Public Affairs Specialist- Contractor

Public Affairs Specialist (Contractor): Only candidates that live in DC. MD and VA

Overview

The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (DCPSC) was established by Congress in 1913 as an independent District government agency to regulate the electric, natural gas, and telephone companies serving the city. The Commission serves the public interest by ensuring that financially healthy utility companies provide safe, reliable, and quality utility services at reasonable rates for residential, business, and government customers in the District.

The Public Affairs Specialist (Contractor) will support the DCPSC Office of Strategic Communications by providing digital content creation, writing, and graphic design for communication initiatives, as well as administrative and procurement support. This role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining high standards of quality. The ideal candidate will excel at producing engaging digital content, supporting outreach activities, contributing to graphic design projects, and ensuring effective vendor coordination and procurement processes.

Key Responsibilities

Communications and Digital Content Creation

• Create and edit content: Research, draft, edit, and format written content for various digital platforms, including newsletters, email campaigns, social media posts, and the Commission's website. Ensure content is engaging, clear, and aligned with the Commission's strategic communication goals.
• Graphic design support: Design visuals, presentations, and other multimedia content for digital communications, ensuring a consistent visual identity across all platforms.
• Monitor media and public relations: Track media coverage and report on key communications metrics. Distribute daily news clips and internal reports, highlighting media exposure relevant to the Commission's work.
• Digital strategy execution: Assist with implementing digital communications strategies, including website updates, social media management, and email marketing campaigns.

Administrative and Project Support

• Project coordination: Assist with the planning, tracking, and execution of communications projects through project management tools, ensuring deadlines are met and all team members stay on track.
• Event support: Provide support for external and internal events, consumer and employee engagement activities, and special initiatives. Help organize logistics, communicate with stakeholders, and create promotional materials.
• Data management: Collect and maintain data, manage digital files, and ensure that records are up-to-date and easily accessible. Manage information databases for project tracking and reporting purposes.
• Administrative assistance: Handle scheduling, meeting preparations, notetaking, and maintaining accurate records of communications materials and procurements.

Procurement and Vendor Relations

• Vendor relations: Establish and maintain strong working relationships with vendors, contractors, and suppliers to ensure smooth procurement processes and delivery of goods/services needed for communications and event initiatives.
• Procurement tracking: Assist in preparing and processing procurement requests, ensuring compliance with organizational policies. Track and manage procurement orders and maintain a detailed record of vendor contracts and transactions.

General Communications Support:

• Strategic communications: Contribute to the development of strategic communications plans to elevate the Commission's profile, increase engagement, and build strong relationships with key audiences.
• Public affairs: Help distribute press releases, advisories, reports, and other public-facing materials. Assist with updating media lists.
• Internal communications: Draft internal communications updates, including reports and presentations for internal stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with organizational goals. Support the Commission’s intranet by drafting posts, organizing and updating content, and helping ensure the platform remains a reliable resource for staff.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong writing and editing skills, particularly for digital media and short-form content.
• Proficiency in graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) to create visual content for digital platforms.
• Experience with social media platforms and email marketing tools (e.g., Sprout Social, Mailchimp).
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Monday, Basecamp, or Trello.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly for tracking procurements and vendor relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Requirements

This position requires a dynamic individual capable of balancing both creative communication tasks and operational duties.

• This is a hybrid position; must report to the office three days per week
• 3-5 years of experience as a departmental/administrative assistant, preference in a communications / public affairs/media relations environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; ability to listen well and positively represent the Commission and its mission
• Exceptional organizational, planning, task management, and problem-solving skills with great attention to detail
• Ability to use technology to collaborate with colleagues and manage work
• Flexibility and willingness to work as part of a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint
• Experience working with an email marketing platform (preference for Mailchimp) 
• Familiar with news monitoring platforms (preference for Meltwater)
• Ambitious and takes initiative; committed to getting the job done
• Comfortable providing feedback and ideas
• Internet access to work remotely

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.