Public Affairs Specialist

DC Government; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 81,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

DC Government seeks a Public Affairs Specialist for the Office of Paid Family Leave to advance communication objectives by delivering clear, accurate information to diverse audiences and coordinating outreach activities.

The role focuses on developing plans, media liaison, and coordinating materials for events and public engagement. This in-person position requires managing communications in a government environment with potential limited telework.

Qualifications

• Specialized Experience: Experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge and abilities to perform duties in public communications for a government program.
• One year of specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
• No Licensures, Certifications, and other requirements beyond standard government expectations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate clear, accurate, and timely information for internal and external audiences.
• Plan and design print and online materials for public events, social media, workshops, and special projects.
• Coordinate outreach with District Council Members, ANC Commissioners, clergy, schools, non-profits, and law enforcement as appropriate.

Skills

Public communications

Media relations

Event coordination

Job description

This position is located in the D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES), Division of Tax for the Office of Paid Family Leave (OPFL). The Department of Employment Services (DOES) mission is to connect District residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, effective working communities. The mission of the Office of Paid Family Leave is to plan, develop, and administer a paid leave program for the District of Columbia under the provisions of the Universal Paid Leave Amendment Act of 2016 ("Paid Leave Act").

This position is established to serve as one of the primary communications resources for the Office of Paid Family Leave (OPFL). The Public Affairs Specialist will advance the Program's communication objectives by developing and coordinating clear, accurate, and timely information for internal and external audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assists in the development of communication plans including such factors as specific topics or aspects to emphasize, the most effective media to utilize in communicating with target audiences, etc. provides input to management on the possible public and media reactions to agency actions, as well as the information needs of the general public and various specialized groups.

Helps develop and maintain effective working relationships with print and broadcast media representatives in disseminating information or answering inquiries about the agency's operations or activities. Plans and designs print and online material for public events, social media, workshops, and special projects, as assigned, Communications staff and Agency Director

Coordinates the outreach and community relations program, which involved arranging meetings with District Council Members, ANC Commissioners, members of the clergy, school and university officials, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, local and national law enforcement agencies, and/or others, as appropriate.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licensures, Certifications, and other requirements

None

Work Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in a normal office setting.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday 8:30 am- 5:00 pm or Varies

Operating Status: In-Person reporting, flexible and limited telework options available upon position eligibility and operational needs.

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Duration of Appointment: Career Service – Term NTE 13-Months

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-1035-12

Salary: $80,784- $103,333; Based on qualifications and funding

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not covered by a Collective Bargaining Unit.

Position Designation: This position has been designated as Security sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.

Residency Preference: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.