This position will provide and direct the work of the Marketing and Communications (MarCom) team of over 20 merit positions including the agency’s Public Information Officers, Marketing Manager, Communication Specialists and provides guidance regarding media relations, integration of news/social media, internal/external communications, web content, marketing, risk communication and issues management. The position will provide leadership in the agency’s community outreach and engagement efforts and ensures a focus on equity initiatives is addressed throughout the work of the Marketing and Communication Division. The position also serves as a as a member of the agency’s senior management team. The Division Director will establish operational objectives designed to aid high quality service delivery and achieve Park Authority marketing, communications, and community engagement goals.
 
 The Division Director will oversee the development of a comprehensive market research program and the agency’s overall marketing strategy plan to include corporate, site and program-level marketing efforts as well as digital media and advertising programs. This position will lead the development and management of the Park Authority’s website and social media presence and will direct the work of media production staff. The position establishes operational objectives designed to aid high quality service delivery and achieve Park Authority marketing, communications, and community engagement goals.
 
 Fairfax County is a dynamic community with 1.1 million residents, an award-winning park system, a top-notch school system, safe neighborhoods, and bustling town centers. At the heart of the community is the nationally recognized leader, the Fairfax County Park Authority. A large and complex park system encompassing over 24,000 acres of land, 420 parks, an estimated 18 Million park visitors, 500 full-time employees, 2,500 seasonal employees and over 2,000 volunteers. Please be aware the position requires frequent evening and weekend work.

Note: The specialized areas of the position are Marketing and Communications. 

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all- inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.) 

• Supervises a staff of professionals and has overall responsibility for all programs within their assigned functional area;
• Supervises preparation of the division's budget, participates in presentation of the budget to the Park Authority Board, and monitors program expenditures;
• Evaluates and reports on the effectiveness of division programs;
• Prepares, presents, and is held accountable for implementation of the Park Authority's annual plan as it relates to the assigned functional area(s);
• Ensures that division plans and programs complement agency goals and objectives;
• Provides an independent liaison with, and support to the Park Advisory Board and other boards and commissions for issues with in the assigned functional area(s);
• Provides staff support to the Park Authority Board;
• Oversees special project work directed by the Board of Supervisors, Park Authority Board and/or agency director;
• Represents the agency in meetings with public and private-sector officials and citizen groups;

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all- inclusive list.)   

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, methods and challenges of organization and management;
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of the assigned functional area;
• Oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated skills in needs assessment and strategic planning;
• Ability to plan and direct the activities of a large staff;
• Ability to plan and conduct staff development programs.
• Ability to evaluate programs against pertinent standards;
• Ability to prepare and present clear, concise financial and administrative reports;
• Ability to develop and evaluate budget requests and project future expenditures;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to keep abreast of developments in the field;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships peers, other County employees, Board members, public and private sector officials and citizen groups;