Public Affairs Specialist

Southern Arkansas University; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 106,437 - 138,370; Full time

Job summary

Southern Arkansas University is hiring for a role focused on managing news media coverage and developing communication strategies based in Charlottesville, VA. The position involves crafting communication materials such as press releases and advisories, as well as providing guidance to internal stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have experience at the GS-12 level, managing public communications and developing relationships with media to enhance public understanding of organizational activities. A salary range from $106,437 to $138,370 is offered based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-12.
• Experience in managing public communications.
• Ability to develop communication materials.

Responsibilities

• Manage media coverage and develop media relationships.
• Distribute communication materials and evaluate strategies.
• Provide support to field offices on media inquiries.

Skills

Managing communications with the public and media

Developing and distributing press releases and media advisories

Providing advice to leadership on media coverage

Planning and implementing communication strategies

Monitoring public feedback

Job description

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This position starts at a salary of $106,437.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $138,370.00 (GS-13, 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.

Typical duties include:

• Manage news media coverage for the agency, including building media relationships, pitching stories, and serving as a spokesperson during routine operations and crises.
• Develop and distribute communication materials such as guidance documents, communication plans, media advisories, news releases, and agency statements.
• Implement and evaluate communication strategies, coordinates media visits and events, and arranges national media coverage.
• Provide guidance and support to field offices and other branches on responding to media, public, stakeholder, and governmental inquiries.
• Maintain ongoing communication with internal stakeholders, develops public affairs guidance, and provides on-site support by embedding with operational personnel to accurately represent agency activities.

Qualifications

Experience: You qualify for the GS 13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Managing communications with the public and media, including responding to inquiries and sharing information about organizational programs and activities.
• Developing and distributing press releases, media advisories, and social media content to raise awareness of the organization's work.
• Providing advice and guidance to leadership and staff on handling media coverage and public interest.
• Planning and implementing communication strategies to support organizational goals and improve public understanding.
• Monitoring public feedback and adjusted messaging to address concerns and strengthen support for the organization.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) 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. You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 06/30/2026.

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