Public Affairs Specialist

Job Summary
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 for quality, superior customer service, effective government interaction, and innovative, trend-setting communication. The incumbent also leads and coordinates all Joint Information Center (JIC) activities in partnership with the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) during emergencies, planned events, and incident response operations. This includes coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to ensure the timely dissemination of accurate, consistent, and critical public information to residents, stakeholders, media outlets, and partner agencies.

Duties And Responsibilities
The incumbent will develop and implement comprehensive internal and external communication programs to advance DDOT transportation policies and programs. Plans, develops and implements creative and effective communications strategies to inform the internal and external clients and organizations about DDOT's program initiatives and accomplishments. Also, conducts studies, analyzes, and an interchange of ideas and issues to help determine the public's needs and views regarding DDOT services; evaluates their responses; and drafts new or revised communications and informational programs.

The Public Affairs Specialist coordinates with the Public Information Officer on requests and arrangements for press plans, press conferences, media interviews and press statements. Also, serves 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 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
The work is performed in a normal office setting. Attendance at designated meetings on days, evenings, and weekends outside of the incumbent's normal tour of duty may be required.

Additional Qualifications
Applicants claiming "Residency Preference" will be required to 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 does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.

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