Job Information
Mayor's Office of Talent and Appointments (MOTA) Director of Communications and Outreach - Deputy Mayor for Education in Washington, District Of Columbia
POSITION: Director of Communication and Outreach
OFFICE: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME)
OPEN: January 13, 2025
CLOSED: Open until filled
GRADE: Excepted Service, Grade 8 (ES-8)
SALARY: $130,000
This is an Excepted Service position. Selected candidate must be a District resident or establish residency within 180 days of hire.
Current District of Columbia residents will receive priority and advanced preference for screening and interviews.
background The Bowser Administration seeks qualified candidates to serve as Director of Communications and Outreach in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME). The mission of DME is to develop and implement the Mayor's vision for academic excellence and creating a high quality education continuum from birth to 24 (from early childhood to K-12 to post-secondary and the workforce). The three major functions of DME include:
Overseeing a District-wide education strategy
Managing interagency and cross-sector coordination
Providing oversight and/or support for all agencies in the Deputy Mayor for Education's agency cluster including --DC Public Schools (DCPS), Office of the State Superintendent for Education (OSSE),Public Charter School Board (PCSB), University of the District of Columbia (UDC), Community College of the District of Columbia (CCDC), DC Public Libraries (DCPL), DC Parks and Recreation (DPR), Department of Employment Services (DOES), and the Workforce Investment Council (WIC).
The Director of Communications and Outreach is a key DME staff member tasked with advancing the Office's mission by developing and implementing the office's strategic communication, and engaging efforts for the cluster agencies assigned to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education. This position serves as a liaison with the Mayor's Office of Communications.
Major duties
Develops and utilizes a variety of communication modalities to inform, involve and engage stakeholders in DME's mission, values and programs. Participates in the development of communications plan that details the office's strategic and tactical communications goals and objectives.
Responsible for supporting the development of, and review, as necessary, of cluster agency communications materials, including memos and press releases, intended for dissemination around mayoral priorities and events.
Analyzes communications issues, makes recommendations, and advises the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and other senior leaders on issues regarding the perceptions and reactions of the public, special interests, the Mayor's Office, and City Council to the DME and cluster agencies' programs and activities.
Evaluates communication efforts and achievements, and recommends appropriate modifications; supports the execution of a strategic communications and community engagement plan for the DME.
Develops issue papers, presentations, and testimony in support of departmental initiatives, and in response to requests from Executive Branch agencies and District of Columbia Council.
Creates compelling and persuasive strategy papers, talking points, articles, Web sites, and other communications on a wide variety of issues. Plans and directs the preparation of informational materials to be used by the print and electronic media, professional publications, and the public.
Conducts community outreach analysis and makes recommendations to improve the effectiveness of outreach activities.
In coordination with the supervisor, represents the Office by attending a wide range of community activities as assigned, including, but not limited to: community conferences and planning meetings.
Supports cluster agencies in advancing the DME's strategic plan and contributing to the improvement of the quality of life all residents of the District of Columbia by focusing, partnership development, community outreach, and strategic communications.
Responds to constituent related matters and attending community meetings.
Performs other related duties as assigned
COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of the mission, goals, policies, and strategic plan of the DME's policies for all of its programs, as well as the Mayor's established and accepted city-wide customer service standards and practices required to effectively, accurately and expeditiously meet agency objectives.
Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques of communications; and skill in developing strategies to disseminate information. Thorough knowledge of research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills are required. Thorough knowledge to interpret and explain a variety of subjects; and to edit materials tailored to specific audiences.
Analytical, strategic and creative skills to develop and implement public outreach programs; and skill in developing strategies to disseminate information. Ability to effectively develop, organize, and present ideas and concepts to diverse groups, including government officials, journalists, analysts, and District residents.
Excellent writing, verbal and presentation skills. Strong, persuasive, compelling and engaging writing skills, in order to convey information concerning complex programs and functions to the public; having diverse levels of understanding of the agency's programs and activities.
Strong computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel software programs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, business administration, graphic design or related field.
Four (4) years of experience directly related to the position.
Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Work environment The work is performed primarily in-person in an office setting. Times in the field are permitted when there is a related event.
SPECIAL NOTE - SECURITY SENSITIVE
This position is deemed security sensitive. The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability – Security Sensitive.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT There is a legal requirement that each new appointee to the Excepted Service either:
be a District of Columbia resident at the time of appointment; or
become a District resident within one hundred eighty (180) days of appointment.
The law also requires that Excepted Service employees remain District residents during the duration of the individual’s appointment. Failure to remain a District resident for the duration of the appointment will result in forfeiture of employment.
If you are interested in this role, please upload your resume and answer the questionnaire. Only the candidates deemed most suited for the position based on resume will receive a call to schedule further discussion.
Powered by JazzHR
