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Fairfax County, VA

Communications & Outreach Manager (Communications Specialist III)

Fairfax County, VA, Lorton, Virginia, us, 22199

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Salary :

$79,192.88 - $131,987.44 Annually Location :

LORTON (HP11), VA Job Type:

FT Salary W BN Job Number:

25-01966 Department:

Animal Services Opening Date:

11/01/2025 Closing Date:

11/14/2025 11:59 PM Eastern Pay Grade:

S27 Posting Type:

Open to General Public

Job Announcement

Do you have a passion for purpose-driven communication and digital storytelling? This position leads public relations and social media initiatives that showcase our mission, our people, and our pets.

Based at both our Lorton Campus and Michael R. Frey Campus on West Ox Road, this role oversees all communication and outreach efforts under the general supervision of the Animal Services Director. This position develops and executes a comprehensive communications strategy, creating engaging content across multiple platforms, and coordinating special events that strengthen community engagement and support for Fairfax County Animal Services. Please visit our website

Responsibilities include:

Formulates, recommends, develops, and issues new materials for print, web, and online platforms. Updates and maintains web content to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and timely communication of shelter services, programs, and initiatives. Manages content planning, creation, delivery, and engagement for DAS s social media. Collaborates with program managers to ensure consistency of information and messaging across all channels. Oversees the launch and integration of the department's new brand across all communication channels, ensuring consistency in messaging, design, and presentation. Manages content planning, creation, delivery, and engagement for DAS's social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Collaborates with other county agencies and stakeholders as needed. Develops and executes social media plans to support high-priority initiatives as well as daily operations. Analyzes social media data/metrics and insights to measure success and refine future initiatives to enhance agency success. Prepares media pitches, media advisories, press releases, and interview talking points/scripts in promotion of DAS programs and events. Assists with responses to media inquiries, conducts targeted media pitching, and facilitates and plans media interviews. Develops positive relationships with local and regional media outlets and journalists. Works collaboratively with the Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs. Provides communication support in coordination with Field Services during investigations involving animal neglect, abuse, or other cases requiring discretion and accuracy. Serves as liaison to Fairfax County Police Department Office of Public Affairs. Plans, develops, and oversees community outreach opportunities and educational programs for both youth and adults to increase awareness of shelter programs and services. Represents DAS at community events, including outreach tabling, fairs, and partner activities. Serves as liaison to the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, coordinating joint communications, events, and fundraising-related activities to ensure alignment of goals and shared priorities. Provides direct supervision, training, and performance management for assigned staff and volunteers in outreach, marketing, events, and education. Fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture. Serves on the Shelter Management Team. Drives personal or county vehicle for special events, outreach events, and travel between all DAS facilities. Performs other related duties to meet the ongoing business needs of the organization. Note:

Flexibility is required, as all DAS positions may require working various shifts, including changes to shift days and times, as well as reassignment between departmental facilities and/or locations based on operational needs. This position specifically requires availability to work at all DAS facilities.

Salary:

The salary offer will be in the minimum to midpoint $79,192.88 to $105,590.16 of the advertised compensation range. Promotional rules apply for current Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools employees.

Schedule:

This position requires flexible scheduling for agency and program needs, including evenings and weekends, and to be available on occasional holidays. Illustrative Duties (The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.) Develops comprehensive strategic communication planning on behalf of the department and the County; Supervises and manages all communication planning and programs for the department; Planning and implementing photographic coverage of events; Makes presentations on behalf of the department to community and County; Plans and implements event and meetings; Writes speeches for presentation to community and County; Develops proposals in support of departmental goals and projects; Coordinates presentations before the Board of Supervisors; Supervises the production of all communication tools (print, multimedia, online) in support of the department's mission; Implements and supervises the implementation of print production projects; Implements and supervises the implementation of website development and new media projects; Serves as spokesperson for the department with the media; Budgeting and cost control for communication projects that are supervised; Conducts audience / constituent research for evaluation and measurement of communication programs; Leads the department's communication planning (strategic planning, action planning) team; May interact directly with the Board of Supervisors and County Executive's Office on behalf of the department. Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities (The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Ability to supervise the work of others in publication management, multimedia development, community relations or media relations; Ability to write, edit and design for departmental publications; Ability to write for multimedia; Knowledge of photography and planning photography coverage; Knowledge of appropriate standards and formatting for online media; Ability to manage publications and to generate revenue; Ability to use current computer software and email; Ability to design and develop Web sites; Ability to problem solve; Ability to manage projects (including budgeting); Ability to communicate in a crisis; Knowledge of the methods for preparing information to increase the likelihood of its use; Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with County government officials, regional officials, and potentially national and international dignitaries and government representatives. Employment Standards MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to") Bachelor's degree in communication, business administration or field related to subject matter expertise, plus 6 years of progressively responsible experience in a communication area of specialization, government relations, management or area of specialization in which the department is represented.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Five or more years of experience working in an animal-related capacity. Five or more years of experience developing a communications strategy and formulating and implementing plans for communication programs and projects for an animal welfare organization. Five or more years of experience creating content material in print, online, and social media; proofreading and editing materials; planning and conducting special events; developing and preparing reports; producing and facilitating production of multimedia items; making public presentations; and acting as media contact. Five or more years of experience preparing media pitches, media advisories, press releases, and interview talking points/scripts in promotion of programs and events. Experience using Microsoft programs and the agency's data management software, Pet Point. Experience with effectively communicating with diverse bilingual/multi-lingual populations, to convey vital information with members of the targeted community. CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

