External Relations Officer

Government of the District of Columbia
Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)
Washington, DC (Office location)

External Relations Officer (Hybrid)
$143,856.00 - $185,265.00

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) is the steward of the Government of the District of Columbia's (District's) finances. Since its creation in 1996, OCFO's mission is to ensure the financial integrity and long-term fiscal health of the District. OCFO accomplishes this mission by ensuring balanced budgets, unqualified or "clean" audit opinions, and access to quality credit markets with high and improving bond ratings.

OCFO's operational responsibilities include forecasting the District's revenues and financial condition, developing and managing the District's budget, administering the District's taxes, and executing and recording the District's financial transactions. In addition, OCFO administers the District's lottery and gaming programs, and oversees the finances of the University of the District of Columbia and the Washington Convention and Sports Authority (Events DC).

We are in search of an External Relations Officer. This position is located in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), Executive Office. The External Relations Officer (Officer) is a member of OCFO's senior executive team and oversees OCFO corporate communications and governmental relations. The Officer promotes the OCFO's mission and strategic goals through federal and regional government stakeholder engagement, media relations, and public-facing content development and dissemination.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Leading the development and on-going management of strategic relationships with Federal Executive Branch, Congressional, and regional government stakeholders in furtherance of the OCFO's mission and the District's financial posture;
• Managing relationships with the press and other media outlets including securing high-level media opportunities;
• Creating key messaging for OCFO related to the District's financial affairs and the operations of OCFO;
• Responding to media inquiries;
• Coordinating OCFO responses and verifying the accuracy of information;
• Serving as the primary spokesperson for OCFO to both written and broadcast media and other public forums;
• Coordinating and directing the development of testimony, speechwriting, press releases, statements, and other public comments on behalf of the Chief Financial Officer;
• Overseeing development of agency-wide communications and engagement plans to support and enhance the agency's reputation and mitigate risk; and
• Overseeing OCFO's website and multimedia content strategy, development, and maintenance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Six (6) years of progressive work experience performing related duties and responsibilities such as: developing and managing strategic intergovernmental relations; expert knowledge of strategic communications and public relations principles, methods, and techniques, including the ability to craft and manage complex messaging and public-facing content; developing and implementing strategic communications plans to support an organization's mission and goals; proven experience in speechwriting and preparing official documents such as press releases, reports, and public statements; and expertise in developing and implementing public affairs initiatives and the use of digital communication tools, including websites and multimedia content strategies. The incumbent must possess advanced oral and written communication skills, with the ability to develop clear, concise, and persuasive messages for a variety of audiences, including government officials, the media, and the public. Experience supporting public sector entities, trade associations, or consulting firms assisting public agency clients is required.

In addition - Applicant must have a bachelor's degree earned at an accredited US institution in a related field such as liberal arts, journalism, communications, public relations, or public administration. Ideally, the candidate will have an advanced degree in one of these subjects as well, although relevant experience with a complex public entity may substitute for an advanced degree. Applicants must submit an official transcript that verifies a bachelor's degree to be considered. If applicable, your application package must include a foreign credential course by course evaluation of all foreign transcripts. Acceptable foreign credential equivalency reports must be provided by organizations that have current membership with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE).

For initial review, please submit your resume to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Human Resources, located at 1101 4th Street, SW, Suite W220, Washington, DC 20024.

To complete an application or for additional details related to this vacancy, please visit governmentjobs.com/careers/dc and reference announcement number: 25-EO-AD-0001.

The OCFO offers a competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental, retirement, and educational assistance.

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER