Public Affairs​/Media Relations Specialist

Job specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY:

The Public Affairs/Media Relations Specialist reports to the Diplomatic Security Public Affairs Director and Deputy Director. This position provides diverse and complex services in support of internal and external communications and provides professional and extensive research, writing, and project management support in the day-to-day operations of the office. This position is assigned to the Diplomatic Security Office of Public Affairs (DS/PA).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advises program offices on media issues, developing and implementing proactive strategies for delivering messaging to targeted internal and external audiences via digital, print and broadcast platforms and produces after-action analysis on the impact of those initiatives.

• Develops and executes crisis communications initiatives as required.

• Acts as the messaging subject matter expert on assigned portfolios and coordinates with other elements of the Department, law enforcement partners and throughout the interagency on implementation of one-voice messaging.

• Acts as the records keeper and subject matter expert on the Bureau’s memorial archives of fallen personnel, providing memorial presentations and written products as required, researching additions to the memorial archive, coordinating all messaging and events related to the archive.

• Responds to journalists’ queries for information or imagery as required, proactively conceives of and engages media on projects to educate and inform audiences and promote the Bureau, and acts as after-hours/weekend press duty officer on a rotating basis.

• Drafts and edits expert high-level written products to include press guidance, speeches, talking points, social media and web content, brochures, scripts, executive memos, award submissions, and others as needed.

• Manages messaging special projects and events as needed, overseeing the work of the Public Affairs Specialist – Special Projects, conceiving and implementing special projects, securing appropriate clearances and advising office leadership.

• Serves as an informational resource to office staff and Bureau program offices, assisting with research on virtually any aspect of the Bureau.

• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as the mission dictates.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND LICENSURE:

• US citizen, and possess at a minimum, a Secret security clearance, with eligibility to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.

• Bachelor's degree with at least five years of experience or equivalent combination of formal education.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in governmental public affairs and media relations; foreign policy, international law enforcement and security experience preferred.

• Expert, specific knowledge of contemporary journalism standards, ethics, and techniques newsroom experience preferred.

• Expert event planning, presentation and project management skills.

• Demonstrates a high level of writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, work independently, and perform in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment with rapidly changing priorities.

• Able to travel domestically and internationally as required.

• Ability to meet deadlines and to work across Department offices at all levels.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

A professional office in which typical office equipment and information technology is used.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of the job. The employee must be able to: see, hear, and speak; lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds; sit for extended time; and use a personal computer and typical peripheral devices.

TRAVEL:

None.

WORK AUTHORIZATION/SECURITY CLEARANCE:

DoD Secret or higher security clearance, or the…