Public Affairs Specialist

This position is located in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME), Office of Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcome. The This position description depicts generalized duties and responsibilities required of a position with the primary responsibility for identifying communication needs; developing informational material that inform appropriate publics of the organization's policies, programs, services, and activities; and planning, executing, and evaluating the effectiveness of information and communication programs in furthering organization goals.

This position conducts the public affairs program for an organization with responsibilities for the full framework of communication to facilitate the effective communication between management and various publics internal and external. The work involves developing and providing staff direction, which involves all public information both internal and external, and community relations activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Develops communication plans, including such factors as specific topics or aspects to emphasize the most effective media to utilize in communicating with target audiences, etc. Identifies, summarizes, and analyzes public comments submitted to the organization.

Prepares articles for publication, and other informational materials and strategies for communicating activities to support the total management efforts. Develops informational materials, such as news releases, fact sheets, feature stories, and background statements.

Advises management on the possible public and media reactions to organization actions, as well as the information needs of the general public and various specialized groups. Advises top level staff on all controversial or sensitive correspondence and works with staff to ensure that communications distributed comply with governmental regulations and procedures.

Writes articles and speeches for organizational official(s) to specialized publics; prepares and publishes organization publications in keeping all internal personnel informed of programs, activities, and career information. Writes public involvement plans for informing and involving the public on issues of local, state, and federal significance, as appropriate.

Reviews all public information materials, publications, media productions, and activities for the organization to assure adherence to policies and regulations. Initiates and prepares responses to inquiries from interested groups, and the general public concerning policies and activities of public involvement.

Qualifications and Education

Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the CS-11 grade level in the District of Columbia government service, or equivalent public or private sector. Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes a thorough knowledge of the mission, functions, and goals of the organization to facilitate communication between the organization and its public on program-related problems, activities, or issues. Skill in making oral presentations designed to obtain cooperation and open communications between the organization, target audiences, media, and general public. Skill in writing a variety of articles, speeches, news releases in conveying information and clarifying organization's operations, programs and activities to specialized audiences and general public.

Licenses and Certifications

None

Working Conditions/Environment

Work is performed in an office setting, and sometimes in various neighborhoods around the District of Columbia.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday; 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Hours may vary)

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-1035-12

Salary Range: $80,784 – $103,333 Per Annual, based on funding

Duration of Appointment: Career Service Permanent

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

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

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.