Communications Specialist

Title: Communications Specialist

State Role Title: PR & Mktg Spec III

Hiring Range: Up to $70,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Rail & Public Trans

Location: Dept of Rail & Public Trans

Agency Website: www.drpt.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: State Employee Only - E

Job Duties

The Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is hiring an entry-level Communications Specialist for our team. In this role, you’ll assist with internal and external communications, including playing a role in developing the agency’s social media presence and website portfolio, as well as supporting the creation of talking points and presentations for the Director and senior leadership. You’ll also have plenty of room to flex your creative muscles: developing eye catching videos, bold graphics, and compelling digital content that elevates DRPT’s online voice. As a small agency with a big impact, our team wears many hats to advance our mission. At DRPT, you won’t get lost in the crowd: if you’re eager to learn, adaptable, and excited to bring fresh solutions to new challenges, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

The Department of Rail and Public Transportation offers a generous total compensation package. Well qualified candidates will be eligible to negotiate Exceptional Recruitment Incentives. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of internal and external communications protocols and strategies, communications dissemination techniques
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain multimedia content for DRPT's presence on websites and social media outlets.
• Demonstrated ability to present public information materials effectively to stakeholder groups and other audiences
• Demonstrated ability to perform under tight deadlines and fast response conditions
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office and creative design software, including Canva Design and Adobe Creative

Additional Considerations

• Undergraduate degree in Mass Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or similar degree preferred and/or the equivalent relevant training and experience

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.

Contact Information

Name: Debbie Barnett

Phone: 804-389-5505

Email: askhr@drpt.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.

Advertised: 26 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 02 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time

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