Job Description
A D.C. Government Agency is seeking a Public Affairs Specialist for a contract. The Public Affairs Specialist (Contractor) will play a vital role in advancing the Commission's communication goals, enhancing public visibility, and supporting the implementation of the Commission's outreach efforts, both online and in the community. This contractor position will primarily support the Commission's digital communications, working closely with the Communications Officer, as well as manage administrative operations and procurement processes. The ideal candidate will be skilled in writing for digital platforms and be able to oversee multiple creative and administrative projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven regulatory environment. Assignment will start mid-October through September 30, 2026. The role is hybrid with at least 3 days in office and no more than 2 days remote. Candidates must be able to work in a highly collaborative, team-based collaboration mixed with individual tasks, and able to occasionally attend evening events.
Status: Temporary Contract
Salary: $25/hour
Duties and Responsibilities: - Digital Communications (40%)
- Create, design, and manage engaging, clear content for social media platforms, websites, newsletters, presentations, and other email campaigns that align with the Commission's strategic communication goals
- Design graphics, presentations, and other visual content (including short videos), ensuring a consistent visual identity across content
- Assist with creating and implementing new digital communications strategies
- Maintain digital asset library
- Track and report on digital engagement metrics
- Administrative & Project Support (30%)
- Plan, track, and coordinate communications work using project management software, ensuring deadlines are met and team is aligned
- Support event planning and execution for both internal and external audiences, including select Commission outreach activities throughout the District
- Maintain accurate, accessible digital filing systems and communications records to track projects and prepare reports as needed
- Prepare meeting materials, schedule meetings, and take comprehensive notes
- Track project timelines and deliverables
- Procurement Management (20%)
- Maintain strong working relationships with vendors, contractors, and suppliers
- Process and track procurement requests
- Ensure compliance with District government procurement policies
- Track office expenses and maintain procurement documentation
- General Communications Support (10%)
- Monitor media coverage using tracking platforms
- Distribute daily news clips and internal coverage reports
- Support press release distribution and media list management
- Assist with internal communications and presentation development
Job Requirements: - Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or a related field
- 3-5 years of experience in communications or public affairs, preferably with a focus on digital communication strategies
- Strong writing and editing skills for both short- and long-form content (e.g., social media posts, PowerPoint slides, website articles, statements of work)
- Intermediary or better proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive), to include real-time collaboration features
Experience with: - Social media monitoring/management tools (e.g., SproutSocial, Hootsuite)
- Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
- Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and Acrobat (InDesign or Illustrator experience a plus)
- Project management software (e.g., Basecamp, Trello, Monday, Asana)
- Media monitoring platforms (e.g., Cision, Meltwater)
- Proven experience managing procurements and/or complex administrative matters
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Exceptional organizational, planning, task management, and problem-solving skills with great attention to detail
- Excellent oral and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen well and positively represent the Commission and its mission
- Reliable home internet access for remote work
- Ability to access District Government systems remotely
- Live within commuting distance (
- Timely completion of procurement requests
- Driven to success and committed to "getting the job done"
- Meeting content creation deadlines
- Quality of visual and written materials
- Vendor relationship management
- Project coordination effectiveness
- Ease in providing and receiving positive and negative feedback around actions, ideas, etc.
- Team collaboration and communication
How To Apply: Please respond with your resume for consideration. We welcome all candidates that meet the REQUIRED qualifications with recent relevant experience. Palmer Staffing Services is an equal opportunity employer.
About Us: Palmer is an award winning staffing agency offering direct hire, temp-to-hire, and temporary placements for administrative, management, executive, legal and more. We represent more than 500 of the finest law firms and legal departments in the D.C. area.
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Job Tags
Contract work, Temporary work, For contractors, Work at office, Remote work, Afternoon shift,