Agency Public Relations Coordinator

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES ADVERTISEMENT

ROLE TITLE: Public Relations and Marketing Specialist IV      

Working Title: Agency Public Relations Coordinator      

Pay Band:  5    

Position #:  CJS00180  

The Department of Criminal Justice Services is seeking a collaborative and innovative team player to serve as a full-time Public Relations and Marketing Specialist IV in Richmond, Virginia.  This position supports the agency by providing information to government and non-government stakeholders about the work the agency is undertaking. This position will manage and coordinate communication methods and media strategies to further advance energy efforts that foster open and positive relationships with essential stakeholders.  Public service offers the opportunity to do important rewarding work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.  If you want to be part of an agency that cares about our constituents, rigorously advocates and promotes opportunities for all Virginians, we’d love to have you join us! 

What you will do:

• This position supports the agency by providing information to government and non-government stakeholders about the work the agency is undertaking. This position will provide clear and concise communication in a variety of communication venues including press releases, supporting website information, social media and responding to freedom of information requests. The is position will provide support to agency divisions in the production of materials for agency conferences and programs. This position will manage and coordinate communication methods and media strategies to further advance energy efforts that foster open and positive relationships with essential stakeholders.

What the ideal candidate must possess:

• Significant experience working in a wide range of public relations/communications, preferably in state or local government. 
• Experience working with the media in responding to inquiries as well as promoting organizational successes and programs. 
• Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders including agency staff, other government officials and the general public.
• Experience working with vendors to develop materials that promote agency programs and services.
• Experience communicating with constituents and stakeholders through social media and other electronic communication platforms to share agency information and updates.
• Considerable documented experience developing, reviewing and editing written materials, including reports and presentations.
• Considerable documented experience researching, analyzing, and making recommendations.
• Experience with computer and software applications to include various Adobe programs and MS Office Products. 
• Ability to think strategically and cross culturally, and independently implement new initiatives and projects.
• Ability to articulate, both orally and in written form, clear and concise program objectives and goals and summarize achievements of programs in reports and other documents as requested.     
• Documented experience working as an active, contributing team member, as well as an independent and self-motivated employee.
• Demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines, handle multiple assignments, changing priorities, and ensure timeliness and quality of completed assignments.

Additional Considerations:

•  Documented experience working with and/or in Virginia’s criminal justice system.
• Documented experience working with or significant knowledge of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.     

Interview candidates may be required to demonstrate the skills and abilities necessary for satisfactory performance of work. The candidate selected for the position must successfully complete a criminal background investigation and complete and submit a Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) which will be entered into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.  The individual may also be responsible for submitting an annual Statement of Personal Economic Interest.  In addition, the selected candidate who begins original employment or re-employment in this position must serve a 12-month probationary period effective from the date of employment. The starting salary range is $80,000 to $95,000 plus the state’s benefits package. 

Applications for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/home. All applications should be submitted by 11:55 pm on November 10, 2025.  The application and supplemental questions must be completed in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to the position. Fax, email, or mail applications will not be accepted.  Résumés and cover letters may be attached to the online application. 

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at (804) 225-4399 to notify us of any needs related to completing the job application. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply. The Department also encourages and invites veterans to apply.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to your account at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/home for the status of your application and this position.