Strategic Communications Specialist

Summary

Organizational

Location:

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Big Bend Sector, Mission Readiness Operations Division, located in Marfa, TX. Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

This position starts at a salary of $89,508.00 (GS-12, Step
1) to $ (GS-12, Step 10). GS Salary:
Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the “Rest of United States” pay table. Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level and location of the position. Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts. As a Strategic Communication Specialist, you will provide leadership with advice and assistance in writing and developing communications materials to ensure coordination and communication throughout the organization.

• Planning, writing, and editing internal and external communication products to keep stakeholders informed of sector operations, programs, priorities, and initiatives.
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of sector communication strategies, materials, and programs that support and promote enhanced engagement with USBP stakeholder communities.
• Identifying and anticipating communication needs and potential reaction from stakeholders, including congressional; media; non-governmental; state, local, and tribal governments; and other USBP stakeholder communities.
• Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with USBP headquarters, subject matter experts, and other sector communication offices responsible for congressional, public, and intergovernmental affairs.

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.

DHS uses E‑Verify, an internet‑based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Bargaining Unit:
This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Border Patrol Council – NBPC.

Experience:

You qualify for the GS‑12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Assisting higher‑graded communication or public affairs staff in planning, drafting, and editing internal and external communication products (e.g., talking points, fact sheets, reports, emails, briefings, presentations) to inform stakeholders about organizational operations, programs, or initiatives, with final products reviewed and cleared by senior staff.
• Supporting the development and execution of basic communication plans or campaigns by gathering background information, drafting proposed messages, identifying target audiences, and tracking feedback or outcomes to help evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies.
• Coordinating with subject matter experts and communication offices (e.g., headquarters, public affairs, congressional or intergovernmental…