Communications & Outreach Manager (Communications Specialist III)

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 here.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Driver's License (Required)
• Fear Free Shelter Certification is required within three (3) months of employment, with recertification as required.

• 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.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) 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. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.

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