Senior Communications Specialist

Title: Senior Communications Specialist

State Role Title: Salary Non-Specified

Hiring Range: Hiring range for this position is $82,668 - $95,0681, commensurate with education and experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: VA Cannabis Control Authority

Location: VA Cannabis Control Authority

Agency Website: https://cca.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Communications Officer manages the Cannabis Control Authority’s communications and public affairs efforts. This role develops and delivers clear strategies for internal and external communications, oversees media relations and digital platforms, and ensures accurate, timely information is shared with stakeholders, policymakers, and the public. By providing expert guidance on complex issues and coordinating across teams, the position strengthens public trust and supports the Authority’s mission.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Principles and best practices of public relations, media engagement, and strategic communications.
• Strong command of AP Style and professional editing standards.
• Knowledge of digital communication tools, content platforms, analytics, and media monitoring systems.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and message-development skills, including executive-level communications.
• Ability to manage media relations, including during emerging, sensitive, or fast-moving issues.
• Strong organizational, analytic, and project management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including executives, the public, media, and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with media outlets, community stakeholders, and internal partners.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in communications, media relations, public affairs, or a related discipline.
• A cover letter is required and will be included in the Experience Questions section of the application.

Additional Considerations

Preferred (Optional) Qualifications

• Experience within government, public sector, or regulated industries.
• Familiarity with digital content management systems and analytics tools.
• Advanced writing and editing experience supporting executive or senior leadership communications.
• Experience managing or contributing to large-scale communications campaigns.

Special Instructions

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

Contact Information

Name: Angela Nichols

Phone: 804-540-2290

Email: angela.nichols@cca.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.

Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please call (804)653-9490 for assistance.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.