Job Title:           Director, Communications
Division:           Communications
Headquarters: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston WV
FLSA Status:     Exempt

Nature of Work:
The Director, Communications acts as the supervisory and administrative director of the division within the Department. The employee performs advanced level work overseeing the development of promotional materials, communications via social media, print or audio-visual press and with government officials. Supervises staff and must show a high degree of initiative and independent decision-making on all routine matters.

Examples of Work:

• Handle all media relations.
• Write and share press releases, articles, directly related to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Department operations.
• Review all other press releases before release.
• Develop branding and messaging of the Department and division.
• Coordinate WVDA participation in fairs, festivals, and other agricultural or industry events.
• Coordinate WVDA displays and promotional materials for events.
• Manage the WV Grown branding program.
• Work closely with partners on communication plans to promote agriculture training initiatives.
• Give final approval for all West Virginia Department of Agriculture publications and material.
• Direct and coordinate special projects for the division.
• Review and approve time sheets and leave requests.
• Develop policies related Department social media and oversee creation of content.
• Review various national and state media sources for content related to or impacting the Department.
• Prepare WVDA’s Annual Report.
• Prepare annual budget for the division.
• Supervise activities of division staff and evaluate staffing levels and training needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Office environment; sitting, standing, walking, driving, lifting up to 25 pounds. Travel may be required with potential for overnight stay.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• General knowledge of the rules, regulation, policies, and objectives of the Department.
• Extensive knowledge of journalistic principles, practices, and techniques of planning, composing, and editing communication materials.
• Advanced knowledge of available media outlets and sources.
• Extensive knowledge of all aspects of media operations.
• Extensive knowledge of state and federal marketing laws, rules, and regulations as they might apply to, or affect, agriculture.
• Knowledge of legislative and rule making process at the state and federal levels.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent fiscal management and administrative skills.
• Excellent ability to maintain effective working relationships within all divisions of the Department.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Agriculture, or a related field.
Experience: Five years of professional experience in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or Agriculture, or related fields, including demonstrated experience in supervisory or management duties. Experience in government communications preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

                                              This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.
                                                                         West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.