Title: Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Communications

State Role Title: PR & Mktg Mgr IV

Hiring Range: Up to $175,000 annually

Pay Band: 7

Agency: Dept of Ed Central Operations

Location: RICHMOND 306

Agency Website: doe.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Education is looking for an Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Communications to serve as the lead architect of the Virginia Department of Education’s public identity and strategic communications narrative. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this role will be responsible for proactively shaping, driving, and executing a comprehensive communication strategy that advances the agency’s mission in partnership with local divisions and other state agencies.

The Assistant Superintendent is a high-level visionary who can translate complex state agency functions and policy goals into compelling narratives. They will serve as the primary bridge between the Superintendent’s office, the media, and the Commonwealth’s stakeholders—ensuring that our messaging is consistently aligned with our long-term strategic initiatives.

The Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Communications would be expected to:

Design and steward a comprehensive, multi-year communications roadmap that establishes a clear, compelling public narrative for the agency and public education in the Commonwealth.
Design and oversee daily workflow and priorities of communication staff, including creative services, social media, constituent services, website management, newsletter functions, and earned media.
Serve as the primary communications advisor to the Superintendent as well as Chiefs and Deputies, providing high-level counsel on the intersection of public policy, stakeholder sentiment, and agency reputation.
Meet with other VDOE department leaders to ensure their core functions, new initiatives and changes to policy and practice are clearly communicated within the context of the Agency’s mission.
Collaborate with colleagues in state government and local school divisions to create and execute communications campaigns, initiatives and announcements.
Manage unexpected reputational risks or urgent media inquiries that require executive-level intervention.

Minimum Qualifications

Strong reputation with press relations and media engagement.
Documented success with performance management and overall team management.
Knowledge and experience with statewide education communication strategy preferred.
Experience in designing and executing stakeholder engagement series.
Ability to design communications expectations for large scale organization.
Deep expertise in overseeing government relations, school media relations, public media relations, and social media platforms.
Excellent organization and communication skills.

Additional Considerations

Comprehensive experience in communications and partner relations, including a high-capacity team in meeting deadlines with excellent work product.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Pursuant to Sections 2.2-3114 and 2.2-3115 of the Code of Virginia, the position of Deputy Superintendent of Assessment, Performance and School Improvement has been designated to file by the Code of Virginia, an annual “Statement of Economic Interests” form.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

A résumé will be accepted in lieu of a completed state application. Applications submitted via e-mail, postal service, fax or hand-delivered will not be considered. Successful candidates must pass a criminal background check. Commonwealth of Virginia employees may have teleworking options available. Final teleworking agreements will be reviewed and approved upon hire.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview process. For assistance call: (804) 225-2021, [TTY: 786-8389]

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and the VDOE that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. The Virginia Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: humanresources@doe.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Virginia Department of Education

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Assistant Superintendent of Strategic Communications