Position Information
Please Note: This is a re-announcement to expand the pool of qualified candidates. If you have already applied for this position, under a former announcement number 1623-23A-DPR-SD, there is no need to re-apply unless you wish to update your application.
The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking a Public Relations Manager to lead the centralized Public Relations Unit by providing departmental leadership, technical expertise, guidance, and quality assurance. The Manager will also provide matrix management of all communication, marketing, media relations, public affairs, social media, web content, publications, special events and engagement programs and activities throughout DPR.
DPR is the steward of the County’s natural resources and provides recreational programs and services for residents.
Specific duties include:
Planning and implementing digital and print communications, special event management, marketing, and engagement initiatives to inform and educate the public, news media, internal staff, and community groups about DPR services;-
Developing and implementing a communications and public engagement program mission and philosophy and guiding DPR management on appropriate public relations and engagement strategies;
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Producing content for press releases, publications, internal newsletters, news, and special feature articles, eNews, web pages, calendar listings, and internal documents such as policies, speeches, and talking points;
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Overseeing the development of specific initiatives to ensure they are in concert with departmental and county-wide communications and community engagement policies and philosophies, evaluating and coordinating department communication and engagement, and identifying cross marketing opportunities to promote programs and services;
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Educating staff on what to communicate in emergency situations, the Department’s media policies, overseeing mission critical communications and marketing materials produced by staff throughout DPR, and serving as the Public Information Officer;
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Managing community outreach and engagement for initiatives including developing community forums, pop-ups, and events both in person and online, education materials, and presentations for plans, projects, and programs;
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Consulting and collaborating with subject matter experts and department leadership to provide responses to the County Board, County Manager Offices, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer;
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Overseeing the Office of Special Events including coordinating the review and permitting of non-County special events, and assisting with the design and coordination of DPR special events such as groundbreaking ceremonies for capital projects;
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Developing and maintaining relationships with internal teams and key stakeholder groups, including hard-to-reach, diverse, and under-represented communities; and
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Performing other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will possess;
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Excellent communication and strategic community engagement skills;
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Knowledge and skills in both the design and analysis of effective feedback tools and surveys;
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Strong time-management skills to balance workloads, meet deadlines and coordinate efforts across a large organization;
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The ability to work on projects both independently and in a team environment; and
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The ability to facilitate small and large group conversations with staff and stakeholders who have different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Selection Criteria
Minimum:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Information, Business/Public Administration, Urban/City Planning or related field; and-
Significant experience in one or more communications fields, such as marketing, engagement, public relations, speechwriting, community/employee communications, journalism, or other related area.
Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with a Master's degree in a related field and/or experience with one or more of the following:
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Managing communications, marketing, or engagement teams;
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Community engagement for recreation programming, capital planning, design, and/or construction projects;
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Working in an environment providing services related to parks and recreation, capital improvement projects, urban development, or other government services;
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Working with Canvas and/or coalition building; and
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Designing large scale public engagement events and strategies.
Special Requirements
A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates who are selected for employment. 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.
COVID-19 Vaccination: Arlington County Government is committed to the health, safety, and wellness for all staff. In support of that commitment, all current and newly hired employees are required to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination. For those qualified employees with a disability or sincerely held religious belief which prohibits them from receiving a vaccine, you will be able to contact the Office of Human Rights to request a reasonable accommodation. Adherence to this policy is a condition of employment.
Additional Information
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, core hours are 9:00am - 5:30pm, with a flexible work schedule and telework opportunities. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for community meetings. engagements, special events or emergencies requiring a communications response.
The official job title is Communications Manager.
Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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