Public Affairs Specialist

Office of the Secretary of the Interior

Salt Lake City (UT)

Remote

USD 90,000 - 116,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

Office of the Secretary of the Interior in the United States seeks a Public Affairs Specialist to serve as the principal spokesperson for the National Park Service. The role coordinates with the DOI Office of Communications and park staff, reporting to a federal facility after selection.

The position requires managing media inquiries, developing statements, coordinating interviews, and guiding media responses for high-profile events.

Qualifications

Experience as a public affairs professional handling national media.
Ability to develop statements and talking points for complex issues.
Strong liaison skills with leadership and cross-agencies.

Responsibilities

Serves as a principal National Park Service spokesperson and primary contact for national news media.
Manages media inquiries, develops official statements and responses, coordinates interviews.
Leads media response planning for high-profile incidents and emerging reputational risks.
Develops proactive communications strategies to inform the public about NPS programs and achievements.
Identifies opportunities for national media coverage and supports announcements and outreach.
Coordinates with DOI Office of Communications and park staff to ensure review and clearance.

Skills

Media relations

Press releases

Crisis communications

Public affairs

Job description

Hiring Agency: Office of the Secretary of the Interior
Department: Department of the Interior
Location: Location Negotiable After Selection

You will serve as a Public Affairs Specialist with Office of the Secretary of Interior. The Department of the Interior is devoted to protecting and preserving the natural resources of this great nation, including National Parks, Landmarks, and the well-being of communities, including those of Native American, Alaska Natives and affiliated Islanders.

Key Responsibilities

Salary is based on RUS pay table, actual salary will be set to the location negotiated. Selectee will be required to report to a federal facility. Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Serves as a principal National Park Service (NPS) spokesperson and primary point of contact for national news media.

Manages media inquiries, develops official statements and responses, coordinates interviews, and maintains relationships with national reporters and news organizations. Leads media response planning for high-profile incidents, emergencies, controversial issues, and emerging reputational risks affecting NPS. Develops and executes timely media responses in coordination with appropriate officials and subject-matter experts.

Anticipates media scrutiny and recommends appropriate communications responses. Develops and implements proactive communications strategies to inform the public about NPS programs, policies, initiatives, and accomplishments. Identifies opportunities for national media coverage, develops key messages and talking points, and supports national announcements and proactive media outreach.

Serves as a key liaison between NPS leadership, the DOI Office of Communications, other bureaus, regional public affairs officers, and park communications staff. Coordinates national announcements, sensitive media responses, and leadership messaging to ensure consistency and appropriate review and clearance. Monitors national news coverage and emerging issues affecting NPS.

Analyzes media trends, identifies potential communications challenges, and provides recommendations to senior leadership. Prepares or coordinates media briefings, background materials, anticipated questions, and other communications products to support informed decision-making.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Office of the Secretary of the Interior, Department of the Interior.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $89508 – $116362/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-11.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.