Public Affairs Specialist

This position is in the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Office of the Director, External Affairs Administration, Public Information Division.

The incumbent is responsible for participating in the development and implementation of a centralized DDOT communications office. The goal of the office is to further advance the communication efforts of DDOT both internally and externally to create an organization recognized as a leader in the public consciousness in quality, superior customer service, effective government interaction, and innovating trend-setting communication.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will serve as the lead to coordinate with the Public Information Officer (PIO) and other DDOT staff to establish priorities and objectives on short- and long-term outreach projects for the Agency. As a result, this person will develop and implement comprehensive internal and external communication programs to advance DDOT transportation policies and programs.

The Public Affairs Specialist will serve as the Public Information Officer, as needed, on DDOT news stories, press conferences and major policy announcements. The incumbent will coordinate with the Public Information Officer on requests and arrangements for press plans, press conferences, media interviews and press statements. Serve as a public information officer, as needed, on DDOT news stories, press conferences and major policy announcements.

Qualifications and Education

Applicant must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lowest grade level, or its non-District equivalent, gained from the public or private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This includes writing and editing experience, specifically news releases, speeches, web content, and newsletters; web content development and new media communication.

At least five (5) years of experience in public information, communication, public relations or media experience is preferred. A Bachelor's degree in media communications, journalism or a closely related field is desirable. A Master's degree or higher in media communications, journalism or a closely-related field, is strongly preferred.

Licenses and Certifications Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record.

Working Conditions/Environment

Work is primarily conducted in an office setting. However, incumbent may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions while outdoors visiting various site locations.

Other Significant Facts

Area of consideration: Open to the public

Tour of Duty: Varies

Duration of Appointment: Career Service – Regular

Promotional potential: No known promotional potential

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

Salary Range: 103,657.00; based on funding

Telework Policy: The District Government telework routine will be 1 day per week, effective March 10, 2024.

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not in a collective bargaining unit (non-union). This position may be subject to criminal background checks and/or driving record checks, as well as random drug and alcohol testing pursuant to DC Act 15-620.

Position Designation(s): 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.

This position is classified as an essential position under the provisions of the District Personnel Manual Chapter 12. As such, the incumbent is required to serve in emergency situations to perform critical duties, i.e., snow removal, debris removal, transportation, shelter operations, food distribution, and communications. These duties may be performed when the government is closed or when most employees are dismissed early.

Incumbent may be required to work weekends, evenings, and in on-call situations.

Benefits May Include:

Health and life insurance benefits and retirement benefits (More information about these benefits is available on the D.C. Department of Human Resources (DCHR) website at www.dchr.dc.gov.)

• Complimentary Capital BikeShare Membership
• Continued professional development, and professional growth through d.University, the in-house training available for all DDOT employees
• Flexible work schedule (team and role dependent)
• Employer-assisted housing loan program, providing payment and/or closing cost financing for first-time home buyers (restrictions apply).

EEO Statemet : The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, homeless status, and/or victims or family members of victims of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking.