Director Of Communications And Community Relations

This position is in the Office of the Chief of Staff (OCoS) in the Office of the Director at DC Health. The incumbent serves as a senior communications manager responsible for developing overarching strategies and tactics for effective communications for the agency, and then ensures that they are executed effectively.

The incumbent ensures the smooth flow of internal and external communications are coordinated across the six functional administrations within DC Health and that they are appropriately aligned with DC Health’s mission, vision and strategic priorities.

This individual leads of the Office of Communications and Community Relations (OCCR) establishing and maintaining mutual communication between District agencies, internal DC Health administrations, and the general public. They advise agency management on policy formulation and the potential public reaction to proposed policy, and identifying and carry out the public communication requirements inherent in disseminating policy decisions.

The work will also involve the implementation of a sustainable communications strategy, focused digital campaign management, media and press outreach, strategic development of DC Health branding, messaging and communications, and management of the communications team. DC Health leverages an array of communications tactics including digital media, press outreach, branding, messaging and community relations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The incumbent of this position also serves as DC Health's Public Information Officer and will be responsible for overseeing the internal and external communications matters for DC Health, including managing inquiries from the press and constituents, performing research, writing and/or liaison work on broad, and critical program matters.

The incumbent participates in the formulation of public information policies and operational procedures essential to the effective administration and coordination of all office programs. The incumbent provides leadership and guidance in appropriate internal and external communications methodologies, including development of an overall communications strategy for the agency, in coordination with the Mayor's Office of Communications.

The incumbent ensures the strategy includes plans for major campaigns to disseminate information about the agency and its major programs, as well as appropriate methods of disseminating information internal to the Office. The incumbent serves as the "on-the-record" spokesperson with all media, including broadcast, on-line and print media. The incumbent will also serve as the press liaison to the Mayor's Office of Communication, as well as public information officer from other city agencies, on breaking news stories, press conferences and major policy announcements.

The incumbent develops and disseminates news releases and other press documents describing agency programs and related staff activities to local print and broadcast media representatives. Serves as the point of contact for requests and arrangements for press plans, press conference, and media interviews and press statements.

The incumbent manages the team that coordinates print and broadcast media interviews for the Director and oversees all arrangements with the medial involving agency activities, provides photographs and other materials as needed. Confers with management and supervisors to identify internal communications needs and methodologies. Makes recommendations for the internal communication methodologies and upon approval, implements them. The incumbent builds and foster strategic relations with key community stakeholders and partners.

Qualifications and Education:

Individual must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the grade 14 level. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as leadership or direction of work in quality improvement/assurance, system/process analysis, policy analysis, or similar work experience.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in media communications, journalism or closely related field; master's degree or higher in medial communications, journalism or closely related field, strongly preferred.

Licensure/Certification:

Accreditation in Public Relations, as certified by the Public Relations Society of America, strongly preferred.

Working Conditions/Environment:

This work is performed primarily in an office setting.

Other Significant Facts:

Pay Plan, Series, and Grade:

MS-1035-15

Tour of Duty:

Monday - Friday - 8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Promotion Potential:

No Known Promotion Potential

Duration of Appointment:

MSS - At-will - All positions and appointments in the Management Supervisory Services serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at a time with or without cause.

Collective Bargaining Unit:

This position is not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Position Designation:

This position has been designated as Security Sensitive.

Pursuant to section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations; in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying security sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests:

(a) Criminal background check.

(b) Traffic record check (as applicable).

(c) Consumer credit check (as applicable).

(d) Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; and

(e) Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.

Emergency Designation:

This position has been designated as Emergency.

Employees occupying positions designated as Emergency are required to:

• Report to their duty station, when activated, on time and as scheduled when a situation or condition occurs during non-work hours, and results in the late arrival or closing of District government offices for non-essential/non-emergency employees.
• Provide advice, recommendations, and/or specific functional support necessary for the continuity of operations during a declared emergency.
• Remain at their duty station, or alternate work location (approved by their supervisor), if activated, when a situation or condition occurs and results in early dismissal for nonessential/non-emergency employees.
• Telework during a declared emergency, instead of remaining or reporting to his or her duty station, if directed by the agency head (or designee), supervisor or manager.

• Carry or wear their official District government ID card during the period of the declared emergency, if not teleworking.

Residency Requirement:(if applicable):

If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.

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.