Public Affairs Specialist

DC Department of Human Resources; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 93,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) Office of Public Affairs seeks a public information professional to develop and disseminate information about DOES programs and services. The role coordinates responses to information requests, issues corrections of media stories, and crafts stories for various outlets to promote DOES initiatives.

Responsibilities include planning campaigns, preparing press materials, and advising leadership on media responses.

Qualifications

• 1 year of specialized experience at or above the next lower grade level.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communication, or related field with knowledge of media relations and pitching.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement comprehensive public affairs campaigns to enhance understanding of the organization.
• Draft content for press releases, speeches, blogs, and statements for public and stakeholder audiences.
• Advise top management on potential media reactions to policy statements or actions.
• Organize workshops and outreach activities to engage community organizations.

Skills

Media relations

Speech writing

Press events

Strategic communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism/communication

Job description

Job Summary

This position is located in the Department of Employment Services (DOES) Office of Public Affairs. The mission of DOES is to connect District residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, effective working communities.

This position is located in the Department of Employment Services (DOES) Office of Public Affairs. The mission of DOES is to connect District residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, effective working communities.

The primary purpose of this position develops and disseminates public information on all aspects the DOES, coordinating official responses to requests for information, issues corrections of media stories; and disseminates information to the public, media, partners, organizations and other District of Columbia government agencies. The incumbent also writes media advisories, press releases and official statements; crafts and pitches stories; plans, organizes and executes communication strategies and campaigns, to promote DOES programs, services, training, and outreach.

Duties And Responsibilities

Plans, initiates, and implements comprehensive public affairs campaigns to enhance the understanding of the organization's programs in achieving greater understanding of the organization's mission and functions. Evaluates information problems encountered in communicating the organization's programs. Advise on and recommend specific information activities designed to meet these problems. Analyzes information needs in terms of the public needs to be met and provides advice on program information problems to program staff. Advises the organization’s top management officials on the possible public and media reactions to proposed policy statements or organization's actions. Formulates and recommend policies, programs and procedures governing information functions related to the work of the organization.

Develops and disseminates a wide range of information and data concerning the nature and objectives of organization programs, employing all types of media outlets. Prepares newsletters or other communications for distribution to the components within the organization to keep them acquainted with programs at organization headquarters. Prepares and/or drafts content for press releases, speeches, blog articles, internet or other outlets which convey to the general public or specific stakeholder groups information about programs and/or services, testimonies or comments for proposed local and federal regulations, and/or recommendations impacting the delivery of programs and services. Represents the organization in a variety of community outreach activities, meetings, and public forums; speaks to groups and individuals regarding activities and services; and participates as an active member of designated community organizations and/or committees. Arranges and conduct workshops, seminars, and other meetings with various organizations in stimulating participation in organization activities, identifying their concerns.

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.

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communication, or related field with extensive knowledge of the various principles of communication, media relations and pitching, speech writing, and press event planning preferred.

Licensures, Certifications, And Other Requirements

None

Work Conditions/Environment

Work is performed in an office setting and sometimes in various neighborhoods around the District of Columbia.

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-1035-13

Salary: $93,069- $119,916; 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.