Public Affairs Specialist

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys•Albany, NY

About The Position

The Public Affairs Specialist serves as the Community Outreach and Public Affairs Specialist for the United States Attorneys' Office for the Northern District of New York. The position administers programs to inform and educate the public and district-, state-, and region-wide audiences, including special-interest, social, economic, community, legal, and law-enforcement groups, associations, organizations, and agencies. The specialist devises and implements programs supporting the District's mission, goals, and objectives, including on sensitive and controversial matters that may draw national media attention. Responsibilities increase in scope and complexity as training and experience progress.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship or nationality.
Meet the qualifications by the announcement's closing date.
For GS-12 qualification, at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 in Federal service, including planning and directing community outreach and public affairs programs; coordinating information programs and responding to media and public inquiries; maintaining working relationships with media, the public, and specialized groups; organizing interviews, press conferences, and presentations; developing and distributing informational materials across formats and social media; conducting community relations activities and events; and analyzing public views to assess program effectiveness and recommend changes.
Satisfactory pre-employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, and tax checks and drug testing; continued employment is subject to a favorable background investigation.
Selective Service registration, if applicable.
A one-year probationary period may be required if selected.
Education cannot substitute for the required specialized experience.

Responsibilities

Plan, initiate, and implement community outreach and public affairs campaigns to improve understanding of the District's initiatives.
Respond orally and in writing to information requests from media, specialized groups, and the general public.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with media representatives and groups interested in District programs, including through social media platforms.
Organize and coordinate media interviews with staff and develop and provide supporting materials.
Analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of information, media relations, and community relations programs.
Arrange and conduct special events, workshops, seminars, and meetings with organizations to encourage program participation, identify concerns, and motivate similar programs.
Advise and assist other departmental components or federal agencies in conducting community relations activities involving District programs.
Evaluate program effectiveness, advise District leadership, and recommend modifications as appropriate.
Develop articles for distribution and publication.
Organize press conferences and other media events to enhance the District's law-enforcement message.