Specialist, Community Affairs - (27-OMAC-103000-051)

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description. This job description is not a “contract” between the employee and the Authority. The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager. 

Division:

Department:

Administration

Marketing and Communications-Central Administration

At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 27.2 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.

The Specialist, Community Affairs supports DC Water’s public outreach and stakeholder engagement efforts by developing and distributing communications materials, including fact sheets, press releases, educational resources, and other public information. This role coordinates and participates in community outreach activities, including city events, public meetings, government agency meetings, and other forums to communicate current and emerging issues relative to the Authority; and maintains knowledge of water industry trends, innovative technologies, and water quality topics to support accurate, effective, and informative public engagement. This position serves as a point of contact for customers, community members, and stakeholders by responding to inquiries and addressing concerns while promoting DC Water’s mission, programs, and initiatives. 

• Works closely with departments across DC Water to coordinate environmental lessons for students in schools across the District on the topics of water conservation, wastewater treatment, and water quality.

• Responsible for preparing and leading short, age-appropriate presentations and supporting the coordination of demonstrations conducted by DC Water experts and technicians.

• Researches innovative ways of partnering with local schools and increasing the visibility of DC Water.

• Manages partnerships with numerous public, private, public charter, parochial and other schools across the District, as it relates to environmental education. Maintains responsibility for partnership development of existing relationships. 

• Identifies new schools, camps and other educational/recreational institutions to further extend alliances.

• Assists other DC Water departments in the enhancement and increased visibility of their respective programs, initiatives, and services, based upon need and availability.

• Works closely with OMAC media relations and social media staff to promote environmental education and other outreach initiatives; contributes to related social media campaigns. 

• Assists with daily management and resolution of customer inquiries and complaints received via DC Water’s social media accounts. 

• Collaborates regularly with various regional partner agencies on selected topics of interest, inclusive of community outreach initiatives and social media awareness, and engagement.

• Participates in a proportionate share of public outreach events and meetings hosted and/or attended by DC Water. 

• Assists in scheduling pre-event site visits, coordinating detailed logistics for event team members, and serving as a day-of event point-of-contact on site.

• Manages scheduling and coordination of school and public tours to DC Water facilities; assists with the coordination of some VIP tours, as directed.

• Performs other related duties and projects as assigned at the discretion the immediate supervisor. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Key Working Relationships: Maintains close contact with Water Services, Sewer Services and Drinking Water Division; interfaces with appropriate officials of local jurisdictions as well as vendors who prepare outreach materials under the direction of the incumbent.

The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.

Required Skills & Qualifications

A minimum of three (3) years of experience in public outreach, communications, journalism, or education.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

*The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities. 

At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital.

• Take pride in your work. We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an exciting opportunity to help improve the environment and make a lasting difference for the community.

• Connect to a strong culture. Everything we do is grounded in our shared values—accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and well-being.

• Be your true self. We are an inclusive organization that embraces diversity, and we recognize and celebrate employees’ individuality and unique contributions.

• Build your skills and career path. We are committed to developing a future-ready workforce by helping our employees develop skills for the jobs of tomorrow.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities.”

If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to

perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please

email complianceada@dcwater.com.