Communications Specialist

Office of the Secretary • District of Columbia, DC

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Specialist is located in the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (OSVA). The incumbent creates, implements, and evaluates strategies to effectively communicate information about OSDBU programs and services to internal and external stakeholders. The position coordinates communications across platforms, manages projects related to OSDBU’s online presence, prepares materials for leadership and external stakeholders, and plans engagement activities. Work is usually performed in an office setting, with some light physical exertion to move equipment and materials. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Compressed or flexible scheduling may be available at the manager’s discretion. Telework may be authorized in accordance with agency policy; this is not a virtual position.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Meet the applicable time-in-grade requirement: for GS-13, 52 weeks at GS-12, for applicants subject to that requirement.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade, GS-12, in the normal line of progression. Examples include strategic communications planning and evaluation; tactical communications and responses to Congressional and stakeholder inquiries; managing communications contracts; planning and executing events; conducting cost-benefit and impact analyses; and coordinating communications across platforms while ensuring consistency, timeliness, and Section 508 compliance.
• Submit an SF-50 demonstrating time-in-grade eligibility if subject to the time-in-grade requirement.
• Ability to meet pre-employment identification and onboarding requirements and undergo a background/security investigation.
• Work may involve light physical exertion to move equipment and materials.
• Applicants must meet all requirements by the announcement closing date, October 29, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage communication activities.
• Develop and implement strategic communication plans aligned with OSDBU priorities.
• Design and develop text, graphics, and digital media content for public-facing and internal platforms.
• Serve as the primary contact for projects related to the design, implementation, and maintenance of the OSDBU online presence.
• Prepare written materials, including talking points, briefing materials, and reports for leadership and external stakeholders.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of OSDBU communication methods through analysis of surveys and digital platforms.
• Plan and execute engagement activities, including training sessions and outreach events with internal and external partners.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees and their families.
• VA may grant newly appointed federal employees credit for qualifying job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual, subject to approval and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed