Communications Officer 07718

Do you love creative problem solving in a team environment? Ever see clever ads and wish you had come up with that idea? Are you passionate about proofreading and grammar? You may be a good fit as Alexandria Health Department’s Communications Officer! This position will help craft the Health Department’s “voice” across social media platforms, websites, and through proactive media relations to support health promotion and behavior change across Alexandria. The Communications Officer will work across divisions to help public health subject matter experts translate their knowledge into digestible and actionable information for the general public. This includes writing press releases, social media content, newsletters, brochures, website content, etc., and disseminating it widely. This position will also support the Health Department’s equity work by ensuring that every material is culturally competent, accessible, and in the appropriate languages and formats. The ideal candidate is energized by the idea of helping others and is eager to apply private sector best practices to public service through excellent written and oral communications. The ideal candidate will also be comfortable managing multiple communications projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, as pandemic response is often a moving target. Help us improve lives and make a real difference in our community.

The Communications Officer is responsible for translating nuanced and complex concepts into compelling messaging and design. The Communications Officer reports directly to the Population Health Manager, and oversees AHD’s internal and external communications. They plan, design, implement, and evaluate AHD public relations, publications, and promotional health communications. The Communications Officer works with other AHD staff to develop tailored messaging and materials for Alexandria’s various communities based on the specific need and is willing to think creatively about communications strategies beyond the boundaries of AHD’s existing channels. This person serves as the primary contact for media inquiries and are unafraid to pitch media new stories highlighting AHD’s work. This position collaborates frequently with AHD division managers and staff, the VDH Office of Risk Communication and Education, the VDH Regional Public Information Office, and City of Alexandria Office of Communications and Public Information. The Communications Officer represents AHD at City of Alexandria and VDH meetings related to communications; also represents AHD at community events and is capable of learning public health subject matter. Work is carried out independently with management being informed of potentially sensitive activities. This role must have design skills to produce everything from infographics to memes to report layouts, with little art direction. This is an ideal position for someone solution-oriented and obsessed with details. The Communications Officer will be joining a team of dedicated people who are passionate about making a difference by informing and empowering all Alexandria residents.

Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is one of 35 health districts in Virginia. As part of the Virginia Department of Health, AHD serves the residents, businesses, and visitors of Alexandria and works closely with the City of Alexandria and community partners to achieve its mission and vision. Alexandria, comprised of 15.75 square miles and a population of approximately 150,000, is the most densely populated city in Virginia and is rich in diversity and community engagement. AHD’s mission is “Protecting and Promoting Health and Well-Being in Our Communities” and our vision is “Healthy People, Healthier Communities.” We view “health” in the broadest sense and this drives our path towards continuous health improvement with a focus on equity of the social determinants of health.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledgeable and skilled in public relations and marketing, including print media and social media. Excellent communication skills. Strong computer skills and proficient in MS Office Suite, and strong knowledge and experience producing different types of designed communications products with professional design software (e.g. InDesign, Publisher, Illustrator, Canva). Able to communicate complex topics effectively and concisely both verbally, in writing, and in design. Maintains confidentiality of protected and sensitive information. Experience with tailoring messages to different types of stakeholders and diverse racial groups. Must be able to successfully work with multiple priorities in rapidly changing environments; must have the ability to understand and interpret programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures of AHD, VDH and City of Alexandria. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able and willing to provide own transportation for work purposes.

Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual English-Spanish, English-Amharic, or English-Arabic. Skilled in marketing analytics.

Special Requirements

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHS IG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, or other background checks prior to employment may be required for certain positions. Completion of Statement of Economic Interests will be required upon employment.

Special Instructions to Applicants

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the job closing date.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) organization, VDH honors the Commonwealth’s veteran’s hiring preference. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.

State agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHS IG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, or other background checks prior to employment may be required for certain positions. Completion of Statement of Economic Interests will be required upon employment.

In accordance with Executive Directive #18, as a condition of employment, the Commonwealth of Virginia requires all Executive Branch employees, including new hires, to disclose their vaccination status. If you are the selected candidate, proof of vaccination will be required during new employee orientation on your first day of work. Employees that are not vaccinated must be tested weekly.

Name Kieu Nguyen

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