Job Opening: Communications Specialist

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The Specialist will manage social media and digital communications, including newsletters, website, and some video production.

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Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau is seeking a Communications Specialist for her office in the Council of the District of Columbia. Reporting to and under the direction of the Director of Communications, the Specialist will manage social media and digital communications, including newsletters, website, and some video production. The position will coordinate with legislative, committee, and constituent services team members to develop content and use digital and other media to inform the public of the Councilmember’s policy positions and priorities.

Incumbents will be required to work in a fast paced, team environment that can at times be stressful or involve minimal supervision. The need to respond to emergent issues may require availability beyond regular working hours. Work is performed in an office setting with generous opportunities to work remotely. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful incumbent will have education or work experience in communications, journalism, public affairs, or related fields. Education or experience must show both breadth and depth and demonstrate the following organizational skills and competencies or the ability to quickly learn them:

• Excellent and versatile writer with an ability to write for multiple formats (e.g., social media content, press releases, remarks, etc.)
• Social and digital media savvy; an ability to write and post content quickly with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple social media platforms
• Proficiency with basic graphics software, such as Canva, and experience designing simple graphics in a consistent style
• Experience using a website content management system, such as WordPress, and familiarity with basic HTML
• Experience with e-newsletter platforms
• Experience with basic video editing software
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
• A strong work ethic and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, varied environment
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently
• Familiarity and a strong interest in District matters
• One to three years of relevant experience or demonstration of equivalent skill and competency levels

 

POSITION ATTRIBUTES 

• Coordinates and produces mostly digital content, under the direction of the Director of Communications, including social media channels, newsletter, and website
• Contributes to production of regular constituent communications, such as newsletters, including written content and newsletter production, photo editing, graphics production, and copy editing
• Manages social media accounts, including developing and maintaining a content calendar, monitoring social media and reporting out to staff, drafting content, and designing graphics aligned to established branding
• Generates content and posts updates to website
• Finds opportunities for short video posts for social media, videotapes and produces them
• May contribute to communications planning, including messaging, talking points, press releases, other
• Coordinates with legislative and constituent services staff to inform messaging
• Assists and represents the Councilmember in engagement with constituents, businesses, and advocacy organizations

The incumbent has regular contact with the staff throughout the Council, the public, business community, and advocacy groups and may at times represent the Councilmember in community engagement with constituents and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners.

 

INCUMBENT ATTRIBUTES 

Skills and Competencies required for success: 

• Adaptability – Demonstrates the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions or performance expectations. Maintains productivity while performing assignments. Effectively evaluates and uses new ideas to enhance results. Is able to focus on assignments during periods of change or uncertainty. 
• Accountability – Accepts accountability for achieving results and takes responsibility for outcomes. Identifies ways to enhance individual and group performance in order to make greater contributions to the Council. Takes a proactive approach, anticipating and addressing issues before they arise. 
• Communications – Communicates with individuals and groups effectively and professionally. Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively and clarifies information as needed.
• Customer/Citizen Focus – Demonstrates a “customer/citizen service orientation” and is courteous and respectful in dealing with the public and internal staff. Provides requested information and services in a timely and effective manner and follows through on commitments. Seeks to understand and meet expectations and responds to their concerns. 
• Decision Making – Makes sound, well-informed decisions and can clearly explain rationale. Identifies and encourages new ideas and innovations. Develops new insights into situations and uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions. 
• Initiating Action – Takes prompt action when confronted with a problem or made aware of a situation. Implements potential solutions without prompting and does not wait for others to take action or to request action. Anticipates the future and acts appropriately in difficult situations. 
• Organizing Work – Approaches work in a methodical manner. Keeps track of details to ensure work is performed accurately and is completed on time. Allocates time and resources effectively and coordinates efforts with all affected parties.
• Political Acumen – Is highly literate in, or willing to learn, the political and media environment of the District of Columbia and the office’s place within it, as well as the function of the Council and District of Columbia Government.
• Relationship Management – Effectively establishes and maintains rapport with a broad variety of stakeholders. Develops and manages collaborative relationships to carry out assignments and Council goals and objectives. Utilizes tact, diplomacy and ethical behavior in dealing with others. 
• Self-Reflexivity – Engages in regular self-reflective practice, examines personal and professional biases, and maintains an understanding of how backgrounds of race, class, ability, and personal background impact the dynamics of a diverse workplace.
• Writing – Is able to write in a variety of genres and for different audiences, including digital content, press releases, memoranda, and speeches/talking points. Works with the Councilmember to gain an understanding of appropriate personal and political voice.

 

PERFORMANCE ENVIRONMENT 

Incumbents will be required to work in a fast paced, team environment that can at times be stressful or involve minimal supervision. The need to respond to emergent issues may require availability beyond regular working hours. Work is performed in an office setting with generous opportunities to work remotely.

Due to the nature of government work, staff may encounter events, decision points, or interactions with constituents involving a high degree of trauma. Incumbents of this position are asked to recognize and communicate – to their level of comfort and confidentiality – when the content of their work may affect them personally or emotionally and are encouraged to request help from their colleagues when needed.

Regular recess periods and the cyclical nature of the Council’s legislative calendar provide opportunities to balance out periods of necessarily high-intensity work. The office strives to create a leave policy and overall culture to minimize the potential for burnout, or to identify and correct for it when it may arise.

More detailed performance expectations will be developed with the Director of Communications.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a resume, cover letter, three writing samples and three professional references to Niccole Rivero, Chief of Staff, at nrivero@dccouncil.gov. Please include “COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST" in the subject line.

 

DOMICILE REQUIREMENT

An appointee to the Excepted Service is required to be domiciled in the District of Columbia at the time of his or her appointment or become a domiciliary of the District of Columbia within 180 days of appointment and shall maintain such domicile during the period of appointment. (D.C. Official Code §§ 1-609.06(a) and 1-610.59; and 6 DCMR B 305.)

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The Council of the District of Columbia offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental, and vision coverage; long- and short-term disability program; a 457(b) program with a 3 percent employer match and a 5 percent entirely-employer funded contribution; 13 to 26 days of annual leave, based on years of employment; 13 days of sick leave; 8 weeks of paid family leave; 11 paid holidays and subsidized public transportation.

 

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of or a plea of guilty to a violation of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

 

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia government is an equal opportunity employer.

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.

 

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.