Public Affairs Specialist (Web Content Manager)

USDA-FSIS; Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Creditable leave accrual

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

USDA FSIS is seeking a Public Affairs Specialist to manage web content and digital communications within OPAT. You will shape how FSIS communicates with the public, media, and partner agencies, focusing on accurate content and accessibility.

The role requires applying communication principles, user experience, and metrics-driven improvements to digital products and websites.

Qualifications

• Experience with a content management system (Drupal preferred) for website updates.
• Ability to create engaging digital content and proposals for online communications.
• Ability to provide quality customer service and build stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to assess digital strategy using metrics to propose improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and publish content updates using CMS Drupal.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to communicate FSIS programs.

Skills

Drupal CMS

Content updates

Customer service

Stakeholder relations

Metrics analysis

Communication strategy

Education

Master’s degree in related field

LL.B. or J.D. if related

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in related field

Job description

Summary

Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program are available. This position is located in the Communications Division of the Office of Public Affairs and Training (OPAT) for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The primary mission of OPAT is to effectively communicate with the public, media, other Government agencies, and public and internal audiences about food safety issues and FSIS programs and activities.

Duties

Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program are available. This position is located in the Communications Division of the Office of Public Affairs and Training (OPAT) for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The primary mission of OPAT is to effectively communicate with the public, media, other Government agencies, and public and internal audiences about food safety issues and FSIS programs and activities.

Requirements

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. To qualify for the GS-9: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service. Experience must demonstrate the following types of skills and abilities that directly prepare the applicant to perform the duties in the position description. Applicant must show 3 of the following 5: Working within a content management system (Drupal preferred) to make website changes and simple updates for review and approval. Using software and templated designs to communicate information, create engaging content, and propose solutions for digital and online communications products. Providing quality customer service and developing effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Assessing website and digital strategy, including using metrics and trend analysis to recommend changes or propose improvements. Applying a broad set of communication principles, audience identification, and strategy to help improve digital products and website content. OR Master’s or equivalent graduate degree in a related field. OR 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a related field. OR LL.B. or J.D., if related. OR Combination of education and experience—Your total must equal 100% of the requirement, i.e. if you meet 50% of the education requirement, you must have 50% of the specialized experience requirement. Only education above and beyond the first year of graduate level education will count. To qualify for the GS-11: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service. Experience must demonstrate the following types of skills and abilities that directly prepare the applicant to perform the duties in the position description. Applicant must show 5 of the following 7: Using a content management system (Drupal preferred) to create new pages, propose information architecture changes, as well as update and publish routine content changes with minimal review. Understanding of basic HTML, CSS, and scripting, as well as 508 compliance/accessibility and user experience principles used in modern websites. Using software to communicate information, create engaging content, and propose solutions for digital and online communications products, proposing new templates or adjustments to templates when needed. Providing quality customer service and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Developing assessment criteria for measuring the effectiveness of website and digital strategy, including using metrics and trend analysis to make changes or propose broader improvements. Preparing drafts, content solutions, and strategies for client approval. Applying a broad set of communication principles, audience identification, and strategy to improve digital products and website content. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field. OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a related field. OR LL.M., if related. OR Combination of education and experience—Your total must equal 100% of the requirement, i.e. if you meet 50% of the education requirement, you must have 50% of the specialized experience requirement. Only education above and beyond the first two years of graduate level education will count. To qualify for the GS-12: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Experience must demonstrate the following types of skills and abilities that directly prepare the applicant to perform the duties in the position description. Applicant must show 7 of the following 9: Administering a content management system (Drupal preferred) and using it to review others’ work, create new pages or site sections, implement information architecture changes, as well as update and publish routine and complex content changes with minimal oversight. Mastery of HTML, CSS, and scripting, as well as 508 compliance/accessibility and user experience principles used in modern websites. Managing customer engagement and subscription tools and using them to communicate information, create engaging content, and implement solutions for digital and online communications products, developing new templates or adjusting templates when needed. Representing business needs to technical teams to ensure solutions meet requirements. Providing quality customer service and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Responsibility for project components that contribute to larger efforts. Implementing effective website and digital strategy, including using metrics and trend analysis to make changes or advocate for broader improvements. Presenting drafts, content solutions, and strategies for client review and approval. Applying a broad set of communication principles, audience identification, and strategy to improve digital products and website content. To qualify for the GS-13: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Experience must demonstrate the following types of skills and abilities that directly prepare the applicant to perform the duties in the position description. Applicant must show 8 of the following 10: Administering a content management system (Drupal preferred), including developing roles and workflows, and working to ensure system security. Expertly using an enterprise-level content management system to review others’ work, create new pages or site sections, implement information architecture changes, as well as update and publish routine and complex content changes with minimal oversight. Mastery of HTML, CSS, and scripting, as well as 508 compliance/accessibility and user experience principles used in modern websites. Administering customer engagement and subscription tools and using them to communicate information, create engaging content, and implement solutions for digital and online communications products, developing new templates or adjusting templates when needed. Representing business needs to technical teams to ensure solutions meet requirements, performing quality assurance and user acceptance testing for technical solutions before implementation. Managing multiple projects and successfully meeting deadlines and objectives. Providing quality customer service and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Implementing effective website and digital strategy, including using metrics and trend analysis to make changes or advocate for broader improvements. Presenting drafts, content solutions, and strategies for client review and approval and leading project meetings. Applying a broad set of communication principles, audience identification, and strategy to improve digital products and website

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the public health regulatory agency responsible for ensuring the safety of meat, poultry and processed eggs. USDA is a great place to start or continue your career. We are looking for an innovative Public Affairs Specialist (Web Content Manager) to join the Office of Public Affairs and Training (OPAT). In this role, you will shape how FSIS connects with the public, media, and government partner agencies regarding critical food safety issues and programs. Why Join Us? Make an Impact: Your work directly influences national public awareness and safe food handling education, helping reduce foodborne illnesses. Collaborative Environment: Work alongside dedicated professionals, consult with program areas, and serve as a technical liaison across federal agencies. Dynamic Environment: Utilize cutting edge content management systems, web analytics, and modern digital tools to shape and deliver impactful national communication strategies.

For more information on USDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, visit FSIS.

Recruitment Incentives

FSIS offers various recruitment incentives to newly hired eligible employees. You may be eligible for one or more of the following:

• Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual: Calculated to determine the annual leave accrual rate
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: For more information please visit: PSLF Program