DC Department of Human Resources Hiring for Public Affairs Specialist at Lincoln, NE Full Time

We are excited in your interest to join DC Health (The District of Columbia Department of Health), a nationally accredited public health department (https://phaboard.org/) Where our Vision is for Washington, D.C. to be the healthiest city in America.  We believe that all people – no matter their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, education level, age, language, religion, ability, or geographic location – should have the opportunity to live healthy lives. 

DC Health is focused on providing the essential public health services (10 Essential Public Health Services) necessary to protect and promote the health of all people in all communities and remove systemic and structural barriers that have resulted in health inequities through the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (PH Core Competencies.)    

Bring your professional career to Washington, D.C., the most dynamic and diverse city in the country. Join us as you are appreciated, developed, and rewarded and play a vital role in DC Health achieving our Strategic Priorities and Values:  

We look forward to reviewing your candidacy, be well and good luck! 

Job Summary

This position is located in the DC Health’s, Office of the Chief of Staff. The incumbent will work under the direction of the Director of Communications and Community Relations to advance the vision, mission, goals, and strategic priorities DC Health. The Office of Communications and Community Relations oversees communications for the Department of Health and its stakeholders. The Office of Communications and Community Relations is involved in establishing and maintaining communications with District agencies and the general public, advising agency management on public relations, and identifying and carrying out public communication related to DC Health policies and programs. The department also uses an array of communications tactics, including digital media, press outreach, branding, messaging, and community relations. The position is at the intersection between public relations and health information.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

The incumbent in this position plays a vital role in the daily operations of the Office of Communications and Community Relations, contributes to the development of policies, protocols, budgets, and plans. Acting as a key advisor, they liaise on matters related to DC Health’s public information and outreach, representing the agency in joint federal, state, and local initiatives for District-wide promotional and communications campaigns. The role involves analyzing and monitoring program performance and outreach activities, with the responsibility to provide recommendations for enhancing communication effectiveness.

As a lead coordinator with the Director of Communications and Community Relations, the incumbent helps establish priorities and objectives for short and long-term outreach projects. They take charge in designing and implementing the strategic branding strategy for the Agency. The role extends to conceptualizing and supervising the production of various promotional materials, overseeing DC Health’s social media channels, conducting media/communications training workshops, and serving as a spokesperson for DC Health with the media and the broader public. Additionally, the incumbent coordinates communications during emergencies, manages public information and community outreach activities, represents the Agency in community events, and fosters collaborative partnerships with local, regional, and national organizations to advance the Agency’s goals and objectives. This comprehensive role underscores the individual’s multifaceted responsibilities in shaping and maintaining positive public relations for DC Health.

Qualifications And Education

Individuals must possess at least one (1) years of specialized experience equivalent to the grade (13) level.  Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as leadership or direction of professional work from the major of public health information.

Bachelor’s degree or higher in media communications, journalism, or closely related field, is highly preferred for this position.

Minimum Preferred Skills And Experience To Include

• 5-8 years Public information, communication, public relations, or media experience.
• Writing and editing experience specifically news releases, speeches, web content, and newsletters; web content development and news media communication background.
• Experience communicating with the public and elected leadership preferred.
• Experience related to communications in a public health setting or related to public health is highly desirable.

Licensure/Certification

Accreditation in Public Relations, as certified by the Public Relations Society of America, is strongly preferred.

Working Conditions / Environment  

The incumbent must be able to carry out official duties in a variety of settings and conditions.  Routine work will occur primarily in an office setting. 

Other Significant Facts   

Employment Sponsorship: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa currently. 

Agency Wide Consideration: Qualified individuals that submit applications for this vacancy may be considered for other current open vacancies for which they qualify within DC Health. 

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

Area of Consideration:  Open to the Public

Promotion Potential:  No Know Promotional Potential

Duration of Appointment:    Career Service (Permanent)

Pay Plan, Series and Grade:  CS-1035-14

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

Position Designation:    

This Position Has Been Designated As Security Sensitive. Pursuant To Section 410 Of Chapter 4 Of The D.C. Personnel Regulations; In Addition To The General Suitability Screening, Individuals Applying For Or Occupying Security Sensitive Positions Are Subject To The Following Checks And Tests

• Criminal background check.
• Traffic record check (as applicable).
• Consumer credit check (as applicable).
• Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; and
• Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test

Essential Designation: This position has been designated as Essential.

Employees Occupying Positions Designated As Essential Are Required To

• Report to work, and/or remain at work, in order to carry out responsibilities outlined in the “Critical Operations – Essential and Emergency Designations” section shown above.
• Remain at their duty station, or alternate work location (approved by their supervisor) when a situation or condition arises and results in the declaration or announcement of an early dismissal for non-essential/non-emergency employees.
• Report to their duty station on time and as required when a situation or condition occurs which results in a declared emergency resulting in a late arrival or unexpected closing of District government offices for non-essential/non-emergency employees.
• Carry or wear their official District government ID card during the period of the declared emergency, if not teleworking. 

EEO Statement:  The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.