentations and to perform as spokesperson.
- Advanced knowledge of mass media markets and operations.
- Ability to operate computer, Microsoft Office software, Adobe, and digital media devices.
- Considerable demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with
Minimum Qualifications
- Ability to positively represent VDOT's programs to the media, citizens, and elected officials. Advanced ability to make presentations and to perform as spokesperson.
- Considerable skill and ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a variety of individuals, groups including the media, using journalistic style.
- Progressively responsible communications experience reflecting advanced knowledge of mass media markets and operations; and advanced knowledge of strategic communications planning.
- Managerial experience reflecting ability to supervise staff.
- Communications or public affairs experience reflecting advanced knowledge of printing and publications procedures, and use of Internet and social media.
Additional Considerations
- A combination of training, experience, or education in Communications, Public Relations,
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.
The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided in the application or optional resume; therefore, those who fully represent their qualifications will be more successful with obtaining an interview. Submitting an incomplete application or resume lacking relevant experience detail may impact interview eligibility. State applications or resumes submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered.
We are a "Virginia Values Veterans" (V3) official certified company and state agency that provides hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application.
VDOT utilizes a market-based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.
Why Choose VDOT:
In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDOT offers core benefits including competitive health and life insurance programs, pre-tax spending accounts, and leave programs. Employees participate in a State Retirement Plan; a tax-deferred Retirement Savings Plan with employer matching provision is also available. Also, the State funds a Short- and Long-Term Disability Program. Miscellaneous benefits include paid holidays, training and tuition assistance programs, wellness programs, etc.
VDOT employees have Shared Values and abide by a Code of Ethics. Our culture includes teamwork, transparency, nimble learning, creativity, and collaboration of work that values differences. We encourage all those who apply to review our values and ethics. Click here to review http://www.virginiadot.org/about/mission andvalues.asp. If you share these values, we invite you to apply. Your success in our organization depends upon sharing these values and keeping this Code of Ethics.
Contact Information
Name: Alyssa Allen
Phone: 540-642-8401
Email: Alyssa.Allen@vdot.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary : $86,133 - $139,966
