Public Relations Deputy Director

Title: Public Relations Deputy Director DSPF0014

State Role Title: PR & Mktg Mgr II

Hiring Range: $96,663 to $139,195 Negotiable and Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of State Police

Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia

Agency Website: vsp.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

About the Position:

The Virginia State Police (VSP) is seeking to hire a Public Relations Deputy Director in our Public Relations Cetner at State Police Headquarters in North Chesterfield, Virginia. The job duties for this position include but are not limited to:

• Serving as the second-in-command to the Director of Public Relations, supporting the development, coordination, and execution of the Agency’s internal and external communications strategy.
• Providing strategic leadership, operational management, and advanced communications expertise to ensure accurate, timely, and effective messaging to the public, media, VSP personnel, and key stakeholders.
• Assisting with policy-level communications decisions, leading internal communications initiatives, supporting crisis communication operations, and helping manage digital platforms, public education efforts, and media relations.
• Serving as Acting Director when delegated.

About the Agency:

At the Virginia State Police, we are more than just a law enforcement organization — we’re a united team of problem‑solvers, protectors, and public servants shaping the future of the Commonwealth. Every role here strengthens our mission to preserve life, protect the vulnerable, and enhance safety while upholding civil liberties throughout Virginia.

When you join VSP, your skills create real impact across every community we serve. Our culture is built on being selfless, engaged, and aware, and we succeed through timely, purposeful action; clear communication; personal accountability; and continuous improvement — together.

We prioritize the readiness and well‑being of all our people, entrusting decision‑making to those closest to the challenge and supporting one another with kind, direct feedback that helps us grow. At VSP, you will find meaningful work, real opportunities for advancement, and a supportive culture grounded in service, purpose, and the belief that we are One Mission. One Team. One VSP.

If you’re ready to make a difference and be part of something larger than yourself, your next career starts here.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Considerable knowledge of public relations, media relations, and digital communications.
• Expertise in managing internal communications.
• Knowledge of internal communications best practices, organizational communication, and change management principles.
• Knowledge of crisis communication strategy and high-risk incident response messaging.
• Knowledge and understanding of state government operations, law enforcement environments, and public-sector transparency requirements.

Skills:

• Skill in supervising or guiding communications personnel and coordinating statewide messaging.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences using a variety of mediums.
• Strong editing, messaging, and content development skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with the Agency’s goals and objectives.
• Ability to meet diverse project deadlines using planning and scheduling resources, assigning tasks, and evaluating project success.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to develop and manage strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Significant experience in communications, media relations, or internal communications.
• Valid Virginia Driver’s License or ability to obtain one.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Additional Considerations

• Significant experience in public relations and internal communications, preferably within government, law enforcement, or emergency services.
• Experience assisting with responses to Public Information Act requests.

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.

Elements of the selection process include the screening of application(s); the interviewing of qualified candidate(s), to include pre-employment testing, a presentation and/or a work sample, if applicable; salary negotiation(s) if applicable; a background investigation; and a medical evaluation if applicable. The anticipated duration of the pre-employment process is determined by the successful completion of the above items.

Applications, cover letters and/or resumes shall only be accepted on-line through the PageUp recruitment management system at https://jobs.virginia.gov and must be received by 11:55 P. M. on October 27, 2026. Please limit resumes to four pages and cover letters to one page. Any additional attachments received in excess of this will not be considered.

PageUp provides confirmation of receipt of your application, resume and/or cover letter submitted successfully. Please refer to your PageUp account to check the status of your application for this position. For questions, please contact the Talent Acquisition & Employee Relations Section of the Human Resources Division at professionalemployment@vsp.virginia.gov.

It is the policy of the Department of State Police (the Department) 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.

This policy shall be adhered to in all aspects of Departmental employment practices. It does not permit the lowering of bona fide job requirements, performance criteria, or qualifications to give preference to any state employee or applicant for state employment based on the above prohibitions.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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.

Advertised: 20 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 27 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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