Associate Director for Messaging - EOM Office of Communications in Washington, District of Columbia at Mayor's Office of Talent and Appointments (MOTA)

POSITION: Associate Director for Messaging
OFFICE: EOM Office of Communications
OPEN: June 1, 2026
CLOSED: June 12, 2026
GRADE: Excepted Service, Grade 4 (ES-4)
SALARY: $85,791.36

This is an Excepted Service position. Selected candidate must be a District resident or establish residency within 180 days of hire.
Current District of Columbia residents will receive priority and advanced preference for screening and interviews.

SPECIAL TERM: As an Excepted Service position that serves at the pleasure of the Mayor, the term for this posting aligns with the end of Mayor Bowser's term and is expected to end on January 2nd, 2027.
backgroundThe Bowser Administration seeks an energetic and qualified candidate to serve as Associate Director for Messaging in the Executive Office of the Mayor (EOM) Office of Communications. The office operates as a resource to all government agencies, officials, and the media in facilitating the widest possible dissemination of information to the public.

The Associate Director will work with the Messaging Director to ensure seamless strategic and effective communications. The position will assist in developing copy for the Executive Office of the Mayor communications. This role is an excellent fit for someone who enjoys writing, is interested in District government, and has long-term career goals of becoming a speechwriter, public information officer, or other senior-level communications position.
Major duties

• Writes and edits materials, including press releases, media advisories, statements, and remarks, that keep the public and the press informed about District services and program.
• Works with the Communications Director and the Director of Messaging to advise District agencies on messaging and communications tactics.
• Supports the operations of the entire communications team, especially with drafting and reviewing content for social media and compiling and analyzing press coverage.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Experience drafting, writing, and editing press releases, media advisories, statements, scripts, talking points, and remarks.
• Superior ability to manage multiple priorities and fast-paced work.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong research skills and the ability to take in large amounts of new information, distill critical facts, and write clearly and concisely about unfamiliar topics.

WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work is performed primarily in-person in an office setting. Times in the field are permitted when there is a related event, including
SPECIAL NOTE - SECURITY SENSITIVEThis position is deemed security sensitive. The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability – Security Sensitive.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTThere is a legal requirement that each new appointee to the Excepted Service either:

1. be a District of Columbia resident at the time of appointment; or
2. become a District resident within one hundred eighty (180) days of appointment.

The law also requires that Excepted Service employees remain District residents during the duration of the individual’s appointment. Failure to remain a District resident for the duration of the appointment will result in forfeiture of employment.
If you are interested in this role, please upload your resume and answer the questionnaire. Only the candidates deemed most suited for the position based on resume will receive a call to schedule further discussion.