Public Affairs Specialist

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a key advisor on strategic communications initiatives and manage assigned communications portfolios. You will support the development and execution of multimedia, digital, and public-facing communication products that advance organizational priorities.

Duties

This Public Affairs Specialist position is located in Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (SCPA), Public Affairs Division, Media Relations Branch, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Duties include but are not limited to: Plans and executes internal and external communications activities for assigned SCPA programs and functional areas. Develops communications, outreach, and promotional materials that explain complex, high-visibility, and potentially controversial issues to a range of audiences. Conducts research on program responsibilities, activities, policies, and emerging issues to support national communications campaigns. Advises leadership and program officials on potential media and public reactions to proposed policies, programs, and initiatives. Establishes and maintains productive relationships with local, national, and international media representatives and responds to communications issues affecting SCPA. Develops and implements short- and long-term communications strategies to promote public understanding of SCPA programs and activities among the media, industry stakeholders, other Federal agencies, Congress, the general public, and internal audiences. Prepares key messages, communication plans, outreach products, and implementation approaches using a variety of communications channels. Identifies and assesses potentially controversial issues with national or international impact and recommends appropriate communications responses. Leads or participates in special projects involving policy-sensitive or confidential matters, ensuring communications activities are consistent with SCPA policy and organizational objectives. Manages strategic communication portfolios; to include regular information gathering, tracking of SCPA support requests, and evaluation of effectiveness. Provides strategic communications and public affairs subject matter expertise concerning agency programs, developments, and policies. Provides advice and counsel to senior leadership on strategic communications, audience outreach, and engagement opportunities as they relate to the TSA mission and goals. Conducts extensive research, develops plans, and contributes to the implementation of a variety of Public Affairs projects and programs; utilizes metrics to track the progress of projects and developing reports of findings to management and other TSA entities. Consults and advises executive level program managers regarding their communication needs and advises headquarters senior program managers and field leadership on how to build stronger communication products and systems for delivering products.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience: To qualify at the SV-J (GS-14) band level: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the SV-I (GS-13) in the Federal service or private sector. Specialized experience MUST include all the following: Leading communications and outreach efforts for external stakeholders, including partner agencies, industry groups, community organizations, media outlets, and customers; advising leadership and program offices on effective messaging and communication approaches; AND Researching, drafting, reviewing, editing, and coordinating press releases, public statements, talking points, speeches, media advisories, and other public-facing communications materials; AND Developing and executing strategic communications plans and advising senior leadership on communications strategies, messaging, and sensitive or high-visibility matters. Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Education

For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or an itemized list of college courses from an accredited college or university, which includes equivalent information from the transcript (course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned) in your resume. The information must be provided with the application by the closing date of the announcement. If selected, the applicant must supply a transcript or certification of degree.