Juan-Carlos (JC) Avilés
Public Affairs & Communications
Washington
Summary
Strategic public relations and communications professional with 20+ years of experience in government relations, communications strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated leadership in developing communication plans and managing high-profile initiatives within federal agencies. Skilled in crafting impactful narratives that shape public perception and opinions, fostering collaboration, and driving mission success. Expertise in community relations, brand positioning, and effectively managing complex communications in sensitive and high-stakes environments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
1
1
Language
Work History
Communications Manager
Office of Community Services at ACF/HHS
11.2024 - Current
- Lead a high-performing communications team to craft and execute strategic messaging that engages internal and external stakeholders, including federal staff, program partners, and the public
- Develop a dynamic communication strategy to increase public awareness of programs
- Oversee written and digital content production and quality assurance, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with federal agency communication standards, messaging, and clearance
- Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, advocacy groups, and government entities to advance program goals and public awareness
Communications Deputy Director
Office of Refugee Resettlement at ACF/HHS
02.2023 - 11.2024
- Spearheaded a multi-channel public engagement strategy to enhance awareness of ORR’s mission and programs, mitigating misinformation and increasing public support
- Led the Foster Care Awareness Campaign for a $3.5M initiative to address placement challenges for unaccompanied children in Spanish bilingual and other language homes
- Served as the strategic advisor on communications to senior government officials, providing insights on public messaging, crisis response, and stakeholder engagement
- Managed interagency collaboration with DoS, DHS, and DOD to effectively coordinate unified communications strategies and address cross-agency issues
- Oversaw the development of press releases, digital content, and public statements to ensure consistent and impactful messaging
Lead Public Affairs Specialist
11.2022 - 02.2023
- Led a team of 11 professionals in managing public relations, crisis communication, and media outreach efforts for ORR programs
- Established new communication strategies and staffing models to improve public understanding and reduce misinformation regarding ORR initiatives
- Advised HHS leadership on media relations and strategic communication, ensuring effective messaging on sensitive policy issues
- Managed external stakeholder relationships, fostering positive engagement with media, advocacy organizations, and government agencies
Public affairs and communications leadership roles in various federal agencies
01.2012 - 01.2022
- Provided strategic counsel on public messaging, crisis management, and public relations for multiple federal health and human services programs
- Developed high-impact awareness campaigns targeting diverse populations, including Spanish-speaking audiences, to enhance program accessibility
- Led digital transformation initiatives to optimize social media outreach and community engagement, driving increased participation in federal programs and contractors for both Spanish and other refugee languages
Projects Manager
Office of U.S. Congresswoman Roybal-Allard
08.2002 - 01.2009
- Served as the governmental liaison to students and school administrators to identify/assess federal grants in four school districts
- Organized events and public workshops on grant proposal development and management
- Developed, tracked, and managed the district’s Scholarship Directory, including fellowships and internships in the public and private sectors
- Recruited, trained, and supervised Congressional new staff and interns
- Managed the Federal Grants Notification Program for the congressional district and Los Angeles region to support non-profit organization’s research and apply for federal grants
- Led financial aid workshops for high schools in 13 cities, with over 26 seminars in English and Spanish a year, leading to national recognition in People (En Español) magazine in 2006
Cultural Attaché
Consulate General of Mexico
12.2000 - 06.2002
- Spanish Interpreter/translator, public relations liaison for U.S
- And foreign government community relations, coordinated and organized educational and cultural events for families and the public, including events and celebrations for Mexico
- Specialized in international public health programs and promoting to the target audience with local and state leadership support
- Organized and supported negotiations with high-level government officials and foreign government leaders on critical issues of Mexican nationals, like literacy, computer skills, etc
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Humanities/Philosophy
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, COMaster of Arts - Public Communication
American University (AU)
Washington, D.C.Skills
- Proficient in Strategic Communication
- Public Relations Management
- Workplace Relationship Management
- Collaborative External Partnership Management
- Digital Strategy Development
- Brand Strategy Development
- Strategic Message Framing
- Community Outreach
- Content Development
- Leadership
Certifications Awards Affiliations
- Acquisition Fundamentals of Project/Program Mgmt.
- Fundamentals of Business, Cost, and Financial Mgmt.
- Communication Award for COVID-19 Prevention
- Award for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace Campaign
- Federal Spanish Interpretation Certification
- AU Award Best Campaign
- Society for Health Communications Affiliation
Accomplishments
Acquisition Fundamentals of Project/Program Mgmt. Certification
Fundamentals of Business, Cost, and Financial Mgmt. Certification
Communication Award for COVID-19 Prevention
Award for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace Campaign
Federal Spanish Interpretation Certification
AU Award Best Campaign
Society for Health Communications Affiliation
Affiliations
Society for Health Communications
Certification
Acquisition Fundamentals of Project/Program Mgmt.
Timeline
Fundamentals of Business, Cost, and Financial Mgmt.
11-2024
Communications Manager
Office of Community Services at ACF/HHS
11.2024 - Current
Acquisition Fundamentals of Project/Program Mgmt.
10-2024
Communications Deputy Director
Office of Refugee Resettlement at ACF/HHS
02.2023 - 11.2024
Lead Public Affairs Specialist
11.2022 - 02.2023
Public affairs and communications leadership roles in various federal agencies
01.2012 - 01.2022
Projects Manager
Office of U.S. Congresswoman Roybal-Allard
08.2002 - 01.2009
Cultural Attaché
Consulate General of Mexico
12.2000 - 06.2002
Master of Arts - Public Communication
American University (AU)
Bachelor of Arts - Humanities/Philosophy
Colorado State University
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