Full-Time
Senior Communications Specialist
Posted on 10/4/2025
Virginia Department of Transportation
Plans, builds, maintains Virginia transportation infrastructure
No salary listed
Richmond, VA, USA
In Person
 Journalism (1) |
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- Ability to edit documents representing numerous areas of engineering, legal, and social science research.
- Ability to maintain web site and use content management system.
- Ability to organize and synthesize complex issues into clear and concise content.
- Ability to positively represent VDOT plans and programs to media, citizens and elected officials.
- Ability to understand news media needs.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work well with authors as well as all levels of Research staff.
- Knowledge of communication methods and theory as they relate to public and media relations.
- Skill in editing and with familiarity with AP style guidelines.
- Skill in public speaking and conducting media interviews.
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include MS Office products.
- Skill in writing for multiple audiences using multiple formats.
- Execute the strategic communications plan and statewide communications initiatives.
- Support VDOT leaders and staff regarding internal and external communications.
- Support includes local, state and federal audiences, media, government officials, non-profit, private sector and general public.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with media.
- Maintain employee publications and internet site, web content, external newsletters, press releases, brochures, reports and outreach initiatives.
- Direct and manage communication news vehicles and publication content as assigned.
- Develop news or publication sources and establish relationships with all levels of employees and applicable contacts inside and outside of the organization.
- Develop new methods of communication in order to maintain and improve communications.
- Provide information and content to media and serve as official spokesperson or publication writer or editor as assigned.
- Develop message and talking points on emerging and current issues.
- Establish and maintain media relationships.
- Maintain appropriate contact or publication lists.
- A combination of training, experience, or education in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism or related field desired.
- Professional experience in public relations or news media setting to include conducting media interviews.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) manages Virginia’s transportation network. It plans, builds, maintains, and operates roads, bridges, and tunnels to keep travel safe and efficient. Its work includes long-range planning (looking 20–25 years ahead), transportation modeling for regional partners, and public outreach to keep citizens informed and involved, such as campaigns promoting safer roundabouts. Unlike private companies, VDOT is a state government agency funded to serve the public interest rather than earn profits. Its goal is to provide a reliable, safe, and accessible highway system for all Virginians and to address future transportation needs through coordinated planning and infrastructure projects.
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Headquarters
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- HRBT Expansion adds twin tunnels, finishes spring 2027.
- $604K federal grant funds wildlife crossing sites.
- Data-driven stops reduce crashes at Goosley Road.
What critics are saying
- Underfunding defers 25% bridge maintenance, collapses in 12-24 months.
- Sea level rise erodes 15% coastal assets by 2030.
- Maryland poaches 10-15% engineers in 18-36 months.
What makes Virginia Department of Transportation unique
- VDOT manages Virginia's roads, bridges, and HRBT tunnels uniquely.
- VDOT leads 20-25 year transportation planning statewide.
- VDOT promotes roundabouts via public campaigns for safety.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Vacation
Company News
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program has awarded a grant of $604,318 to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to support the identification of wildlife crossing sites across the state.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) worked with the National Park Service (NPS) to create a new traffic pattern on Goosley Road at the Route 17 intersection in York County.