Public Affairs Specialist

This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, Media Relations Section.

This position primary purpose is to serve as an agency spokesperson to effectively communicate the mission and activities of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement.

Must have at least one full year of qualifying specialized experience that is at least equivalent in difficulty and complexity to work performed at the GS-13 grade level. Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

• Serving as a senior communications advisor to executive leadership on public affairs issues involving matters of national significance, high public visibility, congressional interest, or substantial reputational risk;
• Serving as an authorized spokesperson and engaging directly with national, regional, and international media, including providing live television, radio, digital, and print interviews; participating in press conferences and media availabilities; and preparing or delivering attributable statements and senior executive quotes;
• Developing and executing enterprise-wide communications and media relations strategies supporting major agency initiatives, critical incidents, enforcement operations, or other high-profile matters;
• Coordinating communications activities with senior officials from multiple federal departments and agencies, including the Department of Justice, the White House, Congress, and other executive branch partners to ensure unified messaging on issues of national importance;
• Advising and preparing senior executives for media interviews, congressional appearances, public engagements, and other high-profile events through the development of briefing materials, talking points, anticipated questions, and strategic communications guidance;
• Leading communications efforts during rapidly evolving critical incidents or breaking news events by developing timely public messaging, coordinating media responses, and advising leadership under compressed timelines;
• Writing, reviewing, and approving press releases, public statements, speeches, workforce communications, executive correspondence, talking points, opinion pieces, and other strategic communications products for senior leadership;
• Developing both short- and long-term communications plans that advance organizational priorities, strengthen public confidence, and support mission objectives through proactive media engagement and strategic messaging; and
• Planning, coordinating, and executing high-profile press conferences, media events, and public announcements involving multiple federal, state, local, or international stakeholders while balancing operational sensitivities, legal considerations, and communications objectives.

Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.