Public Affairs Specialist

CICONIX, LLC•Silver Spring, MD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Independently drafts and markets news releases, news articles, media advisories, and other products. Uses creativity and experience to position assigned topics in manner that meets project objectives and communicates agency mission in a clear, convincing, and compelling manner. Identifies subject matter experts and conducts interviews to produce news and feature articles, in compliance with AP Style Guide and other guidelines, within deadline, on a wide range of issues, missions, and functions, for internal and external audiences. As needed or directed, supports facilitation of media engagements. Works with local, regional, national and international media, including government and trade press, as directed. Advises and assists with the oversight and content development of the museum’s public website and official social media sites, per DoD and DHA directives/instructions/guidance, including suitability of information for public audiences. In this capacity, assists with generating story ideas, writing and editing original and unique social-focused content, using a camera to take photographs, conforming to museum style guides and journalistic norms, etc., for regular publication of assigned content, as directed. Obtains feedback from senior leadership and key museum staff and constantly works to improve the functionality of the website. Ensures the implementation of an internal relations program for furnishing timely information on items of interest originating at the museum as part of a command information program. Gather information and produce informational materials about programs and activities for dissemination to internal audiences such as museum employees, employees of higher headquarters organizations and other DHA and DoD agencies and obtains feedback on the effectiveness of these materials. Research available material and coordinates with appropriate department heads to develop and disseminate information for assigned projects. Work is reviewed in conformance with agency policy or for facilitating achievement of functional program objectives. Products may take a variety of forms and are distributed through a wide variety of communication media. Assists with planning, development, and execution of the museum’s diverse community engagement/outreach activities. Engagements may include presenting briefs at community events, providing or supporting tours of NMHM, and presenting marketing materials at conventions and other appropriate venues. Informs NMHM leadership and PAO on possible public and media reactions to proposed policy statements on decision and actions. Supports the museum’s emergency communications program, as directed. Supports effort to provide inclement weather information to target audiences, as needed, using relevant media outlets and social media. Assists Engagements Team and others with development of speeches, letters, executive summaries, reports, and Power Point briefs. Produces content for digital signage and oversees internal command information poster series. Monitors and evaluates media broadcasts and articles for relevant trends and keywords, and reports of findings. Monitors for coverage of events involving, or potentially involving the museum. As directed, prompts relevant media outlets to cover the museum’s events, exhibits etc. Advises Engagements Team on communication issues that may have positive or adverse impact on the museum. Supports the preparation and execution of media training for senior leadership and staff selected to appear in any media environment. All media engagements are coordinated with museum leadership and relevant higher-level authorities. Adheres to guidelines that include general museum policies, specific DoD, Defense Health Agency (DHA) instructions, and specific public affairs program management guidelines based on law and policy. Uses initiative, ingenuity, and resourcefulness in executing a communications program to meet objectives that are often unusual and unique to the museum or military medicine. The specialist is expected to deviate from standard approaches in proposing new ways to communicate the museum’s message on non-standard issues. The communications program approach is expected to foster a better understanding of the museum, military medicine and military medical research, DHA and DoD. This position requires evening and weekend work and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High School Diploma
Three (3) - Five (5) years of experience
U.S. Citizenship and a successful background investigation are required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
Willingness to comply with the government vaccination requirements.

Responsibilities

Independently drafts and markets news releases, news articles, media advisories, and other products.
Identifies subject matter experts and conducts interviews to produce news and feature articles, in compliance with AP Style Guide and other guidelines, within deadline, on a wide range of issues, missions, and functions, for internal and external audiences.
Supports facilitation of media engagements.
Works with local, regional, national and international media, including government and trade press, as directed.
Advises and assists with the oversight and content development of the museum’s public website and official social media sites, per DoD and DHA directives/instructions/guidance, including suitability of information for public audiences.
Assists with generating story ideas, writing and editing original and unique social-focused content, using a camera to take photographs, conforming to museum style guides and journalistic norms, etc., for regular publication of assigned content, as directed.
Obtains feedback from senior leadership and key museum staff and constantly works to improve the functionality of the website.
Ensures the implementation of an internal relations program for furnishing timely information on items of interest originating at the museum as part of a command information program.
Gather information and produce informational materials about programs and activities for dissemination to internal audiences such as museum employees, employees of higher headquarters organizations and other DHA and DoD agencies and obtains feedback on the effectiveness of these materials.
Research available material and coordinates with appropriate department heads to develop and disseminate information for assigned projects.
Assists with planning, development, and execution of the museum’s diverse community engagement/outreach activities.
Engagements may include presenting briefs at community events, providing or supporting tours of NMHM, and presenting marketing materials at conventions and other appropriate venues.
Informs NMHM leadership and PAO on possible public and media reactions to proposed policy statements on decision and actions.
Supports the museum’s emergency communications program, as directed.
Supports effort to provide inclement weather information to target audiences, as needed, using relevant media outlets and social media.
Assists Engagements Team and others with development of speeches, letters, executive summaries, reports, and Power Point briefs.
Produces content for digital signage and oversees internal command information poster series.
Monitors and evaluates media broadcasts and articles for relevant trends and keywords, and reports of findings.
Monitors for coverage of events involving, or potentially involving the museum.
As directed, prompts relevant media outlets to cover the museum’s events, exhibits etc.
Advises Engagements Team on communication issues that may have positive or adverse impact on the museum.
Supports the preparation and execution of media training for senior leadership and staff selected to appear in any media environment.
Adheres to guidelines that include general museum policies, specific DoD, Defense Health Agency (DHA) instructions, and specific public affairs program management guidelines based on law and policy.
Uses initiative, ingenuity, and resourcefulness in executing a communications program to meet objectives that are often unusual and unique to the museum or military medicine.
Performs other duties as assigned.