Job Summary

This position is located in the Office of the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA).

HSEMA seeks an experienced, strategic leader to serve as Bureau Chief for Communications and Engagement. This position provides leadership and management to two interconnected program areas: the agency's communications portfolio and its community outreach program. The communications and engagement function at HSEMA is an operational discipline, fully integrated into how the agency plans, responds, and recovers. The communications portfolio spans steady-state and crisis communications, media relations, digital and social media, website management, and regional interagency coordination. The community outreach program is moving from a primarily event-based model toward campaign-driven, data-informed preparedness education designed around community risk profiles, measurable outcomes, and documented gaps in public awareness and preparedness behavior.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent works under the general direction of the Assistant Director and exercises independent judgment in translating agency priorities into program strategy, staffing decisions, operational plans, and performance frameworks. Work is evaluated on outcomes, strategic alignment, and effectiveness. The Bureau Chief directs the design and execution of an integrated communications strategy encompassing public information, crisis and emergency risk communication, media relations, digital platforms, and interagency and intergovernmental coordination. The incumbent leads Joint Information Center (JIC) operations and may serve as or designate the agency's senior Public Information Officer during planned and unplanned activations and major events, integrating public information into incident action planning and EOC operations as an operational function. The Bureau Chief oversees the community outreach program, directing campaign-based, analytically grounded approaches to preparedness education and establishing staff capacity across emergency management knowledge, data analysis, community facilitation, and administrative competency. The incumbent manages bureau staff and budget, establishes and tracks employee and program performance metrics, advises senior leadership, and represents the agency in interagency communications and public information forums. The Bureau Chief is also expected to develop operational tools and communications products that support equitable response and recovery, ensuring that the bureau's work extends meaningfully into all phases of the emergency management cycle, in partnership with HSEMA's preparedness, response, and recovery programs.

Plans, coordinates, and supervises a broad range of complex special projects and programs related to the design, re-design, and improvement of agency processes and programs. Assesses extremely diverse, critical, controversial, and/or sensitive matters of interest to the supervisor and recommends approaches and solutions. Acts as a liaison between HSEMA and other key District agencies in the planning, assessment, and implementation of changes in administrative processes, including those initiated in conjunction with other agencies. Coordinates changes with technical experts, other District/Federal agencies, and the private sector to determine the most effective approach and methodology to resolve issues and obtain the desired results.

Serves as the project manager for large and complex project assignments. Organizes, plans, and coordinates a wide variety of activities within the department of major community interest, cost and funding method considerations, and political and media interest. Has authority and responsibility for the successful completion of the project, as delegated by the supervisor. As appropriate, develops comprehensive, long-range schedules showing the sequence of tasks, target dates, and persons responsible for the various activities, which must be coordinated over the three to four-year duration of identified projects.

Qualifications and Education

This position requires one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform its duties.

A minimum of five (5) years' experience working in the related field is desired, including emergency management, military operations, law enforcement, fire and rescue operations, and security organizational management in the private sector. A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, Writing, Emergency Management, or a related field is preferred. Multilingual candidates are also desirable.

Licensures, Certifications and other requirements

Preferred consideration will be given for one or more of the following: Certified Project Manager or Certified Program Manager, IAEM Certified Emergency Manager, or state-level emergency management certification. Serves as a member of the HSEMA Consequence Management Team (CMT)

Work Conditions/Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (however, hours can vary based on the mission)

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: MS-0343-14

Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential (NKPP)

Collective Bargaining Notice: This position is NOT in a collective bargaining unit.

Type of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service Appointment: Employees in the MSS serve at-will. Those appointed to the MSS enjoy the benefits of a separate, more competitive pay structure and are offered a targeted training curriculum with courses on performance management and evaluation, human resources systems, and leadership development.

Position Designation: This position has been designated as security sensitive; therefore, the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability, and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable. The incumbent is designated as an essential employee and must be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, to support the District's overall preparedness. In the event of an emergency, the incumbent may be called into work. The incumbent will fulfill all training and activation requirements as part of the Incident Management Team.

Employee Benefits: Selectee(s) will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave, and will be covered under the District of Columbia government's retirement plan.

Residency Notice: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.