Public Affairs Specialist (Speechwriter)

Summary

This position is located in the Public Affairs Staff, Office of External Affairs, Office of the Director, Indian Health Service. Reports to IHS Headquarters. The official duty station is at IHS Headquarters, Rockville, MD. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Duties

Serves as the Agency-level technical authority for executive speechwriting and message development, advising the Director of Public Affairs and senior IHS leadership on formulations, articulation timing, tone, and public affairs implications of executive communications, Plans, develops, and produces authoritative speeches, keynote remarks, talking points, statements, message frameworks, briefing materials, and other executive communications for the IHS Director and other senior officials on the full range of IHS programs, policies, services, priorities, and emerging issues. Integrates complex, sensitive, and sometimes conflicting policy, scientific, clinical, operational, legislative, and stakeholder information into clear and accurate executive communications. Develops new communication approaches for high-visibility, sensitive, controversial, or unprecedented issues; anticipates likely audience reaction and recommends changes in framing, sequencing, emphasis, and supporting information to advance Agency objectives. Ensures executive communications are consistent with IHS and HHS policy, cleared positions, public affairs requirements, and the strategic priorities of Agency leadership. Independently researches and analyzes Agency programs and issues; identifies information gaps, conflicting interpretations, reputational or public-understanding risks, and matters requiring leadership resolution before communications are finalized. Leads cross-Agency development and clearance of executive remarks, coordinating with senior executives, Area Directors, program directors, subject matter experts, HHS public affairs officials, and other offices as appropriate. Exercises judgment and discretion in handling predecisional, sensitive, embargoed, or confidential information and determines how such information may be appropriately reflected in public affairs products consistent with applicable policy and clearance requirements. Reviews and edits high-level PAS products to ensure consistency of Agency voice, message architecture, policy positions, accessibility, and strategic communications objectives across internal and external channels. Advises senior management on communication considerations associated with proposed or emerging policies, programs, events, and issues. Evaluates the effectiveness of executive messaging using available audience feedback, stakeholder input, media coverage, engagement data, and lessons learned. Represents PAS in high-level planning discussions and maintains working relationships with officials and stakeholders. Provides authoritative technical guidance to public affairs staff and Agency communicators on executive writing, message development, audience analysis, strategic framing, and clearance practices. Develops and improves Agency resources.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. 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; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-14 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service that includes Experience developing speeches, executive remarks, talking points, briefing materials, and other strategic communications for senior leadership on complex or sensitive organizational programs and issues; researching, analyzing, and synthesizing policy, programmatic, technical, and stakeholder information to develop clear and accurate public affairs messaging; coordinating the development, review, and clearance of executive communications with senior officials, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders; and advising management on communication strategies, audience considerations, messaging approaches, and public affairs implications of proposed or emerging issues. Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

There are no education requirements.