D6 - District Communications Specialist - Communications Spec 2 - Cartersville, GA

JOB SUMMARY: Under general supervision, plans, develops and implements a communications or outreach program, and/or public relations plan for an assigned agency, department, facility or function. Develops informational publications and presentations and plans conferences and seminars for social or community outreach.

JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES: Creates and maintain a positive public image for the GDOT District to which he or she is assigned. Writes media releases, speeches, print, web-based communications, and/or social media content to shape public perception of agency/department and to increase awareness of its work, goals and service to the public. With guidance from General Office Strategic Communications and in collaboration with the District Engineer, proactively plans, develops, implements and directs media, communications and marketing campaigns for a district. Must cultivate relationships with press offices, journalists, bloggers and opinion leaders. Assist in preparing senior leadership for press conferences, media interviews and speeches. Positions agency for media success by implementing prescribed protocols for internal crises communications and leveraging opportunities for rapid response. Collaborates on media strategy across the organization. Writes, edits, manages and prepares printed materials for the district. Assists district personnel regarding activities associated with Public Hearings/Informational Meetings. This position is located in Cartersville, Georgia, District 6.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The selected candidate must meet the advertised minimum qualifications to include State Entry Qualifications as well as Agency Specific Minimum Qualifications

STATE ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:

Highschool diploma/ GED and four (4) years of communications or job-related experience ; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower level Communications Spec 1 (GSP040).

AGENCY MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, English, Business, or a related field from an accredited college or university and three years of related experience.
• Professional level experience with event planning and managing press conferences.
• Demonstrated experience in writing correspondence, research reports, and/or speeches.

AGENCY PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in an area related to either Communications or Public Relations.
• Five years of experience in performing professional level tasks associated with media relations, publications and/or speech writing.
• Demonstrated competencies in writing press releases, feature stories, editorials, newsletters, informational brochures, and in researching and drafting speeches.
• Demonstrated experience in use of social media for communications and/or marketing in a professional role, or operating social media channels for an organization.

AGENCY COMPETENICIES:

• Demonstrated excellent communication skills.
• Ability to develop a communication plan and to implement marketing and public relations projects.
• Possess a thorough understanding of computer programs, including word processing, graphics (power point, layout and design, etc.) and audiovisual equipment.
• Demonstrated experience leading projects through planning and implementation phases by setting well-defined and realistic goals and by organizing and setting priorities.
• Ability to strategically and creatively manage media relations campaigns through writing, press releases, informational brochures and speeches.
• Understanding of or experience with using social media communications for the benefit of an organization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage own time and work load effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to provide accurate information to customers and clients.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and compile information/data into appropriate formats; to adapt to a flexible work schedule.
• Maintains a positive and professional image.
• Displays a commitment toward completing projects by deadline.
• Makes sound and well-informed decisions.
• Uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and recommend a solution.
• Communicates effectively with DOT personnel, media, and general public.
• Committed to providing quality customer service.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL GDOT JOBS

The interview is just one part of the overall selection process and is not the only criteria used to make the final selection. In addition to the interview, the final selection is based on the applicant's work history and performance (documented in HR and/or Office files), PeopleSoft/employee status (i.e. rehire code), employee performance reviews, personnel file review (HR & Office Files), criminal background check, employment reference checks (including references and commendations from Managers and other relevant documentation) and, for supervisory positions, demonstrated leadership skills based on past and current work history will be considered.

Good Employment Standing:

In accordance with the Interview and Selection Process (ISP), an applicant must have no active disciplinary actions to be in good employment standing. Actions that may disqualify an applicant include letters of reprimand (active for 12 months after issuance date); suspension without pay or disciplinary demotion (active for 12 months from the effective date); Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) and Leave Restriction Plans (active until 12 months after the date of conclusion). In addition, an employee must have an overall ePerformance rating score of three (3) or higher on their most current evaluation. Please note that Memorandums of Concern are not considered disqualifying factors. Human Resources may remove any employee from consideration for selection who is pending a disciplinary action; however, if the action is resolved in the employee's favor, he or she will be allowed to compete.

THIS IS AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

THIS IS AN UNCLASSIFIED POSITION.

THE SELECTED APPLICANT FOR THE POSITION WILL BE SUBJECT TO A REFERENCE CHECK AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK, WHERE APPLICABLE

PLEASE INCLUDE ALL RELEVANT JOB INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION FOR

CONSIDERATION. ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE PRESCREENED.

UPON PROMOTION, THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL RECEIVE 10% or THE GDOT JOB SPECIFIC MINIMUM SALARY, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

GDOT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

High school diploma/GED and four (4) years of communications or job-related experience; or one (1) year of experience required at the lower level Communications Spec 1 (GSP040).

Additional Information

• Agency Logo:
• Requisition ID: ADM0JSN
• Number of Openings: 1
• Advertised Salary: $55,000.00
• Shift: Day Job
• Posting End Date: Aug 21, 2026