Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Experience
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Caleb Lester

Annandale,VA

Summary

Dynamic communications professional with a proven track record at the Town of Vienna Government, enhancing digital engagement by 275%. Skilled in media relations and crisis communications, I excel in crafting compelling narratives and managing strategic outreach, ensuring brand consistency and fostering community connections through innovative content creation and collaborative teamwork.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Deputy Communications Director (Communications Specialist)

Town of Vienna Government
Vienna, VA
03.2022 - Current

Help lead editorial and communications strategy for a municipal government serving more than 16,000 residents, producing digital content, newsletters, and media communications that translate complex policy and public information into accessible updates for the community.

• Increased social media engagement by 275% and e-newsletter engagement by 110% through improved content strategy and messaging.

• Manage editorial production for the Town’s digital communications including newsletters, website updates, press releases, and social media content.

• Track and analyze digital engagement metrics across email, social media, and website platforms using Google Analytics and Hootsuite.

• Curate and prioritize government updates and announcements for digital distribution across email and social channels.

• Draft and edit newsletter content highlighting town initiatives, public policy updates, and community news.

• Oversee the Town’s social media content calendar and collaborate with departments to ensure timely and accurate communications.

• Respond to daily media inquiries and help shape official statements and messaging on breaking news and public issues.

• Coordinate real-time public communications during emergencies, service disruptions, and major town developments.

• Maintain relationships with local and national media outlets including The Washington Post, NBC, WTOP, and WJLA.

• Serve as acting Public Information Director when needed and advise elected officials and department leaders on messaging and public engagement.

Clerk to the Board of Zoning Appeals

Fairfax County Government
Fairfax, VA
01.2020 - 03.2022

• Supervised staff and coordinated weekly public meetings and hearings.

• Served as primary contact for public information requests and media inquiries.

• Ensured accuracy and transparency of official records and communications.

• Drafted and edited official government communications, public notices, and website content.

Director of Communications

Office of Jeffrey C. McKay, Fairfax County BOS
Alexandria, Virginia
06.2018 - 01.2020

• Managed digital communications including newsletters, social media content, press releases, and speeches.

• Drafted and edited op-eds, talking points, and messaging on public policy and civic issues.

• Developed communication campaigns supporting policy initiatives and community outreach.

• Managed relationships with media outlets and responded to daily press inquiries.

• Increased press coverage, digital reach, and social media following by approximately 30%.

• Tracked campaign engagement and media coverage using digital analytics tools.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Public Administration

George Mason University
Fairfax

Skills

  • Media and public relations
  • Crisis communications
  • Marketing and copywriting
  • Proofreading
  • Digital content creation
  • Social media strategy
  • Brand messaging
  • Research and media coverage
  • Project management
  • Team collaboration and engagement

Additional Experience

SUPPLEMENTAL EXPERIENCE

City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation – Events Manager (2017-Present)

Fairfax County Department of Family Services – Case Manager (2017-2018)

U.S. House of Representatives – Communications Assistant (Intern) (2016)

U.S. State Department – Communications Assistant (Intern) (2015)

Affiliations

Member – National Association of Government Communicators

Timeline

Deputy Communications Director (Communications Specialist)

Town of Vienna Government
03.2022 - Current

Clerk to the Board of Zoning Appeals

Fairfax County Government
01.2020 - 03.2022

Director of Communications

Office of Jeffrey C. McKay, Fairfax County BOS
06.2018 - 01.2020

Bachelor of Science - Public Administration

George Mason University
Caleb Lester