Job Description
POSITION: Workforce Specialist
OFFICE: Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs (MOLGBTQA)
OPEN: January 8, 2026
CLOSED: January 18, 2026
GRADE: Excepted Service, Grade 5 (ES-5)
SALARY: $82,069
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.
background
The Bowser Administration seeks passionate and experienced candidates to serve as a Workforce Specialist in the Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Affairs (MOLGBTQA) in the Executive Office of the Mayor. MOLGBTQA is a permanent, cabinet-level office established by statute through the Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs Act of 2005.
The mission of the MOLGBTQA is to address the important concerns of the District’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and asexual residents through empowering young LGBTQIA+ community leaders, removing barriers for LGBTQIA+ business owners, building a cohesive LGBTQIA+ community across all eight wards, and providing resources for at-risk LGBTQIA+ populations. MOLGBTQA works to define issues of concern to the LGBTQIA+ community and find innovative ways of utilizing government resources to help address these issues. For more information on the office, please visit here: .
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in promoting an inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ employees across the city's agencies and offices. This position involves collaborating with various stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that foster equitable and affirming workplaces for all LGBTQIA+ employees.
Major duties
- Resource and Referral Services: Serve as a point of contact and referral for LGBTQIA+ residents and allies seeking employment/hiring guidance, support, or resources related to workplace challenges, discrimination, or other issues. Connect residents with appropriate services and resources from agencies including DOES, DCHR, DHS, WIC, OHR, DSLBD, OTR, DLCP, and DOB.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Advise and coordinate with the Director to foster relationships with private and public sector organizations to strengthen LGBTQIA+ organizations and community groups, and leverage resources in support of LGBTQIA+ workforce initiatives.
- LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training and Education: Partner with government agencies to deliver training sessions, workshops, and educational materials to increase awareness, sensitivity, and understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues among businesses (including non-profits), employees, and leadership.
- Communication and Outreach: Collaborate with the MOLGBTQA team to develop and execute communication strategies to engage residents, employers, and the public on LGBTQIA+ workplace matters and resources. Use various platforms to share success stories, resources, and best practices.
- Policy Advice: Advise the Director of the MOLGBTQA on more inclusive policies and practices within the District. Represent the Director, as needed, in relevant task forces, committees, and public engagements.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Collect and analyze data, as needed by the Director of MOLGBTQA related to LGBTQIA+ employees' experiences, concerns, and needs within the workforce.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- In-depth understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues, intersectionality, and the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in the workplace.
- Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and best practices.
- Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, execute, and evaluate initiatives.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience in designing and delivering training sessions and workshops.
- Analytical skills for data collection, interpretation, and reporting.
- Familiarity with relevant local and national laws and policies related to LGBTQIA+ rights and workplace discrimination.
- Self-motivated, collaborative, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
- Two years working in public policy, community engagement, or government field.
- Bachelor's degree in a related field (such as Human Resources, Social Work, Sociology, Diversity and Inclusion) or equivalent practical experience.
- Direct working experience and knowledge or the LGBTQIA+ Community and/or LGBTQIA+ issues, including homelessness, senior issues, youth issues, economic issues, public safety, immigration, Faith/Civil Rights, Transgender Issues, or LGBTQIA+ Equality.
Work environment
The work is performed primarily in-person. Time in the field is frequently required.
SPECIAL NOTE - SECURITY SENSITIVE
This 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 REQUIREMENT
There is a legal requirement that each new appointee to the Excepted Service either:
- be a District of Columbia resident at the time of appointment; or
- 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.
Job Tags
Permanent employment, Full time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area,