Public Affairs Specialist

Offices, Boards and Divisions•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Public Affairs Specialist serves as a national on-the-record spokesperson in the Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs. The role guides and coordinates federal law enforcement public information programs for Department organizations, including legal divisions, bureaus, and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. The specialist works with media, law enforcement agencies, government officials, private industry, Department components, and other stakeholders to support consistent public affairs communications and advance the Department’s law enforcement initiatives. The position develops knowledge of Department policies and internal regulations, evaluates program effectiveness, advises leadership, and recommends changes as needed. It organizes media interviews and press conferences, prepares supporting materials, monitors news coverage, and responds to inquiries from media representatives, specialized groups, and the public. Duties may vary in complexity and supervision depending on the grade level.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship or nationality.
Successful completion of a pre-employment security investigation and background check, including drug screening.
Selective Service registration or an approved exemption for males born on or after December 31, 1959.
Completion of the required USA Hire assessment within the stated deadline.
For GS-11 through specialized experience: one year at the GS-09 level or equivalent, including assisting in planning or managing public relations programs, conducting research in response to media inquiries, and drafting news releases, fact sheets, informational pieces, or talking points.
For GS-11 through education: a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.M. in a relevant field; qualifying education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the work.
For GS-11 through a combination of education and experience: the computed percentage of education and experience requirements must total at least 100%.
For GS-12 through specialized experience: one year at the GS-11 level or equivalent, including advising organization management or decision-makers on public affairs matters, representing an organization officially in media interviews, press conferences, or meetings, and responding to news media inquiries.
Meet all qualification requirements by the announcement deadline of 11/05/2026.
Resume must support the applicant’s responses to the online questionnaire and qualification requirements.
Education used to qualify must be from an institution accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be supported by proof of U.S. equivalency from a credentialing agency, with documentation in English or accompanied by an English translation.

Responsibilities

Work with print, radio, television, and internet media, as well as law enforcement agencies, government officials, and private industry.
Advise and assist Department components on communications strategies and help resolve issues to align public affairs messaging across the Department.
Develop and maintain knowledge of Department policies, guidelines, and internal regulations.
Evaluate program effectiveness, advise leadership, and recommend modifications as needed.
Organize and coordinate media interviews with Department leadership and develop supporting materials.
Organize press conferences and other media events to enhance Department law enforcement initiatives.
Respond orally or in writing to information requests from the media, specialized groups, and the general public.
Use traditional and social media content to monitor and analyze news stories that directly affect the Department at international, national, regional, and local levels.
Represent the organization in media interviews and press conferences with agency officials, government representatives, and stakeholder associations.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with media representatives, Department stakeholders, and the public affairs community.