COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION CHIEF

The Communications Division Chief, a key member of the Countywide Core Communications Team, provides visionary leadership in the planning, development, management, and marketing of three of the County's primary public information media:

1. AVN71, the County's cable TV station, whose staff of four, in conjunction with multiple contractors, produces a broad range of community information programs for over 53,000 households;

2. Arlington County's interactive Website, where a staff of three are assisted by contractors and agency website coordinators to provide more than 6500 pages of current County and emergency information as well as access to e-government services; and

3. Information and Referral Services, whose employees answer the County's main telephone number, staff the County information desk in Courthouse Plaza, maintain electronic directories and respond to or refer e-mails sent to the County Website.

The Division Chief, working in a matrix management structure with the Director of Libraries and the Director of Communications, will manage and develop the three media so that the full potential of electronic communication with the public is realized in a timely, cost-effective manner. The position is responsible for long and short-term planning; ensuring that the media are providing messages and services that reflect the goals of the County Board and the County Manager and are aligned/integrated with other Countywide communication and branding initiatives; partnering with agencies to formulate and manage communications strategies, message content and communications timing; marketing information and services internally and countywide; monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the communication; managing the development and implementation of new programs and new technology, including researching and developing cost-benefit analyses of new products and services; developing and managing a budget of more than $300K, including contractual services; and hiring, developing, and evaluating a staff of 10 professional, technical and administrative personnel in three units.

The ideal candidate will be a creative, proactive manager and leader with knowledge of cutting-edge communication strategies, including technology innovations, and a demonstrated record of accomplishment in communications. The ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, understand and focus on the County's strategic priorities, craft messages that convey appropriate information, work successfully within a team and matrix environment and communicate verbally and in writing are essential to this position. The candidate should have a firm command of vendor management, resource allocation, workflow management and internal work group dynamics and supervision. Experience in the public sector is not required, but may be desirable.

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Minimum: At least three years of leadership experience in a complex communications/public information/mass media environment, such as a website, TV station, newspaper and/or a public relations or marketing firm, that includes progressively-responsible administrative, supervisory and management experience; plus a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Information, Business/Public Administration or related field.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following: 1) experience managing a wide variety of mass media; 2) experience that includes corporate, agency and public sector communications work; 3) recent experience with state-of-the art technologies in the television, web, and/or information management arenas; and/or 4) experience working in a matrix management environment.

Please include a cover letter with a description of the business, jurisdiction and/or market you served; the number of staff who reported to you and their functions; the budget you managed; to whom you reported and any significant accomplishments you have had.

Applications and resumes will be reviewed continuously. Interviews will be scheduled with those candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. The application process will close when the position has been filled or when a sufficient number of applications have been received. We encourage applicants to apply on-line and attach a resume. However, you may also mail or fax your materials to us.

As an Employer of Choice, Arlington County offers a generous benefit package:

Retirement program that includes a defined benefit plan, a 2% defined contribution plan, an optional 457 plan, and an optional deferred retirement option plan (DROP).

11 paid holidays, plus vacation, sick and family sick leave.

Excellent health and dental plans, including retiree medical and dental coverage.

Alternative transportation programs, including subsidized mass transit and bike/walk benefits.

Life and disability insurance.

Continuous learning program that includes tuition reimbursement.

Credit union.