Communications Specialist

Citizenship and Immigration Services•Camp Springs, MD

About The Position

The Communications Specialist plans, develops, and coordinates strategic communications for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) programs and initiatives, and advises leadership on messaging and communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders. The role develops and implements communication plans and campaigns, coordinates sensitive and high-profile initiatives across USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and prepares communications products for multiple channels. It also supports review and clearance through relevant USCIS, DHS, and White House channels, evaluates communication efforts, and recommends improvements. The position is at the GS-14 level. Applicants must meet federal eligibility, background investigation, drug screening, and applicable residency and time-in-grade requirements. A one-year probationary period may be required.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
Successfully pass a background investigation, including financial disclosure.
Pass a drug screening.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
Applicants not currently employed by USCIS must meet the stated residency requirement: for three of the last five years immediately before applying, have resided in the United States, worked overseas for the U.S. Government in a Federal or Military capacity, or been a dependent of a U.S. Federal or Military employee serving overseas.
Current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the lower grade or equivalent grade band in federal service; the time-in-grade requirement must be met by the stated deadline.
At the GS-14 level, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level, including experience performing the majority of the listed communications duties.
Submit the required application materials and documentation by the stated deadline; upload a resume under the Resume category and limit it to no more than two pages.
If relying on federal experience, provide grade levels and dates of employment at each grade level in the work history.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, coordinate, and implement strategic communication plans and campaigns for assigned USCIS program offices and directorates.
Lead cross-functional teams and working groups coordinating high-profile and sensitive communications initiatives across USCIS and DHS.
Develop and coordinate accurate, consistent communications products and messaging for internal and external stakeholders across multiple channels.
Advise senior leadership and subject matter experts on communication strategies, messaging, risk management, and approaches for complex or sensitive issues.
Manage review and clearance of communications products through appropriate USCIS, DHS, and White House channels, as required.
Evaluate communications programs, strategies, and products and recommend improvements to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and stakeholder impact.