Media and Communications Coordinator I

Department:

COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY

Compensation Grade:

G21

Compensation Range & Starting Salary:

Part-time position (20 hours/week)
Hourly pay range: 22.67 - 35.32/hour
Starting pay is determined based on qualifications and comparable experience.

Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):

No

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

20

About Us:

Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.

Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:

The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is responsible for prosecuting violations of the criminal laws of Virginia in the City of Virginia Beach. In addition to its prosecutorial responsibilities, the Office works to provide timely and accurate information to the public, promote community awareness, and strengthen relationships with citizens, community partners, and the media.

We are seeking a part-time Media and Communications Coordinator I to support the Office's communications, media relations, public outreach, and community engagement efforts. The ideal candidate will be a creative and detail-oriented communicator with strong writing and organizational skills who is comfortable developing content for a variety of audiences and communication platforms.

Responsibilities may include:

• Assist, under the direction of senior staff, with the development and implementation of public relations, media relations, and communication strategies to promote Office programs, services, initiatives, and events.

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with members of the news media, City departments, community organizations, civic groups, and other external partners.

• Identify and develop opportunities to inform and engage citizens regarding Office programs, services, initiatives, and community resources.

• Provide backup assistance in creating press/news releases when necessary.

• Create flyers, programs, invitations, and other promotional materials; write/disseminate news and information for civic leagues and service organizations.

• Plan and coordinate office special events and community outreach activities, including invitations, programs, logistics, equipment, materials, refreshments, and site preparation.

• Monitor local news coverage and other media for issues relevant to the Office and provide timely updates to appropriate staff.

• Perform other communications, outreach, and administrative duties as assigned based on Office needs.

Preferences for this position include:

• Experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, digital media, social media management, or a related field.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear, concise, and engaging content for different audiences.

• Experience creating and managing content for professional social media platforms.

• Experience with graphic design and content-creation tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, or similar applications.

• Experience developing flyers, graphics, presentations, newsletters, or other promotional and informational materials.

• Strong proofreading and editing skills with careful attention to grammar, accuracy, tone, and detail.

• Experience with photography, basic photo editing, and/or short-form video content.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive, confidential, or potentially high-profile information.

• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, staff, City departments, community partners, members of the media, and the public.

• Familiarity with government, public safety, criminal justice, or other public-sector communications.

This position is an at-will position serving at the pleasure of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.  The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  For additional information and to apply for this position please visit virginiabeach.gov. 

Additional requirements:
• DMV Transcript: No
• CDL: No
• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No
• CPS Check: No
• Physical: No
• Respirator: No
• Psychological Screening: No
• Polygraph: No
• At Will: Yes

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Requires any combination of education (above high school level) and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years in fields such as public relations, communications, marketing, or journalism utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status.

Skills:

Community Engagement, Community Outreach, Content Creation, Digital Media, Media Platforms, Media Relations, News Media, Press Releases, Public Relations (PR), Social Media, Writing

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business. 

The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile.  Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.

Official Job Descriptions:

To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=E

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.