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: Mid-level (2+ years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (not remote)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and managing communication programs for a U.S. Navy facility
• Creating engaging content for various platforms and audiences
• Supporting media relations and community outreach initiatives
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align communication strategies

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

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop, write, and edit content for articles, feature stories, news releases, statements, and other communications materials

✅ Conduct interviews and perform research to gather information for communication pieces

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

✅ Manage social media platforms, 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

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

ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional local travel to attend or cover off-site events or community engagement activities.

🎯 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: A SECRET Clearance is required for this role, and candidates should be prepared to undergo a background check.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000 per year (based on industry standards for a mid-level communications specialist 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, with occasional evening or weekend work for events and community outreach programs

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Libraries (Library Systems & Services LLC specializes in library management and operates public libraries across the US)

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees (Library Systems & Services LLC is a mid-sized company with a significant presence in the library management industry)

Founded: 1981 (Library Systems & Services LLC was founded in 1981 and has since grown to become the nation’s only company focused on library management)

Company Description:

• Library Systems & Services (LS&S) partners with local governments to operate public libraries and library systems
• LS&S focuses on innovation and keeps partner libraries on the leading edge of information science
• LS&S library professionals work hard every day to provide the best possible service to library patrons

Company Specialties:

• Library management
• Public library operations
• Information science

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

ASSUMPTION: Library Systems & Services LLC is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the library management industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level (This role requires 2+ years of relevant experience and offers opportunities for growth and development)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Communications Manager and works closely with cross-functional teams, including public affairs, marketing, and leadership

Work Arrangement: On-site (This role requires working on-site at a U.S. Navy facility in Dahlgren, VA)

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a senior communications role within the company
• Expanding expertise in military or government communications
• Developing skills in event planning, community outreach, or media relations

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the company and the broader communications industry.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site (This role requires working on-site at a U.S. Navy facility in Dahlgren, VA)

Office Location(s): Dahlgren, VA

Geographic Context:

• Dahlgren, VA is a small town located in King George County, Virginia
• The area offers a mix of rural and suburban living, with easy access to nearby cities such as Fredericksburg and Washington D.C.
• The cost of living in Dahlgren is generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with occasional evening or weekend work for events and community outreach programs

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a high-security environment and be prepared to undergo a background check.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the Communications Manager and other team members
• Background check and clearance process
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and editing skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of Navy-specific communication guidelines and standards (if applicable)

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Provide examples of your writing and communication work, such as press releases, articles, or social media content
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with military or government communications and any relevant clearance information

ATS Keywords: Communications, Public Relations, Writing, Editing, Media Relations, Community Outreach, Social Media, Navy, Military, Government, Clearance

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may take longer than usual due to the background check and clearance process required for working on a U.S. Navy facility.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Hootsuite (social media management platform)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) - for graphic design and visual content creation (if applicable)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using standard office equipment and communication tools, as well as social media management platforms.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-focused
• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Adaptable
• Professional

Work Style:

• Team-oriented
• Adaptable to changing priorities and deadlines
• Comfortable working in a high-security environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have experience working in a military or government setting, and are you comfortable with the associated security protocols?
• Are you adaptable and able to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment?
• Do you have strong writing, editing, and communication skills, and are you comfortable creating content for various platforms and audiences?

ASSUMPTION: Library Systems & Services LLC values candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, and committed to providing high-quality service to library patrons and other stakeholders.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working in a high-security environment with strict clearance requirements
• Managing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Adapting to changing priorities and deadlines, as well as shifting communication strategies and goals
• Occasional local travel to attend or cover off-site events or community engagement activities

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a high-security environment and be prepared to undergo a background check. They should also be adaptable and able to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other communications roles in that it requires a SECRET Clearance and working on-site at a U.S. Navy facility
• Military or government communications experience may be beneficial but is not always required for similar roles in the private sector
• Career paths for communications specialists may vary depending on the industry and organization, but opportunities for growth and development are available in both the public and private sectors

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar roles in the private sector, and candidates should be prepared to adapt to the specific requirements and environment of working on a U.S. Navy facility.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a social media strategy for a U.S. Navy facility
• Creating and distributing press releases and media alerts for Navy-related events and initiatives
• Planning and executing community outreach events to engage local residents and stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: Sample projects for this role may vary depending on the specific needs and priorities of the U.S. Navy facility and Library Systems & Services LLC.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most significant challenges facing the communications team in the next 6-12 months, and how can this role help address them?
• How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for the U.S. Navy facility, and how will my work contribute to achieving the facility's goals?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the company and the broader communications industry?
• How does Library Systems & Services LLC support its employees in maintaining work-life balance, especially in a high-security environment?
• What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, and how do they align with my own strengths and experiences?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process to demonstrate their interest in the role and the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Provide examples of your writing and communication work, such as press releases, articles, or social media content
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with military or government communications and any relevant clearance information
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process

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