PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

HQ USAF and Support Elements; Arlington (VA); Remote; USD 122,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

HQ USAF and Support Elements seeks a senior Public Affairs Specialist to lead a major public affairs function with Air Force-wide impact. The role advises leadership, ensures compliance with laws, and manages complex programs across multiple levels.

You will respond to information requests from news media and broad publics, and represent the organization with councils, boards, and interagency groups. A senior adviser in the assigned area of responsibility, you will work in a telework-eligible

Qualifications

• Active duty service members: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date.
• Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave.
• The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the required details.
• The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates a major public affairs function with Air Force-wide applicability.
• Responds to information requests from news media and specialized/general publics, including officials and civic groups across levels.
• Manages programs and initiatives; researches, plans, executes, and evaluates complex public affairs operations and strategies.
• Serves as senior adviser in the assigned area of responsibility.

Job description

• Hiring Agency: HQ USAF and Support Elements

The primary purpose of this position is: To serve in an Air Staff, Field Operating Agency (FOA), Major Command (MAJCOM), or Direct Reporting Unit (DRU)-level position providing public affairs advice, authority, technical expertise, and management support to leadership.

Key Responsibilities

As a senior Public Affairs Specialist for the organization; plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates a major public affairs function with Air Force-wide applicability, ensuring public affairs activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements and meet customer needs Responds to, or leads initiative to respond to information requests on the organization's program from the news media and specialized and general publics, to include all levels of the Air Force, local, state, and federal elected officials and special interest groups, community, and civic organizations Manages wide-ranging programs, special projects, and initiatives with responsibility for researching, planning, executing, and evaluating complex public affairs operations, programs, policies, and strategies of significant importance and which affect functional areas and multiple organizational levels.

Represents the organization with a variety of councils, boards, working groups, and panels inside and outside the agency, including Headquarters Air Force, DoD (Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, unified combatant command and sister services), and other governmental, nongovernmental, public, civic, service, industry, business, educational, entertainment, think tank, and media organizations Serves as the senior adviser in the assigned area of responsibility

Requirements & Education

********************ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICES MEMBERS******************** ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date.

Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.

Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position.

The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e.

separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander. Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with HQ USAF and Support Elements, Department of the Air Force.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $121785 – $158322/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-15.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.

Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government