Public Affairs Specialist

This position is located in the Department of Employment Services (DOES), Bureau of Economic Stability and Benefits, Office of Unemployment Compensation (OUC). It serves as a primary communications resource for the Office of Unemployment Compensation, advancing the program’s communication objectives by developing and coordinating clear, accurate, and timely information for internal and external audiences. Core duties include drafting and editing newsletters, preparing talking points and briefing materials for senior leadership, and supporting stakeholder communications across multiple channels.

The specialist will contribute to communication and media plans that reinforce agency and program priorities and ensure message alignment with federal standards. This position also requires direct engagement with the public during agency‑hosted events, serving as a professional representative of the organization. Strong writing and editing skills, sound judgement, and the ability to translate complex policy or program information into accessible messaging are essential.

The role directly impacts public trust, operational continuity, and compliance with U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) requirements by ensuring information is communicated consistently through digital platforms, customer‑facing materials, internal leadership messaging, and time‑sensitive communications.

• Assists in the development of communication plans, including determining specific topics, aspects to emphasize, and selecting the most effective media to reach target audiences.
• Provides input to management on possible public and media reactions to agency actions and on the information needs of the general public and specialized groups.
• Helps develop and maintain effective working relationships with print and broadcast media representatives to disseminate information or answer inquiries about the agency’s operations or activities.
• Plans and designs print and online material for public events, social media, workshops, and special projects, as assigned, in coordination with Communications staff and the Agency Director.
• Coordinates the outreach and community relations program, arranging meetings with District Council Members, ANC Commissioners, clergy, school and university officials, non‑profit organizations, advocacy groups, local and national law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders as appropriate.

Specialized

Experience:

Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position, typically in or related to the work of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

None

The work is performed in a normal office setting.

• Tour of Duty:
  Monday‑Friday 8:30 am‑5:00 pm or varies
• Operating Status:
  In‑person reporting, flexible and limited telework options available upon position eligibility and operational needs.
• Promotion Potential:
  No known promotion potential
• Duration of Appointment:
  Career Service – Term NTE 13‑Months
• Pay Plan, Series, and Grade: CS‑1035‑12
• Salary: $80,784 – $103,333;
  Based on qualifications and funding
• Collective Bargaining Unit (Union):
  This position is not covered by a Collective Bargaining Unit.
• Position Designation:
  This position has been designated as Security sensitive. The incumbent will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, including criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.
• Residency Requirement:
  Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” must maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
• 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.