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 office operates as a resource to all government agencies, officials, and the media in facilitating the widest possible dissemination of critical information to the public and stakeholders before, during, and after emergencies and special events.
The incumbent will serve as the Public Information Officer and the Public Affairs Senior Program Manager. This position will play a vital role in building and maintaining relationships with the media, other public information officers, and city leaders and serves as the lead for the Public Affairs team. 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
Duties and Responsibilities
The Public Information Officer will support media relations, social media, internal communications, and overall public awareness efforts, including the development of public information the agency issues before, during, and after a crisis. The incumbent of this position will also support the agency’s community outreach initiatives, including interagency coordination between the incumbent, who coordinates closely with the community outreach program, HSEMA's planning and preparedness divisions, the EOC, and private sector liaison teams to ensure communications work is integrated with agency operations rather than isolated from them. Builds and fosters relationships with external stakeholders to advance the agency’s community outreach efforts and increase ReadyDC brand recognition. The incumbent will serve as one of the agency’s public information officers during emergency activations. During this time, the individual will manage the Joint Information Center, following the plans and processes identified in the District’s crisis communications plan. Develop comprehensive strategies to increase the agency’s brand throughout the community and support agency and District special initiatives, events, projects, and programs.
The incumbent 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 individual will maintain working relationships with media contacts, interagency communications counterparts, and regional partners, and represent the agency in National Capital Region public information coordination forums as assigned.
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.
