Associate Director for Operations - EOM Office of Communications

Job Description

Job DescriptionPOSITION: Associate Director for Operations
OFFICE: EOM Office of Communications
OPEN: February 25, 2026
CLOSED: March 6, 2026
GRADE: Excepted Service, Grade 5 (ES-5)
SALARY: $85,791.36

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.

SPECIAL TERM: As an Excepted Service position that serves at the pleasure of the Mayor, the term for this posting aligns with the end of Mayor Bowser's term and is expected to end on January 2nd, 2027.

backgroundThe Bowser Administration seeks an energetic and qualified candidate to serve as Associate Director for Operations in the Executive Office of the Mayor (EOM) Office of Communications. The Office of Communications has the official responsibility for disseminating information to the public on District government programs and services. To accomplish this, the office works closely with the public information staffs in all District government agencies and departments. The office operates as a resource to all government agencies, officials and the media, in facilitating the widest possible dissemination of information to the public. The office provides training for the communications personnel of all agencies; issues news releases and other published material; and assists agency directors in the recruitment of professionals for the communications operations.

The incumbent serves as the Associate Director for Operations, and partners closely with the Director of Communications, who manages all functions associated with public communications of agencies and offices under the jurisdiction of the Mayor. The Associate Director works with the Director in planning and directing the communications program with responsibility for managing logistics for the Communications personnel of all District government agencies; coordinating and developing processes to track issuing news releases and other published material to the public on District government programs and services; and assisting agency directors in the recruitment of professionals for the communications operations.
Major duties

• Works with the Director in the overall management and execution of communications issues and matters.
• Advises all agency leadership in the recruitment of professionals for the communications operations.
• Provides comprehensive advice and recommendations for communication actions and activities.
• Coordinates departmental functions and creative media-relations function at the subordinate office and departmental levels.
• Reviews reports and papers of office staff to insure technical accuracy and compliance with objectives, policies, guidelines and laws affecting the office.
• Makes provisions for and oversees the training and skills development of public affairs personnel in the various subordinate agencies.
• Sets priorities and prepares schedules for completion of work.
• Manage leadership scheduling, briefing materials, and internal communications.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and staff logistics.
• Foster a professional, organized, and responsive office culture.
• Process contracts, invoices, and payments in compliance with District policies.
• Manage internal workflows, approvals, and production timelines.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques of communications; and skill in developing strategies to disseminate information.
• Knowledge of the principles of effective communications and mass media, public relations, marketing, research, advertising, community relations, and government relations as they relate to large organized projects and initiatives.
• Knowledge of customer service theory and practices, business processes redesign practices, project management, and program evaluation.
• Strong analytical, strategic and creative skills to develop and implement public outreach programs.
• Skill in problem-solving, particularly with graphic, visual, and analytical information.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, execute, and evaluate initiatives.
• Superior verbal and presentation skills.
• Superior ability to manage multiple priorities and fast-paced work.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with members of the media and work well under deadline pressure.
• Ability to effectively develop, organize, and present ideas and concepts to diverse groups, including government officials, journalists, analysts, and District residents.
• Ability to exercise tact, discretion, and skill in personal relations in dealing with persons at various level, job categories, and groups, especially in public forum.
• Ability to utilize technology and social media; and the ability to utilize publishing software, Adobe Creative and Microsoft suite.
• Strong attention to detail.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

• Two years working in public policy, community engagement, or government field.

Work environmentThe work is performed primarily in-person. Time in the field is frequently required.
SPECIAL NOTE - SECURITY SENSITIVEThis 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 REQUIREMENTThere is a legal requirement that each new appointee to the Excepted Service either:

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

The law also requires that Excepted 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.

Powered by JazzHR

s9CMHrv4PO