District of Columbia Councilmember seeks experienced communications director to develop and execute comprehensive, pro-active, media and outreach strategy.
Responsibilities include facilitating media requests, successfully pitching stories and press events to both national and local media outlets, responding to media inquiries, effectively messaging policy and other priorities, maintaining an active new media profile, and writing press releases, op-eds, speeches, talking points, and constituent correspondences. Excellent written and oral communication skills, strong editing and proofreading abilities, and the desire to work collaboratively with a team in a fast-paced environment are required.
Desired qualities include the ability to respond to challenging situations quickly and strategically. Ideal candidate is politically astute.
District of Columbia ties and familiarity with local government are a plus. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and two writing samples to: rgulstone@dccouncil.us
Please apply by June 20, 2015.
The full job description is below.
OCCUPATIONAL GROUP: Professional/Administrative
PAY LEVEL: ES-05 – ES-07
Position Profile Number: PER-08-08
POSITION OVERVIEW
The incumbents of this position serve as the Communications Director for a Member of the Council of the
POSITION ATTRIBUTES
The major functions and activities of this position are:
Ø Public Affairs and Public Information
Ø Writes, manages or directs a staff in the writing and dissemination of press releases, Newsletters, social media posts, website content, op-eds, speeches, talking points, and other publications that provide information about the activities, legislative initiatives, special events or other issues impacting citizens in the District.
Ø Develops a process and mechanism for the receipt of information from citizens, customers, media, groups or organizations.
Ø Coordinates with the Director of Constituent Services or Constituent Services Coordinators community outreach meetings.
Ø Pitches stories and press events, and acts as the contact point for local and national media.
Ø Communication Planning
Ø Designs and develops a comprehensive, pro-active communication plan to effectively message policy initiatives and other priorities.
Ø Monitors and manages the communication plan and assures stakeholders, customers employees and others interested receive updates, changes and other communication associated with the plan.
Ø Keeps the Calendar of Events up to date.
Ø Information and Communication Services Development
Ø Maintains an active new media profile
Ø Assures the monitoring and updating to inquiries from the community via the website, social media, telephone lines, emails, written correspondence and other mechanisms.
Ø Coordinates the responses to these inquiries with the appropriate staff member.
Ø Assures the monitoring of "hits" to the Councilmember's website, recommends expanding site components and advertises the Internet Site in Councilmember press releases, newsletters and other appropriate publications.
INCUMBENT ATTRIBUTES
The successful incumbent of this position will possess at least a bachelor's degree in communications, media relations, journalism or other related field of study that exhibits a proficiency in Communications, Public Affairs or Public Information. Experience, as a manager may be required if supervising subordinates is a part of the requirements of the position. Education and experience must exhibit both breadth and depth and demonstrate the possession of the organizational skills and competencies.
Organizational Skills and Competencies
Ø Technical Knowledge in communications, public affairs or public relations, including a Bachelor degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or Public Affairs. Keeps up with current trends in areas of expertise and upgrades knowledge/skills to continue to perform effectively, including the ability to use appropriate technology in carrying out job responsibilities.
Ø 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.
Ø 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.
Ø Communications – Communicates with individuals and groups effectively and professionally, (verbally and in writing). Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively and clarifies information as needed. Writes in a grammatically correct, clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
Ø Customer/Citizen Focus – Demonstrates a "customer/citizen service orientation" and is courteous and respectful in dealing with public and/or internal staff. Provides requested information and/or services in a timely and effective manner and follows through on commitments. Seeks to understand and meet customer/citizen needs/expectations and responds to their concerns.
Ø Decision Making – Makes sound, well-informed and objective decisions. Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities 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.
Ø 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.
Ø 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.
Ø Relationship Management – Effectively establishes and maintains rapport. Develops and manages collaborative relationships to carry out assignments and Council goals and objectives. Utilizes tact, diplomacy and ethical behavior in dealing with others.
Ø People Management (if applicable) – Assigns, develops and motivates employees to complete assignments in an effective manner. Appropriately delegates responsibility and authority, improves staff/management relations, provides timely and constructive performance feedback, and encourages staff development. See that extraordinary achievement is properly rewarded.
PERFORMANCE ENVIRONMENT
The incumbent of this position will be required to work in a stressful, high paced environment. Work is performed in an office and at events outside of an office setting. Performance expectations will be developed in conjunction with the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff, or the Councilmember.
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "GAIN Jobs" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to jobsthatareleft+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to jobsthatareleft@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/jobsthatareleft/e6693f68-17b4-4c95-9003-6637cfec5187%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.