LAC - Communications Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: LAC - Communications Specialist

🔹 Company: Library Systems & Services LLC

🔹 Location: Dahlgren, Virginia, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Communications, Public Relations

🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and managing communication programs for the U.S. Navy
• Creating content for various platforms, including articles, news releases, and social media
• Supporting media relations and community outreach initiatives
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align communication strategies with organizational goals
• Requiring a SECRET clearance and ability to work in a high-security environment

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-security environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop, write, and edit content for various communication materials, including articles, feature stories, news releases, statements, and other materials for electronic, web-based, and hard copy distribution

✅ Conduct interviews and perform research to gather information for communication pieces, ensuring accuracy and relevance

✅ Obtain necessary approvals for content release, ensuring compliance with Navy policies and guidelines

✅ Manage social media platforms using tools like Hootsuite, analyze performance metrics, and develop strategies to enhance engagement and reach

✅ Support media relations programs, including drafting press releases, coordinating with media outlets, and managing inquiries

✅ Develop and implement employee communication programs, including newsletters, internal announcements, and other internal communication tools

✅ Support community relations initiatives, including planning and executing special events and outreach programs

✅ Support photography for various events and communications needs, ensuring high-quality visual content working with photographers and visual information specialists

✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including public affairs, marketing, and leadership, to align communication strategies with organizational goals

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or marketing

Experience: Two (2) years of relevant experience; may substitute six (6) years of experience for a Bachelor’s degree

Required Skills:

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to produce clear and engaging content
• Proficiency in using social media platforms and analytics tools such as Hootsuite
• Experience in public relations, media relations, and community outreach
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience working in a military or government setting
• Active SECRET Clearance
• Knowledge of Navy-specific communication guidelines and standards

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in communications, public relations, or journalism, with proven experience in managing communication programs and supporting media relations.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Communications Specialist with 2-5 years of experience in the Virginia area)

Benefits:

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break), with occasional local travel required

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Communications Specialist with 2-5 years of experience in the Virginia area. Actual salary may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Library Systems & Services LLC operates public libraries and library systems, focusing on innovation and keeping partner libraries on the leading edge of information science.

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: 1981

Company Description:

• Library Systems & Services (LS&S) partners with local governments to operate public libraries and library systems
• Founded in 1981 and trusted by 84 libraries across the US, LS&S is the nation’s only company focused on library management
• LS&S focuses on innovation and keeps partner libraries on the leading edge of information science

Company Specialties:

• Library Management
• Information Science
• Public Library Services

Company Website: http://www.lsslibraries.com

ASSUMPTION: Library Systems & Services LLC is a well-established company with a strong focus on innovation and keeping partner libraries on the leading edge of information science.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Communications Manager

Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional local travel required

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to Senior Communications Specialist or similar roles with increased responsibilities
• Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain experience in various aspects of communications
• Training and development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the communications field, as well as the chance to work on diverse and impactful projects.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at a United States Navy facility in Dahlgren, VA

Office Location(s): 6149 Welsh Rd., Dahlgren, VA 22448

Geographic Context:

• Dahlgren is a census-designated place in King George County, Virginia
• The area is known for its military presence, with the Naval Support Facility Dahlgren located nearby
• The region offers a mix of rural and suburban living, with easy access to nearby cities such as Fredericksburg and Washington, D.C.

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break), with occasional local travel required

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is fast-paced, high-security, and requires adherence to clearance protocols and Navy facility procedures.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Background check and reference checks (if applicable)
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Understanding of Navy-specific communication guidelines and standards
• Adaptability and ability to work effectively in a high-security environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Provide specific examples of your communication skills, project management experience, and ability to work in a high-security environment
• Demonstrate your understanding of Navy-specific communication guidelines and standards in your application materials

ATS Keywords: Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Content Creation, Social Media Management, Media Relations, Employee Communication, Community Relations, Photography Support, Research, Interviews, Collaboration, Writing, Editing, Proofreading, Attention to Detail, Navy, SECRET Clearance

ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary, and it is essential to follow the specific instructions provided by the company. Tailoring your application materials to the specific requirements and keywords of this role will increase your chances of success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Hootsuite
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in using social media platforms and analytics tools such as Hootsuite is required for this role. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite is also beneficial.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Customer Focus

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and high-pressure environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with cross-functional teams

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, and can you maintain a strong attention to detail?
• Are you comfortable working in a high-security environment and adhering to clearance protocols and Navy facility procedures?
• Do you possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and can you effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams?

ASSUMPTION: Library Systems & Services LLC values innovation, collaboration, and a strong customer focus. Candidates who possess these qualities and are comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment will be well-suited to this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working in a high-security environment with strict clearance requirements
• Managing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines
• Adapting to Navy-specific communication guidelines and standards
• Occasional local travel may be required to attend or cover off-site events or community engagement activities

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges of this role include working in a high-security environment, managing multiple projects, and adapting to Navy-specific communication guidelines and standards. Candidates should be comfortable with these aspects and able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other communications roles in its focus on Navy-specific communication guidelines and standards, as well as the requirement for a SECRET clearance
• Industry-specific context: The library and information science industry is focused on providing resources and services to support literacy education, enrichment, and community development
• Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the communications field, as well as the chance to work on diverse and impactful projects

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on Navy-specific communication guidelines and standards, as well as the requirement for a SECRET clearance. However, it offers opportunities for growth and development within the communications field, similar to other roles in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive communication plan for a new Navy initiative, including content creation, media outreach, and community engagement
• Managing social media platforms for a Navy facility, including creating and scheduling posts, analyzing performance metrics, and developing strategies to enhance engagement and reach
• Supporting a Navy event, including planning, photography, and media coverage, to ensure high-quality visual content and effective communication of the event's objectives

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the diverse and impactful nature of the work performed by a Communications Specialist at Library Systems & Services LLC, as well as the opportunity to work on various aspects of communications and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this role and how it fits into the broader communications strategy for the Navy?
• How does this role collaborate with other teams, such as public affairs, marketing, and leadership, to align communication strategies with organizational goals?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in a high-security environment, and how can I best prepare for them?
• What opportunities are there for growth and development within this role and the broader organization?
• How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for growth and development, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether this role is the right fit for you.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role, including specific examples of your communication skills, project management experience, and ability to work in a high-security environment
• Prepare for your interview by researching the company, understanding Navy-specific communication guidelines and standards, and practicing common interview questions and your responses
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.