Public Affairs Officer with Security Clearance

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science, security and sustainability. Headquartered in Virginia, we have more than 53,000 employees in approximately 80 countries across all 7 continents. Amentum is seeking an experienced Public Affairs Officer with proven congressional liaison expertise to serve as the primary representative supporting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Camp East Montana (CEM), Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas.

This role directly supports the government with media relations and internal/external communications while facilitating effective communications and information exchange between the program team, DHS/ICE leadership, and U.S. Government stakeholders. The incumbent ensures mutual understanding, unity of purpose, and successful performance of programs and operations at the facility in a high-visibility, sensitive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead for public affairs activities at CEM, coordinating closely with Amentum Corporate communications, and ICE Office of Public Affairs, to support government media relations, including drafting responses to media inquiries, drafting press releases, talking points, fact sheets and briefing materials.
• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive internal and external communication strategies, plans, and products to keep stakeholders informed and aligned.
• Act as support for congressional liaison: monitor legislative developments, prepare and coordinate responses to Congressional inquiries, support briefings, hearings, and site visits, and build/maintain productive relationships with DHS/ICE congressional liaison representatives and lobbyists, if applicable.
• Facilitate timely, accurate, and secure two-way information exchange between the program/contractor team and DHS/ICE components to promote mutual understanding, resolve issues proactively, and ensure program success.
• Monitor traditional, social, and news media coverage related to CEM, ICE operations, and immigration enforcement; provide analysis and strategic recommendations to program leadership and government partners.
• Support crisis communications planning, rapid response, and issues management in coordination with DHS/ICE.
• Ensure all communications comply with DHS/ICE policies, federal regulations (including FOIA and Privacy Act), security protocols, classification guidelines, and public disclosure requirements.
• Prepare high-quality written and oral products (briefings, reports, newsletters, speeches, etc) for diverse audiences including senior government officials, Congress, media, and internal staff.
• Maintain details records of communications activities and provide regular status reports to contractor and government leadership. Qualifications and requirements Required
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism, Political Science, Government Affairs, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in public affairs, media relations, strategic communications, or legislative affairs, preferably in a federal government or federal contracted work environment.
• At least 4 years of direct congressional liaison or Capitol Hill experience, including drafting responses to Congressional inquiries, preparing briefings, and engaging with congressional staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work in high-scrutiny, sensitive environments such as law enforcement, homeland security, or immigration/detention operations.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, concise messaging for varied audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to build and sustain professional relationships with senior government officials, media representatives, and congressional stakeholders.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a favorable Secret (or higher) security clearance and pass all…