Communications Specialist (15.19)

OCT Consulting, LLC is an SBA-certified, 8(a) small business management and technology consulting firm that provides support to Federal Government clients. We provide consulting services in the areas of Strategy, Process Improvement, Change Management, Program and Project Management, Acquisition/Procurement, and Information Technology.

Responsibilities and Duties

OCT currently has an opening for a Communications Specialist to work with our federal client, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Marketing And Regulatory Programs (MRP) Information Technology (IT). This position reports to the Project Manager.  This position is contingent upon contract award. 

Day to day responsibilities will include: 

• Development and implementation of outreach/communication activities. 
• Develop and compile results/feedback from surveys, focus groups, and other engagements. 
• Create, edit, track, publish, and standardize organizational documents to include policies, procedures, and other authoritative documents such as memorandums. 
• Maintain print and electronic media. Required to develop and maintain multimedia communication platforms ensuring information and visual designs are in compliance with USDA Web Standards and Style Guide in addition to adhering to Section 508. 
• Deploy and maintain staff and MRP ITD Support Services customer web portal critical to the communication program. 
• Set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Knowledge of copywriting and editing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Able to multitask and manage time effectively. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail are needed.
• Creativity and innovation are also required to generate and adapt content for different purposes and audiences.
• Proven experience in web design and content production.
• Experience in copywriting and editing.
• Developing and implementing effective communication strategies.
• Managing internal communications (memos, newsletters etc.) and external communications.
• Coordinating with media representatives and stakeholders.
• Writing and editing speeches, articles, PR releases, and other marketing material.
• Overseeing the production of promotional videos, advertisements, and social media content.
• Monitoring the organization’s brand on social media.
• Measuring and analyzing the impact of communications and marketing campaigns.
• Providing communications training to staff as needed.
• Managing crises and emergency communications.
• Organizing and managing events that promote brand recognition and reputation.

Requirements

Requirements:

• Must be a US Citizen.
• Ability to obtain and retain a Public Trust clearance; the investigation will involve a credit, fingerprint, and law enforcement agency check.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or relevant field or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• At least 2 years of demonstrated experience.
• Solid understanding of project management principles Working knowledge of MS Office; photo and video-editing software Presentation skills.
• Ability to plan / organize work, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interface with senior levels of management.
• Ability to recommend improvements to current and future team operations and processes.
• Ability to research, gather, and synthesize data.
• Ability to present conclusions and recommendations to management.
• Proficient in MS Office; familiarity with design software (e.g. Photoshop, InDesign) and content management systems is a plus.
• Must be able to perform in a hybrid office environment at the discretion of the client (working on-site as requested while maintaining the equipment necessary/provided for remote work).

Benefits

Benefits

OCT offers competitive compensation packages and a full suite of benefits which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Retirement savings 401K plan provided by an industry leading provider with 3% employer contributions of the employee’s gross salary
• Paid Time Off and Standard Government Holidays
• Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term disability benefits
• Training Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000-90,000 commensurate with experience, education, etc.

About OCT Consulting

OCT Consulting LLC is a certified SBA 8(a), minority owned, small, disadvantaged business providing professional services and Information Technology solutions to the federal government and commercial clients. Founded in 2013, OCT brings the advantage of agility in operations along with a management team with a track record of leading successful engagements at major federal government agencies.

OCT is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. OCT is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.