Public Affairs Specialist

Drug Enforcement Administration; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Drug Enforcement Administration in the San Antonio Division seeks a communications professional to direct internal and external communications for the division. The role serves as the primary media spokesperson for DEA programs and activities, coordinating with leadership and reporters to provide timely, accurate public information.

The position requires experience in drafting press materials, advising management on media matters, and building relationships with news media.

Qualifications

• Drafting press releases, media statements, talking points, or responses to inquiries.
• Advising management on public information matters and media inquiries.
• Developing professional relationships with reporters and editors.

Responsibilities

• Direct internal and external communications for the San Antonio Field Division.
• Serve as the primary media spokesperson for DEA programs and activities.
• Engage with news organizations and manage public information efforts.

Skills

Press releases

Media relations

Advising management

Interview preparation

Relationship building

Job description

This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Antonio Division. The primary purpose of this position is to direct internal and external communications for the San Antonio Field Division. Working closely with local division leadership, each incumbent will serve as the primary media spokesperson for DEA programs and activities within the Division.

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility

Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of the announcement.

Applicants applying for the GS 12 must meet the following requirements

• Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level (or equivalent), and your resume must demonstrate performing ALL the tasks below as part of your regular duties:
  • 1) Drafting press releases, media statements, talking points, responses to reporter inquiries, or attributable quotes for publication or broadcast;
  • 2) Advising management on public information matters, media inquiries, interview preparation, or engagement with news organizations;
  • 3) Developing and maintaining professional working relationships with reporters, editors, producers, assignment desks, or other news media representatives.
• In addition, your resume must demonstrate performing at least one of the following:
  • 1) Serving as a media relations representative, spokesperson, or supporting spokesperson duties involving engagement with local, regional, or national news media;
  • 2) Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following: Responding to reporter inquiries, providing attributable statements or quotes for publication or broadcast; participating in recorded or on-camera interviews; or supporting press conferences, briefings, or other direct engagements with news organizations;
  • 3) Supporting media relations or public information programs designed to increase public awareness and understanding of an organization's mission, programs, operations, or accomplishments.

Specialized 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.

Applicants applying for the GS-13 must meet the following requirements

• Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level (or equivalent), and your resume must demonstrate performing ALL the tasks below as part of your regular duties:
  • 1) Writing press releases, media statements, responses to inquiries, talking points, or briefing materials on critical incidents, emerging issues, or organizational priorities;
  • 2) Advising management before, during, or after interviews, press conferences, media availabilities, or other high-stakes public engagements;
  • 3) Developing professional relationships with reporters, editors, producers, assignment desks, or other news media representatives.
• In addition, your resume must demonstrate performing at least one of the following:
  • 1) Serving as a media relations representative, spokesperson, or supporting spokesperson duties, to include engaging with local, regional, or national news media;
  • 2) Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following: providing recorded, on-camera television or digital interviews; participating in radio interviews, press conferences, or press briefings; or responding in real time to reporter questions concerning complex, sensitive, high-profile, or rapidly developing matters;
  • 3) Developing or executing media relations and strategic communication plans for sensitive, high-profile, or rapidly developing matters.

Specialized 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.

Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.

Time-In-Grade Requirement

Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.