Title: Communications Coordinator
State Role Title: Communications Coordinator
Hiring Range: The starting salary range is $82,800 to $93,150.
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Dept of Criminal Justice Svcs
Location: Dept of Criminal Justice Serv.
Agency Website: www.dcjs.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES ADVERTISEMENT
ROLE TITLE: Program Administration Specialist II
Working Title: Communications Coordinator
Pay Band: 5
Position #: 00203
The Department of Criminal Justice Services is seeking a collaborative and innovative team player to serve as a full-time Communications Coordinator in Richmond, Virginia. This position supports the Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services. This position serves as the Division's primary communications and constituent engagement lead, analyzing constituent feedback to identify trends, improve communications, and enhance the Division's regulatory programs. The selected incumbent will be expected to work in the office, with the eventual potential for a hybrid schedule in accordance with state and agency policies. Public service offers the opportunity to do important rewarding work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. If you want to be part of an agency that cares about our constituents, rigorously advocates and promotes opportunities for all Virginians, we’d love to have you join us!
What you will do:
- Serve as the Division’s central analyst for constituent email communication trends by monitoring, triaging, and routing inquiries in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.
- Collect, analyze, and report quantitative and qualitative data related to trends and root causes of constituent inquiries, complaints, service barriers, and barriers to communication effectiveness.
- Communicate effectively with constituents representing a broad range of literacy levels, technical knowledge, and emotional states—including individuals who may be frustrated or upset—and provide clear, respectful assistance.
- Collaborate with Division leadership to review, update, and maintain accurate, accessible, and current website content; process content changes and updates using content management systems and according to established timelines.
- Develop and present data-informed reports and recommendations to Division leadership to reduce constituent pain points, improve communication strategies, and enhance the quality and efficiency of Division programs.
- Provide professional consultation and outreach to industry groups, including developing and maintaining a list of key stakeholders, for each of the five regulatory programs under the Division's authority.
- Draft, disseminate, and evaluate the effectiveness of mass email campaigns tailored to diverse audiences.
- Identify and execute informational outreach opportunities related to the work of the Division (e.g., virtual town halls, onsite career fairs.)
- Support overall Division operations by collaborating on projects, participating in team initiatives, and sharing knowledge across work groups.
- Receive, review, log, and process incoming FOIA requests from the public and the Director’s Office in accordance with statutory requirements.
- Research requested records and prepare responses, including cost estimates and extension requests, within required deadlines.
- Consult with the Director’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General regarding complex, unusual, or legally sensitive requests.
- Monitor and stay current on changes to FOIA statutes, guidance, and best practices.
- In consultation with the Private Security Services Advisory Board (PSSAB) Secretary, record, transcribe, and maintain minutes of PSSAB meetings, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with public records requirements.
- Maintain and organize all PSSAB-related files, including archived records, nominations documentation, appointment documentation, travel reimbursement submissions, and official correspondence.
- Coordinate PSSAB meeting logistics, including securing meeting locations, tracking attendance, and maintaining quorum records, and liaising with the agency’s Criminal Justice Services Board representative.
Minimum Qualifications
- Experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Knowledge of best practices in public-sector communications and engagement.
- Experience communicating with a diverse audience via multiple methods.
- Ability to manage difficult people and de-escalate difficult situations.
- Knowledge of process improvement and quality assurance methods.
- Experience managing multiple assignments and meeting deadlines.
- Skilled in documentation, including taking minutes, writing and maintaining reports, keeping logs,
- Excellent communication, project management, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to think strategically and cross culturally, and independently implement new initiatives and projects.
- Ability to articulate, both orally and in written form, clear and concise program objectives and goals and summarize achievements of programs in reports and other documents as requested.
- Documented experience working as an active, contributing team member, as well as an independent and self-motivated employee.
- Demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines, handle multiple assignments, changing priorities, and ensure timeliness and quality of completed assignments.
- Attention to detail.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Additional Considerations
- Experience using mass communication platforms, content management systems, and editing and design tools.
- Experience leading or participating in outreach efforts and establishing relationships with stakeholders.
- Experience developing and delivering effective presentations.
- Demonstrated understanding of working with confidential documents and information.
- Experience with program evaluation.
- Ability to occasionally travel day and overnight.
Special Instructions
Interview candidates may be required to demonstrate the skills and abilities necessary for satisfactory performance of work. The candidate selected for the position must successfully complete a criminal background investigation and complete and submit a Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) which will be entered into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization. The individual may also be responsible for submitting an annual Statement of Personal Economic Interest. In addition, the selected candidate who begins original employment or re-employment in this position must serve a 12-month probationary period effective from the date of employment. The starting salary range is $82,800 to $93,150 plus the state’s benefits package.
Applications for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/home. All applications should be submitted by 11:55 pm on August 27, 2026. The application and supplemental questions must be completed in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position. Fax, email, or mail applications will not be accepted. Résumés and cover letters may be attached to the online application.
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at (804) 225-4399 to notify us of any needs related to completing the job application. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply. The Department also encourages and invites veterans to apply.
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to your account at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/home for the status of your application and this position.
Contact Information
Name: Nicole Harris
Phone: (804) 786-9469
Email: [email protected]
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.
