Public Affairs Specialist

Transportation Security Administration•Phoenix, AZ

21d

About The Position

The Public Affairs Specialist serves as a key advisor on strategic communications initiatives and manages assigned communications portfolios within the Strategic Communications & Public Affairs (SCPA) Public Affairs Division, Media Relations Branch, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security. The position supports the development and execution of multimedia, digital, and public-facing communications products that advance organizational priorities. It develops communications strategies and materials for varied audiences, advises leadership on messaging and likely public or media reactions, and provides strategic communications expertise related to agency programs, developments, and policies. The role also conducts research, manages projects and portfolios, tracks measures of effectiveness, and advises senior program managers and field leadership on communication products and delivery systems. Travel is required at least 50% of the time. The position is at the SV-J (GS-14) band level.

Requirements

One full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the SV-I (GS-13) band level in Federal service or the private sector.
Specialized experience leading communications and outreach for external stakeholders, including partner agencies, industry groups, community organizations, media outlets, and customers.
Specialized experience advising leadership and program offices on effective messaging and communications approaches.
Specialized experience researching, drafting, reviewing, editing, and coordinating press releases, public statements, talking points, speeches, media advisories, and other public-facing communications materials.
Specialized experience developing and executing strategic communications plans and advising senior leadership on communications strategies, messaging, and sensitive or high-visibility matters.
U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status.
Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Must complete a favorable background investigation.
Selective Service registration is required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Must meet qualification requirements by the vacancy announcement closing date.
At least 50% travel is required.
Experience credit is based on a 40-hour workweek; part-time experience is credited proportionally, with no additional credit for overtime.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute internal and external communications activities for assigned SCPA programs and functional areas.
Develop communications, outreach, and promotional materials explaining complex, high-visibility, and potentially controversial issues to varied audiences.
Research program responsibilities, activities, policies, and emerging issues to support national communications campaigns.
Advise leadership and program officials on potential media and public reactions to proposed policies, programs, and initiatives.
Establish and maintain productive relationships with local, national, and international media representatives, and respond to communications issues affecting SCPA.
Develop and implement short- and long-term communications strategies promoting public understanding of SCPA programs and activities among media, industry stakeholders, Federal agencies, Congress, the public, and internal audiences.
Prepare key messages, communication plans, outreach products, and implementation approaches using varied communications channels.
Identify and assess potentially controversial issues with national or international impact and recommend communications responses.
Lead or participate in special projects involving policy-sensitive or confidential matters, ensuring communications activities align with SCPA policy and organizational objectives.
Manage strategic communications portfolios, including regular information gathering, tracking SCPA support requests, and evaluating effectiveness.
Provide strategic communications and public affairs subject-matter expertise concerning agency programs, developments, and policies.
Advise senior leadership on strategic communications, audience outreach, and engagement opportunities related to the TSA mission and goals.
Conduct research, develop plans, and contribute to Public Affairs projects and programs; use metrics to track progress and prepare reports of findings for management and other TSA entities.
Consult with executive-level program managers about their communication needs and advise headquarters senior program managers and field leadership on improving communication products and delivery systems.
Lead communications and outreach efforts for external stakeholders, advise leadership and program offices on messaging, and research, draft, review, edit, and coordinate public-facing communications materials.
Develop and execute strategic communications plans and advise senior leadership on strategies, messaging, and sensitive or high-visibility matters.