Public Affairs Specialist
What you'd do
This position entails writing health and science materials about a variety of topics for nationwide distribution to a general audience. It is located in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Director (OD), Office of Communications and Public Liaison (OCPL).
Major duties
Develop and implement strategic communication and media relations plans to support agency priorities, anticipate emerging issues, and promote accurate, timely dissemination of public health and scientific information. Serve as a liaison with news media, professional organizations, stakeholders, and other external audiences by cultivating relationships, responding to inquiries, coordinating interviews, and facilitating communication between subject matter experts and the public. Translate complex scientific, medical, and technical information into clear, accurate, plain-language content tailored for diverse audiences using a variety of communication channels and formats, including news releases, feature stories, web content, speeches, talking points, fact sheets, and digital communications. Advise leadership and program officials on communication strategies, messaging, media engagement, and outreach approaches to increase public understanding of agency programs, research, policies, and initiatives. Plan, develop, and evaluate communication products and outreach activities using audience research, media monitoring, performance metrics, and stakeholder feedback to improve effectiveness and inform future communication strategies. Collaborate with internal and external partners, subject matter experts, and multidisciplinary teams to develop integrated communication campaigns and ensure messaging is accurate, consistent, accessible, and aligned with agency priorities and federal communication requirements.
What you need to qualify
You qualify at the GS-11 level, if you meet one of the following qualification requirements: A. completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.M., if related. OR B. have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1.) Writing, editing, and reviewing news advisories, press releases, government or professional correspondence and talking points: 2.) Implementing communication plans to bolster an organization's visibility and impact: 3.) Developing written communication materials pertinent to the organization's initiatives: AND 4.) Analyzing information materials and programs to make recommendations regarding communication strategies. OR C. have a combination of post baccalaureate education and specialized experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position You qualify at the GS-12 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements: A. have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1.) Writing and developing a diverse portfolio of informational content for dissemination across a broad spectrum of national media outlets, including wire services, radio broadcasts, television networks, and print newspapers: 2.) Evaluating the impact and effectiveness of communication strategies to effectively enhance audience engagement and message visibility: AND 3.) Cultivating and maintaining strategic relationships with media representatives across specialized sectors. You qualify at the GS-13 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements: A. have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1.) Designing and implementing communication policies and strategies to advance an organization's objectives on a national scale: 2.) Leading strategic engagement with major media outlets and stakeholders to establish partnerships that enhance the organization's influence and visibility: 3.) Facilitating cross-functional collaboration to ensure cohesive messaging and optimize the impact of public engagement efforts: AND 4.) Advising senior management on strategic adjustments to communication efforts to enhance interaction with various audiences and maximize media utilization. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12990835
Before you apply
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