Driver's License (Required) Fear Free Shelter Certification is required within three (3) months of employment, with recertification as required. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work outdoors as well as indoors and be subject to variable weather conditions and exposure to potentially infectious diseases, viruses, noxious fumes and chemicals or allergies, as well as wetness and moisture. Must not have allergies to animals or animal supplies (ex: hay, peanut butter, etc.) that will impede working in an animal environment. Create materials and operate equipment necessary to complete work tasks. Drive personal or county vehicle for special events, outreach events, and travel between all DAS facilities to meet the ongoing business needs of the organization. Engage with residents, businesses, visitors, staff, volunteers, and others in person, via e-mail, and over the phone. Deliver presentations and/or testify in person and virtually. Handle, move, and restrain animals of various species, sizes, conditions, and temperament. Maneuver safely in kennels, dog play yards, cat rooms, small animal rooms, off-site events, etc. Must have current pre-exposure rabies vaccination or obtain within three (3) months. Walk, stand, sit, bend, kneel, stoop, crawl, climb stairs, and be comfortable doing these activities for extended periods of time; lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds; use hands to grasp, handle, and feel; and talk, see, and hear. Work a varied schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and be available on occasional holidays. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations. SELECTION PROCEDURE: Panel interview and may include exercise. Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including ) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314.EEO/AA/TTY.

#LI-SP1 Merit Positions

Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:

Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage Group Term Life Insurance Long Term Disability LiveWell Program Flexible Spending Programs Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!) Paid Holidays Contributory Retirement Plan Deferred Compensation Employee Assistance Program Employees' Child Care Center Continuous Learning Opportunities

NOTE: Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more information about the PSLF program:

For additional details please visit the Non-Merit Positions Non-Merit Benefit Eligible: scheduled to work a minimum 1,040 hours and no more than a maximum of 1,560 hours in a calendar year.

Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage Flexible Spending Program Deferred Compensation

Temporary: scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year.

No benefits

01

What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

Less than 12th grade High school diploma or GED Some college Associate's degree Bachelor's degree Master's degree Doctorate degree

02

If you answered "Some college" for the highest level of education completed, please indicate the number of quarter or semester hours you have completed towards a degree.

Less than 45 quarter hours 45 to less than 90 quarter hours 90 to less than 135 quarter hours 135 to less than 180 quarter hours 180 or more quarter hours Less than 30 semester hours 30 to less than 60 semester hours 60 to less than 90 semester hours 90 to less than 120 semester hours 120 or more semester hours Not applicable

03

Please indicate the major(s) or minor(s) for your completed degree(s). Check all that apply.

Communications Business administration Marketing Advertising Other (related field) Other (non-related field) Not applicable

04

If you answered "Other (related field)" or "Other (non-related field)" for the previous question, please list all of your majors and minors. If this question does not pertain to you, or you do not have a degree, enter "Not applicable". 05

Do you currently possess a valid driver's license?

Yes No

06

How many years of full-time equivalent, progressively responsible experience do you have in a communication area of specialization, government relations, management, or area of specialization in which the department is represented?

(Progressively responsible experience: Refers to tasks, job duties, or roles that demonstrate growth and/or advancement in complexity, difficulty, or level of responsibility.)

