Director of Communications and Outreach - Deputy Mayor for Education

OPEN:    January 12, 2021

CLOSE:   Open until filled

SALARY RANGE:  Excepted Service, Grade 7 ($87,887 to $109,776)

INTRODUCTION

This position is located in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME). The mission of DME is to develop and implement the Mayor's vision for academic excellence and creating a high quality education continuum from birth to 24 (from early childhood to K-12 to post-secondary and the workforce). The three major functions of DME include:

1. Overseeing a District-wide education strategy
2. Managing interagency and cross-­sector coordination
3. Providing oversight and/or support for all agencies in the Deputy Mayor for Education's agency cluster including --DC Public Schools (DCPS), Office of the State Superintendent for Education (OSSE),Public Charter School Board (PCSB), University of the District of Columbia (UDC), Community College of the District of Columbia (CCDC), DC Public Libraries (DCPL), DC Parks and Recreation (DPR), Department of Employment Services (DOES), and the Workforce Investment Council (WIC).

The Director of Communications and Outreach is a key DME staff member tasked with advancing the Office's mission by developing and implementing the office's strategic communication, and engaging efforts for the Government cluster agencies assigned to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education. This position serves as a liaison with the Mayor's Office of Communications.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Develops and utilizes a variety of communication modalities to inform, involve and engage stakeholders in DME's mission, values and programs. Participates in the development of communications plan that details the office's strategic and tactical communications goals and objectives.
• Responsible for supporting the development of, and review, as necessary, of cluster agency communications materials, including memos and press releases, intended for dissemination around mayoral priorities and events.
• Analyzes communications issues, makes recommendations, and advises the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and other senior leaders on issues regarding the perceptions and reactions of the public, special interests, the Mayor's Office, and City Council to the DME and cluster agencies' programs and activities.
• Evaluates communication efforts and achievements, and recommends appropriate modifications; supports the execution of a strategic communications and community engagement plan for the DME.
• Develops issue papers, presentations, and testimony in support of departmental initiatives, and in response to requests from Executive Branch agencies and District of Columbia Council.
• Creates compelling and persuasive strategy papers, talking points, articles, Web sites, and other communications on a wide variety of issues. Plans and directs the preparation of informational materials to be used by the print and electronic media, professional publications, and the public.
• Conducts community outreach analysis and makes recommendations to improve the effectiveness of outreach activities.
• In coordination with the supervisor, represents the Office by attending a wide range of community activities as assigned, including, but not limited to: community conferences and planning meetings.
• Supports cluster agencies in advancing the DME's strategic plan and contributing to the improvement of the quality of life all residents of the District of Columbia by focusing, partnership development, community outreach, and strategic communications.
• Responds to constituent related matters and attending community meetings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Thorough knowledge of the mission, goals, policies, and strategic plan of the DME's policies for all of its programs, as well as the Mayor's established and accepted city­-wide customer service standards and practices required to effectively, accurately and expeditiously meet agency objectives.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques of communications; and skill in developing strategies to disseminate information. Thorough knowledge of research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills are required. Thorough knowledge to interpret and explain a variety of subjects; and to edit materials tailored to specific audiences.
• Analytical, strategic and creative skills to develop and implement public outreach programs; and skill in developing strategies to disseminate information. Ability to effectively develop, organize, and present ideas and concepts to diverse groups, including government officials, journalists, analysts, and District residents.
• Excellent writing, verbal and presentation skills. Strong, persuasive, compelling and engaging writing skills, in order to convey information concerning complex programs and functions to the public;having diverse levels of understanding of the agency's programs and activities.
• Strong computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel software programs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, business administration, graphic design or related field.
• Four (4) years of experience directly related to the position.
• Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. 

DOMICILE REQUIREMENTS:

There is a legal requirement that each new appointee to the Excepted Service either: (1) be domiciled in the District of Columbia at the time of appointment; or (2) establish District domicile within one hundred eighty (180) days of appointment. The law also requires that Excepted Service employees maintain District domicile during the period of the appointment. Failure to maintain District domicile during the period of the appointment will result in forfeiture of employment.