Senior Media Relations Specialist

Seeking: Experienced strategic communications professional to serve as a Senior Media Relations Specialist supporting the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Public Affairs (OPA).

DCG is a specialized, evidence-based communications and research firm focused on supporting federal clients with strategic public relations, marketing, outreach, and research and analysis services. With more than 14 years of experience dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in support of federal government campaigns, our focus is to deliver comprehensive communications services through cutting-edge technologies that enrich the lives of Americans.

Why DCG? Our mission-driven work has covered critical topics like human trafficking awareness, mental health stigma reduction, suicide prevention, ending homelessness, veteran health, transportation safety, small business resources, public diplomacy, to name a few. We believe smart communications has the power to change lives and this work is our passion.

Position Overview: As a Senior Media Relations Specialist, you will lead and manage all media outreach and communications strategies to enhance the agency's public image and ensure the accurate dissemination of key information. This role requires a demonstrated ability to develop and execute proactive media campaigns, cultivate relationships with journalists and media outlets, respond to media inquiries, and coordinate interviews with agency leadership. The Senior Media Relations Specialist will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to draft press releases, talking points, speeches, and other communications materials, ensuring consistency with the agency's messaging. A key aspect of the position is navigating complex public policy issues and crafting clear, transparent, and effective messaging for both traditional and digital media platforms. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the media landscape and government operations.

Location: This is a hybrid role with a strong preference for candidates located within the Washington, DC Metro area.

Key Competencies:

Strategic Communication: Demonstrated ability to craft clear, concise, and impactful messages tailored to diverse media audiences, aligned with the agency's mission.

Crisis Management: Skilled in responding to high-pressure situations with calmness and precision, ensuring timely and accurate messaging to a wide range of media audiences during emergencies or critical incidents.

Collaboration and Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams, foster cross-functional collaboration, and build trust within the agency and with external stakeholders including a wide array of media partners.

Media Monitoring and Analysis: Demonstrated ability in tracking and analyzing earned media, identifying trends, and leveraging insights to inform media and press strategies and agency narratives.

Earned Media Expertise: Experience in securing positive media coverage and developing relationships with journalists and media outlets to amplify agency priorities. Applicants must provide at least three different examples of success in this category.

Press Strategy Development: Skilled in creating and executing proactive and reactive media strategies to achieve agency communication goals.

Congressional Hearing Preparation: Demonstrated experience in crafting briefing materials, talking points, and strategies for agency leadership ahead of congressional hearings, high-visibility events, and crisis situations.

Advising Senior Officials: Demonstrated ability to provide strategic communication advice to senior national security officials prior to media engagements, ensuring alignment with broader government messaging.

Analytical and Research Skills: Proficient in analyzing data, public sentiment, and media trends to shape media and overarching communication strategies.

Policy and Subject-Matter Expertise: Strong understanding of government policies, legislative processes, and the agencys mission, with the ability to translate complex issues into public-facing language.

Clearance: Candidates must obtain DHS suitability and a public trust clearance.

Personal Characteristics:

Resilience and Emotional Intelligence: Ability to handle stress, criticism, and high stakes with emotional maturity and empathy.

Integrity and Accountability: Commitment to ethical communication, transparency, and owning mistakes when they occur.

Adaptability: Comfortable with shifting priorities, evolving narratives, and rapid changes in media dynamics.

Intellectual Curiosity: Proactive in staying informed about emerging trends and seeking opportunities to innovate in communication practices.

Interpersonal Skills: Strong relationship-building abilities with internal teams, leadership, the media, and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

Education/Experience: Bachelors degree, preferably in communications or closely related field, with a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience supporting corporate communications and/or public relations functions.

Background in journalism, public affairs, strategic communications, or a related field.

Demonstrated success in creating and managing media relationships for high-profile organizations or government agencies.

Experience working in fast-paced environments with strict deadlines and significant public visibility.

Familiarity with the legislative, regulatory, or policy-making environment in the federal government.

Previous experience in national security, defense, or homeland security communications.

Previous or current experience working within the Department of Homeland Security.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Critical thinking and problem-solving in high-pressure scenarios.

Teamwork and the ability to manage diverse perspectives and priorities.

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.

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.

401(k) retirement plan with a fully vested 4% corporate match.

Annual monetary supplement toward mental and physical wellbeing, and pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

100% Paid Family Bonding for all new parents (including adoption), in addition to STD/LTD.

$1000 family expansion benefit to offset costs often uncovered with medical plans: fertility treatment, adoption, and surrogacy.

Generous paid time off including 11 paid federal holidays annually.

Annual $1600 professional development stipend.

$300 annual cash benefit to be used on a variety of wellness perks such as massage, gym memberships, equipment, and more.

DCG Communications is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

If you are a person with a disability needing assistance with the application process, please contact hr@dcgcommunications.com .

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