Public Affairs Specialist

We Are Hiring: Public Affairs Specialist

We are looking for a Public Affairs Specialist to join the Office of Strategic Communications of the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia. This contractor position will primarily support the Commission’s digital communications, working closely with the Communications Officer, as well as manage administrative operations and procurement processes. The ideal candidate will be skilled in writing for digital platforms and be able to oversee multiple creative and administrative projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven regulatory environment.

The Public Affairs Specialist (Contractor) will play a vital role in advancing the Commission’s communication goals, enhancing public visibility, and supporting the implementation of the Commission’s outreach efforts, both online and in the community.

Salary Range: $75,000–$85,000

Key Responsibilities

Digital Communications (40%)

• Create, design, and manage engaging, clear content for social media platforms, websites, newsletters, presentations, and other email campaigns that align with the Commission’s strategic communication goals.
• Design graphics, presentations, and other visual content (including short videos), ensuring a consistent visual identity across content.
• Assist with creating and implementing new digital communications strategies.
• Maintain a digital asset library.
• Track and report on digital engagement metrics.

Administrative & Project Support (30%)

• Plan, track, and coordinate communications work using project management software, ensuring deadlines are met and the team is aligned.
• Support event planning and execution for both internal and external audiences, including select Commission outreach activities throughout the District.
• Maintain accurate, accessible digital filing systems and communications records to track projects and prepare reports as needed.
• Prepare meeting materials, schedule meetings, and take comprehensive notes.
• Track project timelines and deliverables.

Procurement Management (20%)

• Maintain strong working relationships with vendors, contractors, and suppliers.
• Process and track procurement requests.
• Ensure compliance with District government procurement policies.
• Track office expenses and maintain procurement documentation.

General Communications Support (10%)

• Monitor media coverage using tracking platforms.
• Distribute daily news clips and internal coverage reports.
• Support press release distribution and media list management.
• Assist with internal communications and presentation development.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in communications or public affairs, preferably with a focus on digital communication strategies.
• Strong writing and editing skills for both short- and long-form content (e.g., social media posts, PowerPoint slides, website articles, statements of work).
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive), including real-time collaboration features.
• Experience with:
  • Social media monitoring/management tools (e.g., SproutSocial, Hootsuite).
  • Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact).
  • Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and Acrobat (InDesign or Illustrator experience a plus).
  • Project management software (e.g., Basecamp, Trello, Monday, Asana).
  • Media monitoring platforms (e.g., Cision, Meltwater).
• Proven experience managing procurements and/or complex administrative matters.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, task management, and problem-solving skills with great attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen well and positively represent the Commission and its mission.

Requirements

• Reliable home internet access for remote work.
• Ability to access District Government systems remotely.
• Live within commuting distance (<2 hours) to downtown Washington, D.C.

Working Environment

• Hybrid schedule: At least 3 days in the office and no more than 2 days remote.
• Must be able to attend evening events occasionally.
• Highly collaborative, team-based collaboration mixed with individual tasks.

Success Metrics

• Timely completion of procurement requests.
• Driven to success and committed to “getting the job done.”
• Meeting content creation deadlines.
• Quality of visual and written materials.
• Vendor relationship management.
• Project coordination effectiveness.
• Ease in providing and receiving positive and negative feedback around actions, ideas, etc.
• Team collaboration and communication.

Learn more here