None Less than one year One to less than two years Two to less than three years Three to less than four years Four to less than five years Five to less than six years Six to less than seven years Seven to less than eight years Eight to less than nine years Nine to less than ten years Ten or more years

07

Are you familiar with managing content on social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram?

Yes No

08

How many years of full-time equivalent professional work experience developing a communications strategy and formulating and implementing plans for communication programs and projects for an animal welfare organization?

None Less than one year One to less than two years Two to less than three years Three to less than four years Four to less than five years Five or more years

09

How many years of full-time equivalent professional or voluntary work experience do you have working in an animal shelter, kennel, veterinary practice, zoo, or other animal-related organization?

None Less than one year One to less than two years Two to less than three years Three to less than four years Four to less than five years Five or more years

10

How many years of full-time equivalent professional work experience do you have preparing media pitches, media advisories, press releases, and interview talking points/scripts in promotion of programs and events?

None Less than one year One to less than two years Two to less than three years Three to less than four years Four to less than five years Five or more years

11

Do you have any professional experience performing the duties below? Check all that apply.

Creating content material in print, online and social media Proofreading and editing materials Planning and conducting special events Developing and preparing reports Producing and facilitating production of multimedia items Making public presentations Acting as media contact None of the above

12

How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have working with a diverse multicultural population?

None Less than one year One to less than two years Two to less than three years Three to less than four years Four to less than five years Five or more years

13

Which of the following language access tools have you used in the past?

ISpeak Posters Language Access Resource Guide Solicit assistance from Bilingual peer employees Language access vendor interpreter services Other None of the above

14

If you indicate "other" in the previous question. Please specify. If not applicable, Please enter N/A. 15

Are you proficient in any of the following applications? Check all that apply.

Outlook (Composing email messages; sending and receiving email messages; organizing email messages into folders; managing contacts; scheduling appointments & meetings, managing tasks) Word (Knowledge of common functions such as creating a title; using, modifying, and creating styles; indenting paragraphs; using tabs and tables; inserting a hard page break; using page numbering; creating headers and footers; inserting graphics; adding comments and tracking changes) Excel (Basic knowledge of creating a worksheet; performing calculations in a worksheet; modifying and formatting a worksheet; printing workbook contents; creating and modifying pivot tables; using formulas and links to other cells/worksheets) Publisher (Creating professional documents, such as postcards, flyers, invitations, brochures) PowerPoint (Creating a template and working with a design template; working with graphics, animation and multimedia; building interactive presentations using hyperlinks) Volgistics Volunteer Database (including updating volunteer records, scheduling opportunities, designing web volunteer applications, and auditing schedule, volunteer hours, and communication pieces in the database) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Pet Point, Chameleon, or other Shelter management software None of the above

16

Are you willing and capable of working a flexible schedule? Example: Early mornings, days, evenings, weekends, occasional holidays?

Yes No

17

All DAS positions may require working various shifts, including changes to shift days and times, as well as reassignment between departmental facilities and/or locations based on operational needs. This position specifically requires availability to work at all DAS facilities. Are you willing to work at both the Lorton Campus and the Michael R. Frey Campus?

Yes No

18

The selected applicant's starting hourly rate will be in the minimum to midpoint range $79,192.88 to $105,590.16 of the advertised compensation range. Are you willing and able to accept a potential salary offer within this range if selected for the position? (Note: Promotional rules apply for current Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools employees.)

Yes No Not applicable (Promotional rules apply: I am a current Fairfax County Government or Fairfax County Public Schools employee)

19

The physical requirements of this position include moving heavy animals, and lifting, carrying, and moving up to 50 pounds. How many pounds of weight are you comfortable with lifting, carrying, and moving with or without reasonable accommodation?

None Up to 10 pounds Up to 20 pounds Up to 30 pounds Up to 40 pounds Up to 50 pounds

20

Do you have any allergies to animals or animal-related supplies (e.g., hay, peanut butter, etc.) that could affect your ability to work in ana animal-related environment?

Yes No

21

Are you comfortable working around a diverse array of animals of varying behaviors, including dogs of all sizes, cats, small animals, reptiles, etc.?

Yes No

22

How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have developing a communications strategy and formulating and implementing plans for communication programs and projects for an animal welfare organization?

None Less than one year One to less than two years Two to less than three years Three to less than four years Four to less than five years Five or more years

Required Question