Public Information Officer

DC Government; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

District of Columbia Government seeks a communications leader for the DHCD Office of the Director. The role directs department-wide public information programs and develops long-range strategies to engage diverse audiences across the district.

The incumbent serves as the department's principal spokesperson, advises executive leadership on messaging, and coordinates with agencies, stakeholders, and housing partners to ensure consistent communications.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade.

Responsibilities

• Directs and administers comprehensive Department-wide public information and communications programs to inform, educate, and engage the public, news media, employees, stakeholders, and other audiences regarding DHCD's mission, programs, policies, initiatives, and services.
• Develops and implements short- and long-range communications, public information, media relations, marketing, and community outreach strategies to support Department objectives and priorities.
• Serves as the Department's principal spokesperson and responds to media inquiries by providing accurate, timely, and authoritative information concerning Department programs, activities, policies, and initiatives.
• Advises the Director, executive leadership, and senior program officials on communications strategies, public messaging, media relations, emerging issues, and methods for communicating complex or sensitive Department information to diverse audiences.
• Coordinates with the Director, executive staff, Department divisions, other District government agencies, community organizations, housing stakeholders, and other external partners to develop consistent messaging and promote public understanding of Department programs and initiatives.

Skills

Public information

Media relations

Communications strategy

Stakeholder coordination

Job description

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This position is located in the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Office of the Director. The mission of DHCD is to produce and preserve opportunities for affordable housing and economic development and to revitalize underserved communities in the District of Columbia.

The incumbent works under the general direction of the Director of DHCD. Assignments are initiated through broad objectives, discussions, conferences, and directives that establish the overall mission, priorities, and expected results. The incumbent independently plans, organizes, and carries out communications and public information activities and determines the approaches, methods, and resources necessary to

accomplish assigned objectives.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Directs and administers comprehensive Department-wide public information and communications programs to inform, educate, and engage the public, news media, employees, stakeholders, and other audiences regarding DHCD's mission, programs, policies, initiatives, and services. Develops and implements short- and long-range communications, public information, media relations, marketing, and community outreach strategies to support Department objectives and priorities. Serves as the Department's principal spokesperson and responds to media inquiries by providing accurate, timely, and authoritative information concerning Department programs, activities, policies, and initiatives.

Advises the Director, executive leadership, and senior program officials on communications strategies, public messaging, media relations, emerging issues, and methods for communicating complex or sensitive Department information to diverse audiences. Analyzes internal and external information needs to identify communications issues, opportunities, and potential risks and develops recommendations and communications initiatives to address identified needs. Coordinates with the Director, executive staff, Department divisions, other District government agencies, community organizations, housing stakeholders, and other external partners to develop consistent messaging and promote public understanding of Department programs and initiatives.

Qualifications and Education

Candidates must haveSpecialized experiencethat equipped the applicant with the 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 leastthe next lower grade in the normal line of progression.

License and Certification

None

Work is performed in an office setting that is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

Other Significant Facts

Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service – Regular Appt.

Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:15 am - 4:45 pm

Pay Plan, Series, Grade: MS-1001-14

Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential

Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service (MSS): At-will employment applies to the MSS. All positions and appointments in the MSS serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.

Position Designation: This position has been deemed Security Sensitive under the guidelines of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations. Accordingly, incumbents must successfully pass a criminal background and consumer credit check as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing, and post-accident or incident drug and alcohol testing for the duration of their tenure.

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.