Job Description

We are excited in your interest to join DC Health (The District of Columbia Department of Health), a nationally accredited public health department ( ) Where our Vision is for Washington, D.C. to be the healthiest city in America. We believe that all people - no matter their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, education level, age, language, religion, ability, or geographic location - should have the opportunity to live healthy lives.


DC Health is focused on providing the essential public health services (10 Essential Public Health Services) necessary to protect and promote the health of all people in all communities and remove systemic and structural barriers that have resulted in health inequities through the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals (PH Core Competencies.)


Bring your professional career to Washington, D.C., the most dynamic and diverse city in the country. Join us as you are appreciated, developed, and rewarded and play a vital role in DC Health achieving our Strategic Priorities and Values:


We look forward to reviewing your candidacy, be well and good luck!


Job Summary


This position is located in the Department of Health (DC Health) within the Office of The Director, Office of Communications. DC Health promotes health, wellness, and equity across the District, and protects the safety of residents, visitors, and those doing business in the nation's capital. DC Health believes that all people - no matter their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, education level, age, language, religion, ability, or geographic location - should have the opportunity to live healthy lives.


The Public Affairs Specialist, sitting within DC Health's Office of Communications, is responsible for supporting media relations, message development, and communications campaigns in service to DC Health's public health priorities. The role requires monitoring media coverage, draft press releases and communications products, preparing executives for public appearances through talking points and briefing memos, and executing social media and public communications campaigns, as well as familiarity with DC's communities, public health landscape, and DC Health's programs and services.


Integral to this role is a strong commitment to responsive, high-quality public communication. The Public Affairs Specialist supports the development and implementation of communications strategies, drafts talking points and messaging for agency leadership, manages media inquiries and press relationships, and develops and executes communications campaigns to advance DC Health's objectives, impact, and available resources.


Major Duties and Responsibilities


Coordinates the development of a Communications Plan that supports the mission of the DC Health. Serves as a key advisor and liaison on matters concerning DCH public information and outreach. Serves as a key advisor to the Administration for policymaking decisions and is a key representative on joint Federal, State, and local efforts in the development, design, and production of District-wide promotional and communications campaigns. Analyzes and monitors program performance and outreach activities and identifies production problems requiring corrective action, including recommendations to the Director as to changes in public relations policy and procedures.


Coordinates with the Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist and other DCH staff to establish priorities and objectives on short and long term communications projects for the Agency. Coordinates with the Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist and other DCH senior management staff to design and implement the strategic branding strategy for the Agency. Conceptualizes, designs, and supervises the production of promotional materials, including annual reports, environmental signing, brochures, newsletters, multi-media slide presentations, public service announcements to a wide array of media outlets, print and television advertisements and other types of advertising. Assists in the development and efficient implementation of a strategic branding strategy for the DC Health.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade in the normal line of progression.


Licenses and Certifications


None required.


Working Conditions / Environment


The incumbent must be able to carry out official duties in a variety of settings and conditions. Routine work will occur primarily in an office setting.


Other Significant Facts

Employment Sponsorship: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa currently.


Agency Wide Consideration: Qualified individuals that submit applications for this vacancy may be considered for other current open vacancies for which they qualify within DC Health.


Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:15am - 4:45pm


Area of Consideration: Open to the Public


Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential


Duration of Appointment: Career Service Regular Appointment


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


Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): T his position is not in a collective bargaining unit.


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:

1. (a) Criminal background check;
2. (b) Traffic record check (as applicable);
3. (c) Consumer credit check (as applicable);
4. (d) Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; and
5. (e) Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.

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, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Job Tags

Temporary work, Work at office, Local area, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, Monday to Friday

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