Strategic Communications Specialist

Customs and Border Protection•Edinburg, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Rio Grande Valley Sector, Law Enforcement Operational Programs Division, Strategic Communications Unit, located in Edinburg, Texas. Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions or units at the listed duty locations. The specialist advises and assists leadership in writing and developing communications materials to ensure coordination and communication throughout the organization. The role supports communication with internal and external stakeholders about sector operations, programs, priorities, and initiatives, and helps develop and assess strategies that promote engagement with USBP stakeholder communities. The position is covered by the National Border Patrol Council bargaining unit. The salary range is $74,678 to $116,362, corresponding to GS-11, Step 1 through GS-12, Step 10.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
For applicants not currently employed by CBP, physical residence in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years, subject to possible waiver exceptions.
All pre-employment processes are conducted in English.
Must pass applicable background investigation and drug-testing requirements.
Meet applicable qualification requirements and, for current federal employees, time-in-grade requirements by October 21, 2026.
For GS-11, one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, including recommending solutions to communication problems; developing, implementing, and evaluating communication strategies and materials; analyzing communications for accurate and tactful handling of issues; and preparing communication recommendations, talking points, and anticipated questions and answers for leadership. Alternatively, qualifying graduate education may substitute: three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a degree, or a related doctoral degree or LL.M.; combinations of qualifying education and experience may also be used.
For GS-12, one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, including supporting communication staff with internal and external products; supporting communication plans or campaigns; coordinating with subject matter experts and communication offices; identifying stakeholder concerns and proposing communication materials or adjustments; and supporting stakeholder engagements with draft talking points, anticipated questions and answers, and summaries of stakeholder reactions.
Resume must explicitly demonstrate how the applicant meets the applicable specialized-experience requirement.
New federal employees must serve a one-year probationary period; current or former federal employees may also be required to serve or complete one.
Current federal employees must meet the applicable 52-week time-in-grade requirement at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band.

Responsibilities

Plan, write, and edit internal and external communications products to inform stakeholders about sector operations, programs, priorities, and initiatives.
Develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of sector communication strategies, materials, and programs that support and promote enhanced engagement with USBP stakeholder communities.
Identify and anticipate communication needs and potential stakeholder reactions, including those of congressional, media, nongovernmental, state, local, and tribal government stakeholders and other USBP communities.
Establish and maintain working relationships with USBP headquarters, subject matter experts, and sector communication offices responsible for congressional, public, and intergovernmental affairs.
Advise and assist leadership in developing communications materials and ensuring coordination and communication throughout the organization.