Public Relations Coordinator

Title: Public Relations Coordinator

Hiring Range: Negotiable and Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of State Police

Location: Chesterfield

Agency Website: vsp.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

• Develops and implements strategies to best utilize social media to promote the Virginia State Police (VSP) and its programs; recruits new employees; positively engages public input; and expands social media audiences.

•Researches and prepares timely, relevant social media posts, graphics, and messaging in line with VSP mission, policies, and programs.

•Creates, curates and manages all published content for social media postings for VSP, recruitment, criminal investigations, and during major incidents.

•Builds a following on each platform and ensures all sites are being adequately monitored, including after-office hours, weekends, and during major incidents.

•Supports the Public Relations Office (PRO) and VSP personnel in minor and major incidents, investigations, and campaigns.

•Attends special events to live stream and/or obtain photos/videos for social media distribution in order to heighten situational awareness and transparency, as well as VSP's unique perspective.

•Researches and provides timely, appropriate information to direct messages and citizen inquiries received via social media.

•Notifies necessary VSP personnel of alerts, tips, and any other messages where VSP is or may be impacted.

•Conveys basic to complex data and information through creative, professional, appealing graphic design(s).

•Supports the Department’s units, programs, campaigns, and mission through Web design and content.

•Supports PRO and Department staff at various events and with publications, press releases, and marketing materials.

•Archives and creates reports and pertinent data concerning VSP social media platforms using web analytic tools to determine the effectiveness of marketing strategies utilized.

•Researches and integrates SEO, SEM and digital media trends.

•Researches technology, audience and brand messaging to identify appropriate strategies for VSP social media presence.

•Notifies agency management on safety issues as observed.

•May be required to perform other duties as assigned. 

•May be required to assist the Department or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

Minimum Qualifications

•Considerable knowledge of public and media relations program design, of public information education and social media best practices; and of publication and website and media platforms, principles, concepts, and design. 

•Working knowledge of web content management systems; and of graphic design creation, photography and creation/editing of short-form videos for social media.  Skill in operating computers and using Microsoft Office applications. 

•Demonstrated ability to develop strategic, relevant and creative digital visualization and social media content; to organize and present ideas, materials, and concepts creatively; to manage multiple priorities and deadlines; to assist with the development, research, and writing of correspondence, displays, exhibits, publications; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals inside and outside the agency; to work within program objectives, deadlines and budget constraints; to work independently and as a team member to produce high-quality work in a fast-paced environment and under tight deadlines; to communicate effectively orally and in writing in English; and to work on weekends and holidays as required. 

•Graduation from high school or equivalent. 

•Professional experience working with social media platforms: Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook.

•Experience with social media management and data reporting systems.

•Valid motor vehicle operator’s license.

•Experience in brand building through varied social media platforms.

•An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduation from a college or university with major course studies in Digital/Social Media Marketing, Mass Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field preferred.

Special Instructions: 

A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION SHALL BE REQUIRED OF EACH SELECTED APPLICANT

Elements of the selection process include the screening of application(s); the interviewing of qualified candidate(s); salary negotiation(s) if applicable; a background investigation; and a medical evaluation if applicable.  The anticipated duration of the pre-employment process is determined by the successful completion of the above items.

Applications, cover letters and/or resumes shall only be accepted on-line through the PageUp recruitment management system at https://jobs.virginia.gov and must be received by 11:55 P.M. on February 7, 2023. Please limit resumes to four pages and cover letters to one page.  Any additional attachments received in excess of this will not be considered.

PageUP provides a confirmation of receipt of your application, resume and/or cover letter submitted successfully.  Please refer to your PageUp account to check the status of your application for this position.  For questions, please contact the Employment Unit of the Human Resources Division at employment@vsp.virginia.gov.

The Virginia State Police is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Our policy is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, political affiliation or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

THE VIRGINIA STATE POLICE IS BEST IN CLASS!

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