Minimum Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Experience

1

Summary

The Communications Specialist supports the development, and execution of division communications strategies, and organizes communication-related programs and activities of basic complexity. Works both independently and as part of a team to promote effective communication methods and practices, including tools, templates, and processes. Participates in the implementation of a variety of communications for targeted audiences internal and external to the IT division. Works with team to coordinate outreach activities as defined by division leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the development, enhancement and execution of internal and external communications strategies of moderate complexity for the division with input from division leadership or subject matter experts.


• Participates in the IT division Enterprise Communication Program (ECP) or future programs similar in nature.


• Proofreads and edits communication materials for grammar, clarity, style, and tone to ensure consistency of language and appropriateness for audience and message delivery mediums. Collaboration with authors and stakeholders to develop or refine content for small efforts.


• Participates in the development of key messages and communication assets for established or new division programs and/or activities.


• Recommends appropriate communication channels for small communication efforts.


• Participates in the creation of communication content suitable for a variety of platforms (e.g., web, email, video, print media, social media, presentations, live events, etc.) that are tailored appropriately to audiences to ensure the objectives of the communications can be effectively understood while fostering open communication throughout the organization and reinforcing IT's culture and values.


• Participates in the maintenance and enhancement of the IT Division website and other internal websites as assigned. Participates in regular assessments to identify enhancement opportunities.


• Participates in the collaboration with IT colleagues to implement successful integrated communication plans and strategies by leveraging available communication vehicles.


• Stays abreast of industry best practices for communications and outreach.


• Participates with team to recommend innovative solutions for the communication of IT-related awareness campaigns, IT events, and outreach.


• Participates in the development and implementation of IT brand strategies. Improves the value of IT branding by raising awareness both internally and externally to the division.


• Participates in support of the IT Technical Training Program's communication needs.


• Participates in the coordination of various division outreach efforts


• Participates in the coordination of division communication activities and events to facilitate innovation.


• Participates in communication and activity research and shares improvement opportunities with team members.


• Develops own professional skills. Maintains awareness of new and evolving communication methods and best practices through external sources with limited proficiency and seeks opportunities for application within their work. Identifies appropriate direction for own professional development, and initiates activities to bring about that development.


• May participate in IT Division or Board initiatives or workshops

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, Public Relations, Organizational Development, Business or similar field, or equivalent work experience with a minimum of 2 years' experience in organizational communications principles and practices. Familiar with communications principles and strategies in an information technology and data environment. Experience with digital communication channels including but not limited to websites, digital displays, video, print media, social media, and mobile applications. Requires the ability to translate technical IT concepts of limited complexity into digestible information for audiences with varying levels of understanding about the topic. Understands and applies knowledge of organizational communication principles and practices to include communication plan development, implementation, and ongoing support. Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong proofreading and editing skills. Familiar with transformation, change management, and program/project management. Familiar with writing style guides and applies appropriate guidance to communication materials. Familiar with one or more communication technologies or tools used at the Board. Familiar with website editing and change management.

FR-24 Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, Public Relations, Organizational Development, Business or similar field, or equivalent work experience with a minimum of 3 years' experience in organizational communications principles and practices. Knowledge and experience with communications strategies in an information technology and data environment. Experience with digital communication channels including but not limited to websites, digital displays, video, print media, social media, and mobile applications. Requires the ability to translate basic to moderately complex technical IT concepts into digestible information for audiences with varying levels of understanding about the topic. Understands and applies knowledge of organizational communication principles and practices to include communication plan development, implementation, and ongoing support. Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong proofreading and editing skills. Knowledgeable about transformation, change management, and program/project management. Knowledgeable about writing style guides and applies applicable guidance to communication materials. Knowledgeable about one or more communication technologies or tools used at the Board. Experienced with website editing and change management.

FR-25 Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, Public Relations, Organizational Development, Business or similar field, or equivalent work experience with a minimum of 5 years' experience in organizational communications principles and practices. Knowledge and experience with communications strategies in an information technology and data environment. Experience with digital communication channels including but not limited to websites, digital displays, video, print media, social media, and mobile applications. Requires the abilit y to translate complex technical IT concepts into digestible information for audiences with varying levels of understanding about the topic. Understands and applies knowledge of organizational communication principles and practices to include communication plan development, implementation, and ongoing support. Strong oral and written communication skills. Advanced proofreading and editing skills. Experience with transformation, change management, and program/project management. Well versed with writing sty le guides and applies applicable guidance to communication materials. Expertise with one or more communication technologies or tools used at the Board. Experienced and confident with website editing and change management.

FR-26 Minimal Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, Public Relations, Organizational Development, Business or similar field, or equivalent work experience with a minimum of 5 years' experience in organizational communications principles and practices. Knowledge and experience with communications strategies in an information technology and data environment. Experience with digital communication channels including but not limited to websites, digital displays, video, print media, social medi a, and mobile applications. Requires the ability to translate complex technical IT concepts into digestible information for audiences with varying levels of understanding about the topic. Understands and applies knowledge of organizational communication principles and practices to include communication plan development, implementation, and ongoing support. Strong oral and written communication skills. Advanced proofreading and editing skills. Experience with transformation, change management, and program/p roject management. Well versed with writing style guides and applies applicable guidance to communication materials. Expertise with one or more communication technologies or tools used at the Board. Experienced and confident with website editing and change management.

The Communications Specialist will focus on the design, implementation, and administration of internal and external communications. This position will require interaction with all levels of division leadership and staff. Incumbent will participate in the selection of appropriate communication methods and techniques after evaluating alternatives and peer or management review. Incumbent will network with communication experts across the organization to exchange information related to communication best practices. The Communication Specialist will be required to communicate in non-technical language with stakeholders about technology.

Proficiency with Microsoft 365 business applications and creation of presentation decks is required. Ability to write to a style guide, work in small teams, and operate independently is required. Must possess a high level of attention to detail, be self-motivated, and work with a great deal of autonomy. Should be an effective communicator and familiar with a variety of message delivery mediums. Possess the ability to assess existing communication systems for effectiveness and recommend courses of action as appropriate.

Highly Desirable Qualifications:

A background in technical writing and editing, writing for the web, working with content management systems, and HTML highly desirable. Working knowledge of SharePoint online and various video on-demand training tools is also highly desirable. Ability to craft multifaceted communication plans, guide them to implementation, and support them going forward is desired.

This position is hybrid, requiring a combination of telework and in-office presence in Washington, DC.