Public Affairs Specialist

This position is located in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services (DMHHS). DMHHS supports the Mayor in coordinating a comprehensive system of benefits, goods and services across multiple agencies to ensure that children, youth and adults, with and without disabilities, can lead healthy, meaningful and productive lives.

Incumbent is responsible for providing support to the Communications Director and overall public affairs needs of DMHHS. Incumbent works with the Communications Director to identify communication needs and develop information materials that informs identified communities of the office’s policies, programs, services, and activities

.Duties and Responsibilities

Supports the Communications Director for internal and external communication matters for DMHHS including handing press inquiries and constituent concerns. Reviews press releases for final review by the Communications Director and Chief of Staff when needed. Disseminates new releases and other press documents describing office programs and related activities.

Serves as the office’s point of contact for requests and arrangements for press, plans, press conferences, media interviews, and press statements. Developed information materials such as press releases, fact sheets, feature stories and background statements.

Performs research and writing where requested to develop communication plans highlighting specific topics to emphasize the most effective media methods to use in communicating with target audiences.

Provides expertise and guidance in the development of policies, programs, and decisions to ensure effective communication strategies are incorporated into the operations across DMHHS. Advises management on potential public and media reactions to actions taken by the agency. Advises senior management on public information and community relations that impact the agency.

Assists the Communications Director in managing the office and clustering stories in the works submissions by providing drafts and following up with the Executive Office of the Mayor (EOM) as needed. Supports cluster agencies with their messaging and their submission of EOM reports. Support cluster agencies in active media pitching and track accordingly.

Supports DMHHS in mayoral event memos including coordinating responses, review of responses, and submission to EOM. Plans social media content for the office and initiatives.

Qualifications and Education

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

Licenses and Certifications

None

Working Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office.

Other Significant Facts

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

Tour of Duty: 8:30AM to 5:00PM, Monday - Friday

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Duration of Appointment: Career Service Permanent

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

Position Designation: The position has been deemed security sensitive. Accordingly, the incumbent will be subject to pre-employment checks (criminal background checks, consumer credit check, traffic record checks, if applicable) as a condition of employment, and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of your tenure.

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.