Director of Communications - Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME)

Washington, DC

Full Time

Deputy Mayor for Education (DME)

Manager/Supervisor

POSITION:   Director of Communications
OFFICE:        Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME)
OPEN:   October 27, 2025
CLOSE: November 14, 2025
GRADE:        Excepted Service, Grade 8 (ES-8)
SALARY:      $130,000

This is an Excepted Service position. Selected candidate must be a District resident or establish residency within 180 days of hire.

Current District of Columbia residents will receive priority and advanced preference for screening and interviews.

BACKGROUND

The Bowser Administration seeks a qualified candidate to serve as Director of Communications 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 create 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:
•   Overseeing a District-wide education strategy
•   Managing interagency and cross-¬sector coordination
•   Providing oversight and/or support for all agencies in the Deputy Mayor for Education's agency cluster including: District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB), University of the District of Columbia (UDC), DC Public Library (DCPL), Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Department of Employment Services (DOES), and the Workforce Investment Council (WIC).
The Director of Communications is a key DME staff member tasked with advancing the Office's mission by developing and implementing the office's strategic communications work and supporting strong communications for the cluster agencies assigned to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education. This position also serves as the primary liaison with the Mayor's Office of Communications.

MAJOR DUTIES

Develop and utilize a variety of communication modalities to inform, involve, and engage stakeholders in DME's mission, values and programs.
Analyze and report on media involving DME and its cluster agencies; make and implement recommendations for the Deputy Mayor, Chief of Staff, and senior team on media strategy.
Develop memos, presentations, and messaging points in support of DME initiatives.
Update the DME website and social media with pertinent articles and information.
Support DME cluster agencies on communications work, including strategic guidance, document review, and cross-agency coordination.
Support the Mayor’s Office of Communications on education and workforce matters, including memos, press releases, and other materials for mayoral priorities and events.
Review and edit public-facing reports and publications from DME.
Conducts media outreach for DME and cluster agencies, in coordination with the Mayor’s Office of Communications, and serve as a regular liaison to media outlets.
Respond to constituent related matters and attends community meetings as assigned
Perform other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the mission, goals, and policies of the DME and cluster agencies.
Thorough knowledge of government operations and processes.
Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of communications, and skill in developing strategies to disseminate information.
Excellent research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills are required.
Strong ability to interpret and explain a variety of subjects and to edit materials tailored to specific audiences.
Strong ability to effectively develop, organize, and present ideas and concepts to diverse groups, including government officials, journalists, analysts, and District residents.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders in and outside of government.
Excellent written and oral presentation skills. Persuasive, compelling and engaging written and oral communication skills in order to convey information concerning complex programs and functions to the public.
Thorough knowledge of the Mayor's established and accepted city¬-wide customer service standards and practices required to effectively, accurately and expeditiously meet agency objectives.
Strong computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel software programs.

minimum qualificationS

Graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, business administration, graphic design or related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience directly related to the position.
Specialized experience directly related to the position that has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Specialized experience directly related to the position that has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed primarily in-person in an office setting. Time in the field is frequently required for related events.

Special note - security sensitive

This position is deemed security sensitive. The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability – Security Sensitive.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

There is a legal requirement that each new appointee to the Executive Service either:

be a District of Columbia resident at the time of appointment; or
become a District resident within one hundred eighty (180) days of appointment.

The law also requires that Executive Service employees remain District residents during the duration of the individual’s appointment. Failure to remain a District resident for the duration of the appointment will result in forfeiture of employment.

If you are interested in this role, please upload your resume and answer the questionnaire. Only the candidates deemed most suited for the position based on resume will receive a call to schedule further discussion.