Public Affairs Specialist

**Candidates must reside in the Metro DC area and be willing to work remotely and onsite, as needed. Relocation would be done at the employee's expense.**

DepartmentC is looking for an experienced Public Affairs Specialist who can create and implement a strategic media engagement strategy for a science-oriented client.

This individual will develop a strategic plan that aligns with the client’s objectives, proactively pitch media and respond to inquiries, and analyze the effectiveness of the tactics. Strong candidates will be detail-oriented, organized, and able to collaborate with multiple stakeholders.

Requires the ability to translate complex science information to non-experts. Must be both a team player and a strong independent contributor. This position requires frequent interfaces with clients’ other internal organizations, seeking strategic opportunities to align pitches and messaging with peer divisions.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and document a media outreach strategy, including pitch angles
• Execute the media outreach strategy
• Develop relationships with reporters
• Represent the client at internal meetings, keep stakeholders and teammates informed of important updates
• Proactively pitch key stories and develop talking points
• Respond timely to (and prioritize) media requests
• Conduct media training with client staff
• Develop content (features/explainers, press releases, etc.)
• Track media activities and performance
• Website editing as needed
• Social media support (drafting posts) as needed
• Support presentation development as needed

• Occasional after-hours support of key events
• Occasional travel to support key conferences or events

About DepartmentC

DepartmentC is a full-service boutique agency that brings a well-rounded approach to client engagement. Our mission is to offer high-caliber creative services to companies of all sizes—but without the big-agency bloat and ego. Our team members have helped customers from the “top 50” (Fortune list) to the “under 30” (employees or fewer).

We have a vested interest in our customers’ successes. After all, we’d like to think of ourselves as an extension of their creative departments — their own DepartmentC.

DepartmentC is a certified small women-owned business with a commitment to representing diverse perspectives and ensuring equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum 8 years of professional public affairs/ communications experience
• Exceptional interpersonal and writing skills
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Experience preparing executive-level principals for public speaking and media engagements
• Experience with using PR tools, such as Cision
• Managerial experience (optional)
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations with poise and diplomacy
• Must have strong organizational skills and be detail-oriented
• Existing relationships within science/space media community are helpful but not required
• Experience with WordPress helpful but not required

Benefits

• 401K
• Healthcare
• Short-term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off