Communications Specialist

Ward 6 Councilmember and Chair of the D.C. Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety Charles Allen seeks a Communications Specialist to join his team. The position offers strategic communications experience and the opportunity to exercise creativity in writing, editing, graphic design, photography, and videography. Among other responsibilities, the Communications Specialist will serve as daily content creator for the office’s social media, work as the principal photographer and videographer for the Councilmember in the Wilson Building and the community, develop newsletters, press releases, and remarks, maintain the office’s website, and work with members of the media. The position reports to the Deputy Chief of Staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with the Deputy Chief of Staff to support and strengthen all aspects of the office’s strategic communications
• Draft bi-monthly community newsletters and grow readership
• Lead social media content creation and manage office platforms
• In coordination with the legislative and constituent services teams, draft press releases, remarks, letters, and listserv and Nextdoor updates
• Serve as chief office photographer and videographer, including creating, editing, and captioning content
• Manage the office’s website
• Work with the Councilmember and senior staff on media requests, media pitches, and interview coordination and preparation
• Assist with planning, staffing, and outreach for virtual and in-person office events, including the Ward 6 Brickie awards, Ward 6 Week, town halls, community office hours, and community walk-throughs
• Prepare weekly media highlights for coverage and issues impacting the Councilmember and office

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to public service
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking skills and strong work ethic
• Experience communicating with diverse constituencies and developing an organizational voice
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing political and legislative environments
• Experience with various social media platforms and Adobe Creative Suite for photo and video editing and graphic design
• Talent for photo and video composition
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues
• Initiative to support a wide range of responsibilities within the office
• Flexibility and willingness to travel within Ward 6 and the District
• Familiarity with Ward 6 and local District issues and history
• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a similar field, or relevant experience
• District residency at the time of hiring or within 180 days thereafter

Councilmember Allen is committed to building a diverse, inclusive team and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color, women, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with lived experience of criminal justice system involvement.

SALARY RANGE: $60,000 - $70,000

BENEFITS: The Council of the District of Columbia offers a compensation package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; long- and short-term disability insurance; a 457(b) retirement program with a 3 percent employer match and a 5 percent entirely employer-funded contribution; 13 to 26 days of annual leave, based on years of employment; 13 days of sick leave; 8 weeks of paid family leave; 11 paid holidays; subsidized public transportation and bikeshare membership; and subsidized use of an off-site gym.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample via email to:

Kate Mitchell

Chief of Staff & Committee Director

Councilmember Charles Allen

John A. Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004 

kmitchell@dccouncil.us

COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY: The Council of the District of Columbia requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a third shot or “booster” if eligible. All new Council employees must present proof they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than one week prior to their start date or submit a Request for Vaccine Exemption Accommodation Form.