Job Abstract

Please note: This is a re-announcement. If you have previously applied to this position within the last twelve (12) months, there is no need to re-apply unless you are updating your application.

The Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management (DPSCEM) is seeking a skilled and creative communications leader to join our team! The Communications and Public Affairs Manager oversees communications, community engagement, volunteer management, and serves as the primary public information officer for the department. DPSCEM is responsible for handling emergency preparedness and response for the County, including operation of our Emergency Communications Center (9-1-1 Center).

This position supervises a team of communications and engagement professionals and provides matrixed leadership and guidance to other staff engaged in emergency management and communications, marketing, media relations, public affairs, social media, web content, public engagement, and/or outreach programs and activities.

Responsibilities include:

• Develops and executes communication and community engagement strategies for emergency communications programs and initiatives;
• Identifies channels to inform and educate the public, news media, staff, partner agencies, and interest groups;
• Develops creative and innovative digital strategies and manages the department’s social media presence, including content creation and analytics;
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams across the County and in the region on emergency preparedness and response initiatives;
• Supervises, hire, trains, and provides performance feedback to staff;
• Provides no-notice on-scene and virtual response to emergencies or events of public safety significance for the County;
• Performs Emergency Operation Center (EOC) activation duties; and
• Serves as a liaison to CMO-CAPE (the County’s centralized Communications and Public Engagement Office).

Minimum:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public policy, public administration, education, journalism, public relations, or a related field; and
• Significant and progressively responsible professional experience in one or more communications fields, such as marketing, public relations, speech-writing, community engagement, employee communications, journalism, social media management, or other related area.

• Serving as a Public Information Officer in an Emergency Operations Center or similar setting and/or as a media lead in another fast-paced professional setting;
• Digital media content creator including shooting, editing, and disseminating video across web and social media platforms;
• Emergency or crisis communications, including on-scene response;
• Proven experience managing communications and engagement personnel and programs;
• Developing multi-year strategic program plans;
• Serving as an agency or organization spokesperson including on-camera media experience;
• Bilingual in English/Spanish; and/or
• Web and graphic design expertise.

Please note: A complete application will include an Arlington County application and three documents including a letter of interest, a resume that describe how your training, education, and experience have prepared you for this position, and a work sample that highlights your experience in a Communications position.

A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. 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.

Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid motor vehicle operator's license from the applicant's place of residence. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Certifications: Completion of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Professional Development Series (PDS) Coursework; ICS 100, 200, 700, 800, and IS-29 within 6 months of hire and ICS 300, 400, and E/L0105 within 12 months of hire.

The salary range is effective July 1, 2024.

Work hours:

• Normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a hybrid office policy.
• This position is not a full-time remote opportunity.
• Candidates must be in the office a minimum twice weekly and respond on-scene to planned and unplanned events, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Due to the nature of the Department, this position is subject to emergency-related work. This position may be required to work outside of normal hours and during emergencies regardless of whether some or all County facilities are closed, or programs and services are canceled.

Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.

The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email pers@arlingtonva.us.