What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Affairs Specialist position at DCG?
Who We Are
DCG is an award-winning, full-service engagement, digital, research, and data company with over 15 years of experience supporting the military, Veterans, and the American public. DCG strategically researches, plans, executes, and evaluates large-scale, multi-platform outreach initiatives across a wide range of mission-driven issues including human trafficking awareness, mental health stigma reduction, suicide prevention, ending homelessness, Veteran health, transportation safety, small business resources, and public diplomacy, to name a few. Additionally, our research and digital teams employ mixed methods research, Human-Centered Design (HCD), and change management principles to integrate new technologies built around well-researched user journeys.
Position Overview
DCG is seeking an experienced public affairs professional to support a mission-driven federal client focused on law enforcement, public safety, and national security. This role handles high-visibility topics and requires experience working in a fast-paced environment where information moves rapidly. The candidate must be able to produce clear, accurate information under pressure and with competing deadlines. This team also tracks and interprets breaking news across broadcast and social media, providing quick turn spokesperson responses, press release framing and in some cases push back against media narratives.
Location
Must be located within the National Capital Region with part-time telework options available.
Responsibilities
- Map the full press-response workflow to identify efficiency and strengthen message consistency across the office.
- Identify and resolve bottlenecks in press operations to improve accuracy and accelerate clearance and publication.
- Build standard operating procedures, checklists, trackers, and templates that create predictable, repeatable processes for faster responses and reduced rework.
- Align daily press tasks with long-range strategies so every product contributes to broader communications objectives.
- Integrate insights from media inquiries, social listening, analytics, and coverage trends to provide leadership with actionable, data-driven intelligence.
- Monitor reputational risks and misinformation to ensure the office can proactively respond before issues escalate.
- Develop planning tools that help the client anticipate high-tempo periods and maintain readiness during surges and observances.
- Prepare leadership with briefing materials that enhance clarity, accuracy, and preparedness for media engagements.
Required Qualifications
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public administration, planning, marketing or related field or equivalent experience.
Minimum Experience: Minimum 6 years of related corporate communications/public relations experience; journalism background. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Experience in project management.
- Clearance: Must be able to obtain suitability within the Department of Homeland Security
Culture at DCG
DCG boasts a flexible and adaptable culture. We value hardworking, self-motivated, and dedicated team members and are committed to fostering ample opportunities for career advancement. Get a glimpse into our culture here:
- DCG Life Medium Blog: https://medium.com/dcg-life
- DCG Life Instagram: @dcglife
Benefits Snapshot
- A range of comprehensive healthcare plans, encompassing medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with group life coverage. The firm covers 60% of the premium cost for employees and all dependents.
- Generous paid time off including paid federal holidays
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Wellness programs and activities, and pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Paid Family Bonding for new parents, with 50% cost sharing for Short-Term Disability
- $1,000 family expansion benefit to offset costs often uncovered with medical plans: fertility treatment, adoption, and surrogacy
*Note that the above benefits are available only to full-time employees of DCG*
All qualified applicants will receive due consideration for employment without regard to personal characteristics or membership in any group protected by federal, state, or local law to include Veteran or disability status. DCG does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind in the workplace, and we are committed to fostering a corporate culture that respects and values differences of thought informed by unique experiences.
If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please contact hr@dcgcommunications.com.