Job Description
Location : St. Thomas, VI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00942
Department: Corporate Communications
Division: Corporate Communications
Opening Date: 02/22/2024
Job Summary Under the general supervision of the Director of Corporate Communications, the Deputy Director of Corporate Communications will be responsible for preparing content and managing multiple social media channels and will develop and execute a strategy for social communications that focuses on informing and engaging internal and external stakeholders and the public. The Deputy Director will work as part of the communications, media relations, and digital teams, and will develop and execute effective messaging in support of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority's mission. The deputy director also will create and edit a variety of written content for the media relations, communications and digital enterprises of the Authority. The incumbent is responsible for interacting with news organizations and disseminating public information to outside agencies and the public at the direction and in coordination with the Director as well as with senior management and the governing board as is required.
Because the Authority has a responsibility to serve the public 24 hours a day, an employee in this capacity is expected to work overtime as conditions demands and may be called in on short notice during service interruptions and other emergencies. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities - Serve as an official spokesperson for the Authority, as required.
- Manage the successful execution of communications efforts from conceptualization to completion, ensuring the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of all components.
- Plan and produce engaging and informative written, visual, and multimedia content in support of the overall strategic communications objective.
- Oversee management of social media channels.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration with other offices/departments and provide guidance in the application of Authority's rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Assist and oversee the maintenance of website content with a focus on quality assurance, accessibility compliance, and search engine optimization.
- Provide occasional website support and training to other staff as required.
- Participate in the planning, development, and distribution of targeted communications, including management of audience distribution lists.
- Continually measure and review the performance of communications efforts; report on key metrics and trends, adjust where necessary.
- Serve as an in-house resource, advising colleagues on communications best practices, Authority guidelines, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Coordinate with graphic designers, photographers, printers, public relations subject matter experts and other vendors as needed.
- Continually stay abreast of emerging platforms, technologies and trends; identify new opportunities to engage with audiences.
- Manage media relations/social media; present special project initiatives and results to internal and external stakeholders such as WAPA employees, the public, media, and community groups.
- Monitor news coverage adversely affecting the Authority.
- Coordinate all public relations activities and manage the daily work assignments of the communications division staff.
- Maintain clear communication with Authority staff and provide timely and accurate updates as they relate to new projects/initiatives.
- Maintain effective and orderly communication during stressful/crisis-filled situations.
- Assist Legal Counsel's Office in composing remarks and public statements for the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer and Governing Board Chairman as required.
- Respond to media requests.
- Lead meetings with internal personnel to develop specific effective strategies to develop news stories and features that best portray the Authority.
- Assist in preparing and managing Communications Department budget.
- Manage inventory of Authority paraphernalia and other essential items and materials for the purpose of outreach programs and other Authority sponsored events.
- Oversee a process to research, source, identify, and archive news stories in print and videos that relate to the Authority.
- Responsible for the accuracy of materials presented to the media, outside agencies, and community groups; oversee the management of special projects initiatives.
- Oversee the management and maintenance of the Authority's website and social media platforms including mass messaging systems.
- Plan general work assignments and aid the communications staff.
- Recommend personnel actions such as promotions, transfers and disciplinary measures, and approve time and attendance records.
- May be required to work after hours including evenings, weekends and holidays.
- Submit monthly report of department activities as required by the Director of Corporate Communications.
- Inter-island and out of the territory travel may be required.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities - Knowledge of media production, communication and dissemination techniques and methods.
- Knowledge of the methods, principles and practices of journalistic writing and editing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Knowledge of business and management principles in strategic planning and resource allocation.
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and accurately, orally and in writing.
- Must possess excellent interpersonal, organization, and planning skills.
- Demonstrate full understanding of media requirements and media relationships.
- Ability to pay close attention to details and maintain confidential information.
Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, business, or public administration, or a minimum of five (5) years experience in communications, marketing or a related field; experience in a higher education setting preferred, including two (2) years in a supervisory capacity. Advanced degree may substitute for required experience. Local or mainstream media experience is preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid V.I. driver's license with a good driving record.
The Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full time employees.
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Government Employees Retirement System (GERS)
- Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance
- Personal Time Off (PTO)
- 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
- Holidays
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Local area, Afternoon shift,