The District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) seeks an experienced, operationally grounded Public Information Officer to serve as a senior member of the Communications and Engagement Bureau within the Office of the Director. HSEMA's mission is to lead the District's effort to prevent, protect against, respond to, mitigate, and recover from all threats and hazards, and communications is central to how the agency fulfills that mission at every phase of the emergency management lifecycle.
This is not a standard government communications role. The PIO serves as co-lead public information officer alongside a peer PIO, sharing responsibility for the full scope of the agency's communications program: strategic and crisis communications, media relations, digital and social media, preparedness campaigns, and operational public information during activations, major planned events, and emergencies. The position operates in both sustained program mode and high-tempo operational mode - sometimes simultaneously - and the incumbent must be equally effective in both.
HSEMA's communications program is evolving deliberately: toward greater analytical rigor, stronger integration with planning and operations, and a team culture defined by generalist competency, proactive work ownership, and genuine partnership across agency divisions. The right candidate brings operational communications experience with demonstrated emergency management depth, the execution skills to own work product from conception through delivery, and the professional disposition to anticipate needs, work independently without close supervision, and function as a trusted member of a small, high-performing team.
Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent works under the general direction of the Bureau Chief and in close coordination with their peer CS-14 PIO. The position requires significant independent judgment, proactive identification of communications needs, and full ownership of assigned work products, including quality, timeliness, upward communication, and follow-through, without requiring direction at each step. The PIO develops and executes communications campaigns and products across the agency's full program portfolio, including press releases, public advisories, emergency notifications, talking points, social media content, web content, fact sheets, newsletters, and multimedia materials. The incumbent actively monitors the agency's operational and planning environment to identify emerging communications needs and develop responsive products ahead of request, including briefing materials and executive communications support for the Director and senior leadership.
During emergency activations and major planned events, the PIO deploys as part of the agency's Joint Information Center structure, working from the Emergency Operations Center or on-scene public information functions including media coordination, rumor control, public advisory development, and interagency messaging coordination. Field deployment, irregular hours, and the ability to transition rapidly from preparedness program work to activation support are inherent to this position. The incumbent is designated as Essential Personnel. The PIO contributes to the design and execution of public preparedness campaigns and strategy, community engagement content, and operational communications strategies and tools that support equitable response and recovery across all phases of the emergency management lifecycle, not only preparedness. This includes developing materials that are accessible, culturally appropriate, and functional under operational conditions. The incumbent is expected to apply execution skills across multiple production formats as needed, including writing, field reporting, graphic design, and video production, and to develop additional capabilities over time in a culture of continuous learning.
The PIO maintains working relationships with media contacts, interagency communications counterparts, and regional partners, and represents the agency in National Capital Region public information coordination forums as assigned. The incumbent coordinates closely with the community outreach program, HSEMA's planning and preparedness divisions, and the EOC to ensure communications work is integrated with agency operations rather than isolated from them.
Qualifications and Education
This position requires one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position which has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully. Such experience may have been gained in administrative, professional, technical, investigative, or other responsible work. Experience must be functional and relevant in legislative and policy issues, regulations, legislative decisions, or other responsible work may be qualifying if it provides evidence of the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) necessary to perform the duties of the position to be filled.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience working in related field is desired, including program management and evaluation experience. A college degree in homeland security, emergency management, or any related field is desired.
Licensures, Certifications and other requirements
None
Work Conditions/Environment
Incumbent will generally work in office settings with local travel. The incumbent may be required to work in an environment with limited access to personal electronic devices and limited natural lighting or austere conditions during emergencies and disasters
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Varies
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-1001-14
Promotion Potential: None
Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is NOT a part of the Collective Bargaining Unit (CBU).
Duration of Appointment: This position is a 13-month term position which is subject to extension upon approval of federal
Position Designation: This position has been designated as security sensitive; therefore, the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability, and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable. The incumbent is designated as an emergency employee and must be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, to support the District’s overall preparedness. In the event of an emergency, the incumbent may be called into work. The incumbent will fulfill all training and activation requirements as part of the Incident Management Team.
Employee Benefits: Selectee(s) will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave, and will be covered under the District of Columbia government's retirement plan.
Residency Notice: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.
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.
