Public Affairs Specialist

Typical duties include but not limited to:

Manage news media coverage for the agency, including building media relationships, pitching stories, and serving as a spokesperson during routine operations and crises.
Develop and distribute communication materials such as guidance documents, communication plans, media advisories, news releases, and agency statements. Implement and evaluate communication strategies, coordinates media visits and events, and arranges national media coverage.
Provide guidance and support to field offices and other branches on responding to media, public, stakeholder, and governmental inquiries.
Maintain ongoing communication with internal stakeholders, develops public affairs guidance, and provides onsite support by embedding with operational personnel to accurately represent agency activities.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English
You may be required to pass a background investigation
CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.
DHS uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Treasury Employees Unions – NTEU. For local chapter contact information see Chapter Websites – National Treasury Employees Union – NTEU

Qualifications
Experience: You qualify for the GS- 13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

Managing communications with the national news media, including responding to inquiries sharing information about organizational programs and activities, organizing and staffing in-person interviews, and conducting on-camera interviews.
Developing and distributing press releases or news stories to raise awareness of the organization’s work.
Providing advice and guidance to leadership and staff on handling media coverage and public interest.
Planning and implementing communication strategies to support organizational goals and improve public understanding. Monitoring public feedback and adjusted messaging to address concerns and strengthen support for the organization