The Office of Public Affairs (PAO) guides and coordinates the federal law enforcement public information programs of certain Department of Justice organizations, including legal divisions, Bureaus, and U.S. Attorneys' Offices. PAO provides a large variety of important and critical information having nationwide and international impacts concerning the activities of various bureaus, divisions, boards, services, and field offices.

Duties

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service. Serves as a national on-the-record spokesperson and Senior Communications Advisor for the Criminal Division, responsible for administering or performing work to establish, maintain, and manage communications planning and evaluation, media relations, and information dissemination. Develops strategic communications plans for highly complex federal law enforcement matters which include messaging, engagement opportunities, assets needed, key locations, and description of the audiences which the plans seek to educate and inform. Writes, edits, plans, designs, conducts, and evaluates press releases, statements, and publication and communication programs for the Department. Plans, designs, and oversees Department-wide policies, programs, and procedures governing information dissemination functions for significant and controversial agency decisions or actions that directly affect the Department and its components. Establishes and maintains working relationships with representatives of the news media, associations, special interest groups, and other relevant organizations. Provides advice and consultation on public affairs topics and the evaluation of public affairs programs.

Requirements

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• You must successfully pass a security/background investigation and a drug screening.
• You must be a current permanent Department of Justice employee with competitive status or a CTAP/RPL eligible candidate.
• You must meet all applicable time-in-grade requirements by the closing of this announcement.
• Additional selections may be made from this announcement, at any time, if openings occur in other offices serviced by Justice Management Division, HR Operations.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Public Affairs Specialist, (GS-1035-15), you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below AND possess the required specialized experience specific to this series and grade. If you are a current Department of Justice employee on a permanent appointment in the competitive service, you will need to demonstrate 1-year (52-weeks) at the next lower grade level, to meet the time-in-grade requirements for this occupational series and grade. Specialized Experience: For the GS-15, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is defined as: Serving as a national on-the-record spokesperson providing responses to inquiries involving controversial or sensitive issues; Conducting press events with news media; Providing agency level advisement on public affairs matters; AND Determining the most advantageous avenues for disseminating information. You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including Time-in-Grade, by the closing date of this announcement, 10/15/2024. YOUR RESUME MUST support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.

Education

There is no substitution of education for the required specialized experience at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Office of Public Affairs 2 Constitution Square 145 N Street NE Room 9W.300 Washington, DC 20530 US
• Name: Kana Hyman
• Phone: 202-340-6360
• Email: [email protected]