Job Description
Description General Statement of Duties: Responsible for driving and leading communications strategies for UOSA, a public wastewater utility, including external public outreach/communications initiatives and internal messaging/organizational communications. Builds awareness and value for UOSA's role in the community by organizing, updating, and maintaining consistency of branded materials, outreach efforts, and overall internal and external communication strategies
Distinguishing Features of Class: The Communications Specialist is responsible for planning and implementing the organization's internal and external communications programs, community outreach, marketing, and public information programs. The Communications Specialist is assigned complex, confidential and time-sensitive projects and must be able to exercise sound judgement and function efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines, and related professional duties as may be assigned. The work is performed under the direction of the Chief People Officer.
Roles and Responsibilities (Illustrative Only): - Works with UOSA's Chief People Officer to develop a comprehensive outreach and communications strategy that supports the organization's mission and priorities.
- Manages UOSA's communications overseeing all content creation for uosa.org, social media channels, news releases, handouts, digital signage, and projects.
- Works closely with other UOSA department leaders to develop and deliver consistent internal and external communications for newsletters, emails, digital signage, and events.
- Writes, reviews, or assists with writing annual reports, talking points, abstracts, collateral, website content, PowerPoint presentations, and other internal and external communications materials.
- Coordinates with engineers, stakeholders, UOSA team members, contractors and other parties to synthesize technical information into consumer-friendly messages to communicate to UOSA's diverse group of stakeholders.
- Plans and implements external outreach and internal organizational activities and events, including community activities and employee meetings.
- Monitors social media activity and works with the communications team to effectively leverage social media to engage stakeholders, build relationships and trust, and ensure relevant and timely publication of programs and initiatives.
- Works with and presents to community groups, neighborhood associations, and other city groups to enhance their knowledge of the water sector and UOSA.
- Organizes and guides tours of UOSA's facilities.
- Directs activities, manages contractors and consultants as applicable, and leads multifunctional teams as needed to ensure successful completion of projects.
- Assists with the development of budget plans to ensure appropriate communications and outreach resources.
- Other duties as assigned.
The position has minimum experience and education qualifications requirements. You may substitute years of professional work and relevant education for the minimum qualifications. Any combination of education, experience and training equivalent for the position will be considered.
Requirements Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Advanced knowledge of communications channels and activities and how they can be used to support the achievement of an organization's strategic goals. Must have solid experience developing and implementing integrated communications strategies and plans for internal and external uses, including setting targets and monitoring and evaluating activities that span multiple outlets in print and digital media. Must have experience leading cross-organizational communications projects and processes that effectively engage staff, including developing new approaches. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team, displaying strong initiative in solving day-to-day problems with limited direction. Availability to work flexible hours, including some weekends, as needed is essential. Must be able to perform physical requirements of position to include walking, bending, stooping, lifting, and carrying 30 pounds.
Acceptable Education, Training & Experience: Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related field required, Master's degree or equivalent experience is preferred. Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in communications, marketing, or a related field preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. Work experience in a technical sector, with technical writing skills a plus. Communications expertise and the ability to coordinate among various partners and constituencies are essential. Experience in a public-facing or government program is preferred. Experience developing and implementing communication strategies and managing websites and social media channels is preferred. Demonstrated ability and flexibility to multitask, prioritize and manage diverse job responsibilities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with internal staff and external stakeholders to effectively implement collaborative initiatives. Must be a team player with a strong service-oriented attitude. A passion for the environment and the value of essential public services puts your resume on top. Accreditation in public relations and certificates in public participation a plus but not required.
Additional Requirements: Possession of a vehicle operator's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia is required. Attendance at meetings, conferences, seminars, and training sessions is required occasionally. Some overnight travel and weekend work is also required from time to time.
The vacancy notice does not imply that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed in the position. Please request a full job description from the HR Department via email at good.jobs@uosa.org.
All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, physical exam, and background check paid for by UOSA. In order to be fully considered for the position, all applicants must submit a complete online application along with an updated resume via the UOSA website:
Uosa.org/Careers >
Candidate Profile. Once logged into your profile, click on
Find Jobs in the upper left-hand corner of the screen, followed by
Search for Jobs. Review the vacancy and apply for the position. Upper Occoquan Service Authority
Job Tags
For contractors, Work experience placement, Flexible hours, Night shift,