The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission is seeking an experienced professional who can help shape and execute how NVTC shares its policy priorities, research products, and transit programs. The desired candidate will bring the communications skills and political savvy to effectively amplify NVTC’s mission and vision and its role in shaping public transportation in Northern Virginia, the Washington, DC region, and beyond. As the supervisor of NVTC’s communication and events management team, the desired candidate will also demonstrate a desire to build up and mentor staff in support of NVTC’s dynamic organizational culture.

The Deputy Director of Strategic Communications reports to NVTC’s Executive Director and manages a team of communications and events management staff. The position is responsible for developing and managing the implementation of NVTC’s communications strategy which may include both digital and printed products, webinars, and online events, and in-person symposiums and forums. This position requires exceptional communication, presentation, and public speaking skills as well as the ability to collaborate across organizational boundaries both within and outside the organization.

• Develop and manage the implementation of the NVTC’s internal and external communications strategy to determine the best products, timing, and platforms — including online and social media components — that support the agency’s overarching vision.
• Provide leadership and recommendations to NVTC’s Executive Director on editorial direction—writing, editing, and developing content—and the design, production, and distribution of the agency’s policy, analytical, and programmatic content across all communication channels and platforms.
• Organize and oversee the promotion of high-profile in person and online events and manage the editorial calendar for the planning and timely execution of all communications activities.
• Develop background information, tactics, and approaches for presenting policy positions and other information to both in-house and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with leadership to promote positive internal communications that keep all staff members up-to-date and promote an integrated and collaborative environment.
• Identify efficient means of communication with stakeholders and other key partners with the aim to build rapport and raise awareness.
• Oversee program deliverables for reports, including the drafting of reporting schedules and templates.
• Supervise NVTC communications and event planning staff.

Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, journalism, public relations, business communications, strategic communications, or related discipline plus eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in public sector communications.
• Knowledge and understanding of the U.S. public transportation industry and the relevant political landscape and policy-making processes.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to present information orally and in writing to a wide range of audiences, including elected officials.
• Experience organizing and executing high-profile events both online and in person.
• Solid organizational skills and ability to be flexible and adaptable in responding to new information, changing conditions, and/or unexpected obstacles in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of multi-disciplinary departmental teams and respond to a variety of conditions without direct supervision.
• Ability to handle stress, maintain an even temperament and demonstrate confidence when making decisions in the best interest of the Commission.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and mentor employees of a variety of levels as well as provide effective project management to contractors and/or outside vendors.
• Experience effectively using technology, systems, and tools to include Microsoft Office, Outlook, and a variety of social media platforms.

Desirable

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, public relations, business communications, strategic communications, or related discipline.
• Knowledge and understanding of the public transportation industry in and around the Washington, DC and/or mid-Atlantic region and the relevant political landscape and policy-making processes at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Demonstrated ability to persuade, negotiate, and advance/resolve issues through strategic communication.
• Proven success increasing engagements and followers/subscribers, etc. across social media platforms.

NVTC offers a competitive salary and outstanding benefits (life, health, dental, disability insurance, pension, pre-tax childcare and medical cafeteria plan, free parking, or parking cash-out, tax-free transit benefits). In addition, NVTC offers opportunities for professional development and training. All employees are eligible for membership in ZipCar and Capital Bikeshare. The competitive salary depends on experience and qualifications.

Position Salary Range: $141,044 – $170,395

Applications received by 11:59 p.m. on March 23, 2025, will be prioritized.

Please provide a cover letter and resume describing your qualifications and interest in this position.

Submit your application to: opportunities@novatransit.org with the subject line ‘NVTC Deputy of Strategic Communications position’.

NVTC is an equal opportunity employer.

NVTC’s office is in the Court House area of Arlington, Virginia. Work hours are generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. NVTC offers a telework policy (pending eligibility) and currently requires a minimum of two in-office days per week. Additional work hours include attending evening and weekend meetings or events.  Some local and regional travel may be required.