Public Affairs Manager

Public Affairs Manager

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services' (DBHDS) Division of Policy and Public Affairs is seeking a qualified individual to serve as a Public Affairs Manager. This position combines communications and legislative expertise to help effectively communicate important messages to the general public, legislators, DBHDS staff and other stakeholders. In addition to leading the content development for social media, website, and other communications channels like the Commissioner's Weekly Message, this position will also assist the Policy and Legislative Affairs team in managing legislative affairs, workgroups, and reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of communications principles and practices as they pertain to communications needs of a large organization and diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of communications tools such as audio-visual, social media, video, and graphics.
• Experience in developing and managing social media content across multiple platforms, graphic design, and website content development.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to quickly understand and convey key technical and policy issues to agency staff and legislators and develop responses to these issues for stakeholders.
• Advanced writing skills and attention to detail.
• Strong skills in collaboration, establishing priorities, working on multiple, large-scale projects and meeting multiple established deadlines while working in fast-paced environment.
• Professional public relations experience.
• Knowledge of best practices for accessible communications and ADA compliance.

Additional Considerations

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and / or rsum is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

This position is eligible, however not guaranteed, for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration of telework shall be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth telework policy. For consideration, interested applicants must apply by completing the online application. A resume may also be included with your submission. However, emailed, faxed, and hand-delivered applications and / or resumes will not be accepted. This position is open until filled; however, applications / resumes will begin to be reviewed within seven (7) business days of the date of this posting. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and / or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. DBHDS welcomes all applicants authorized to work in the U.S. For more information on how to seek this authorization, please refer to Working in the United States or contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office directly. For any technical assistance with the jobs.virginia.gov website, please contact applicantinquiry@dhrm.virginia.gov.

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.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer