Government of the District of Columbia Hiring for Public Affairs Specialist at Washington, DC Full Time

This position is in the Office of Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (ODMPED). The mission of ODMPED assists the Mayor in the coordination, planning, supervision, and execution of economic development efforts in the District of Columbia with the goal of creating and preserving affordable housing, creating jobs, and increasing tax revenue. ODMPED pursues policies and programs that create strong neighborhoods, expand and diversify the local economy, and provide residents with pathways to the middle class. ODMPED sets economic development priorities and policies, coordinates how the District markets itself to businesses and entrepreneurs, and leads District real estate development and business attraction and growth efforts.

The incumbent functions as Public Affairs Specialist, responsible for: (1) focusing on internal and external communications activity efforts with minimal direction in support of ODMPED’s mission, ensuring that accurate information is distributed to District residents and other ODMPED stakeholders; and (2) strategic communications including issues or crisis response by predicting problems before they arise,, and laying out a strategic direction and focused course of action to solve them, and outlining a focused course of action for problems once they arise.

Duties and Responsibilities

Shares in the formulation of public information policies and operational procedures essential to the effective administration and coordination of all agency programs. Makes recommendation for internal communications methodologies and, upon approval implements the communication. Develops and disseminates news releases and other press documents describing office programs and related staff activities to local print and broadcast media representatives. Works with supervisor and other communication’s staff to keep websites current; and provides information to the public.

Plans, develops, and implements creative and effective communication strategies to inform the internal and external clients and organizations about ODMPED program initiatives and accomplishments. Defends, advocates, and promotes ODMPED leadership, external customers, the public, and associates. Shares in high-level policy–making meetings and conferences, serving as an advisor for new communication policy initiatives. Identifies and evaluates information that will further ODMPED mission and goals. This involves making observations, assessments, and recommendations.

Qualifications and Education

This position requires one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the District of Columbia government. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the line of work of the position and has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Licenses and Certifications

None

Working Conditions/Environment

Work is performed in an office setting.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday 8:15 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.

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

Promotional Potential: None

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.

Position Designation: This position has been designated as Security Sensitive. The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability – Security Sensitive.

Vaccination Requirement: The Government of the District of Columbia values the safety of our employees, our residents, and our visitors. In support of these values, if you are selected for this job you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except when vaccination is not medically advised or violates your sincerely held religious beliefs. If you are invited to join our team, you must submit proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to your initial HR representative, or you must request an exemption from your representative. New employees must either provide proof of vaccination or be granted a medical or religious exemption before working with the Government of the District of Columbia.

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.