Arlington County’s Office of the Treasurer is seeking a creative, motivated, and tech-savvy applicant to carry out our office’s communications with the public and the County. This role is accountable for ensuring the smooth and consistent communication of relevant information to taxpayers and other stakeholders. This requires maintaining a broad and current knowledge of overall office projects in the context of the annual tax cycle, and more specific knowledge of "hot" items so that the job can focus on communication priorities. The role also involves keeping abreast of initiatives underway elsewhere throughout the County, for the purpose of coordinating messaging as appropriate. Communications are frequently reviewed directly by the Treasurer for accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness of messaging.
Specific Duties Include:
Creating annual reports and community presentations on real estate taxes and other topics using PowerPoint or similar software, in a collaborative, iterative and shared process;
Researching customer inquiries and preparing written direct communication with customers, such as emails, letters from the Treasurer, ad copy, etc.;
Updating the Treasurer’s Office website to provide timely information for customers in accordance with the annual tax cycle;
Developing an outreach and communications strategy for the public to promote the October 5 tax due date, highlighting the availability of satellite locations, and online payment options;
Reviewing/improving various office communications before they are sent to taxpayers, such as tax bills or emails sent from the payment portal (CAPP), as well as emergency messaging on the Treasurer’s Office website.
Coordinating communication with other departments/agencies as well as internal staff regarding the Treasurer's Office activities and programs;
Assisting with the design, development and implementation of a proactive social media strategy to include monitoring and maintaining the Treasurer's Office web communications services that involve social media platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook;
Researching social media trends, tactics, and techniques to keep abreast of the latest in web communications;
Performing other administrative and special project duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate for this position is a collaborative, creative individual, able to work in a fluid and dynamic team environment. This role requires strong communication skills, specifically in writing, editing, verbal communication, digital communications, grammar, formatting, layout, and design. This person will have a strong customer service orientation, excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, and an ability to express ideas articulately – both verbally and in writing – to a variety of audiences. This person will have familiarity with widely used digital tools and social media platforms, to keep abreast of new developments through reading, research and discussion with peers or professional networks, as well as a willingness to seek out and follow best practices.
Minimum:
Bachelor's degree in communications, public policy, public administration, education, journalism, public relations, or a related field;
Considerable experience in public engagement, communications, governmental policy, community organizing, journalism, public relations, or public information.
Substitution: Additional qualifying experience can be substituted for the educational requirement. A Master's degree or higher may be substituted for some of the experience requirements.
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:
Proficiency with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and/or Illustrator;
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite of tools; and/or
Bilingual ability (Spanish/English).
Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
The pay ranges listed above are effective July 1, 2024.
Work Hours: Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM; This is not a remote opportunity; employees are expected to be in the office full time.
Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions.
Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The official title for this position is Communications Specialist II (NB).
This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.
For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.
Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.
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Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.
The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email pers@arlingtonva.us.