Communications Officer

The City of Alexandria is seeking a dynamic and creative Communications Officer to join the Office of Communications and Community Engagement team. This role combines strategic communication, public relations, and exceptional design and video production skills to effectively convey our organization’s message to the public. The ideal candidate will be a skilled storyteller with a strong understanding of visual communication and the ability to create engaging content across various platforms.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive public information strategies to enhance the organization’s reputation and visibility.
• Write press releases, media advisories, and other communications materials.
• Develop and manage social media campaigns to engage target audiences.
• Create compelling visual content, including graphics, infographics, and illustrations.
• Manage video production from concept to completion, including scripting, shooting, editing, and post-production and prepare for social media, websites and presentations.
• Monitor media coverage and analyze public sentiment.
• Collaborate with Public Information Officers across the City to develop and implement communication plans.
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

About the Office of Communications & Community Engagement

The City of Alexandria is committed to reaching our community members where they are. Our goal is to use intentional engagement practices and strategies to increase community awareness of City programs, resources, and initiatives; expand language accessibility; nurture community relationships; and develop consistent and reliable approaches to receive and implement resident feedback. The Office of Communications & Community Engagement (OCCE) is charged with elevating the work of the City through robust storytelling and outreach to our various audiences. The vision for creative, accessible, and equitable citywide communications must begin with ongoing, authentic, relationship-building with residents, businesses, and community organizations throughout Alexandria – especially in Alexandria’s diverse, historically-marginalized communities who have not been consistently engaged. The OCCE is working to reimagine and expand the current scope of the City’s communications and community engagement efforts with a focus on establishing, nurturing, and leveraging authentic, meaningful relationships with the City’s most important asset – its people. We are working to establish a dynamic operation that places our residents’ needs and concerns not just in mind but makes them a key part of the direction that guides our strategies, plans and actions.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field and three years of experience in communications, public relations, public information and graphic production or publications editing work, desk top graphic publishing and experience with writing and editing information for wide distribution under deadlines; and completion of college-level courses in journalism, communications, multimedia production, public administration, government, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. The employee must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of SEO and content marketing.
• Proven experience in public relations and media relations.
• Proficiency in social media platforms including social media management tools like Sprout Social or Hootsuite.
• Experience with video editing and graphic design principles.
• Photography skills.

Notes

Interested, qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online at alexandriava.gov/Jobs. Applications will be screened against criteria outlined in this job posting. Interviews will be offered to those candidates named as finalists, with reference checks, background checks and academic verifications conducted after receiving candidates’ permission. Finalists will be subject to a thorough background check after receiving a conditional offer of employment.