Public Affairs Specialist (Speechwriter)

Public Affairs Specialist (Speechwriter) Department: Department of Health and Human Services This position is located in the Public Affairs Staff, Office of External Affairs, Office of the Director, Indian Health Service. Reports to IHS Headquarters. The official duty station is at IHS Headquarters, Rockville, MD. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021). Key Responsibilities Serves as the Agency-level technical authority for executive speechwriting and message development, advising the Director of Public Affairs and senior IHS leadership on formulations, articulation timing, tone, and public affairs implications of executive communications, Plans, develops, and produces authoritative speeches, keynote remarks, talking points, statements, message frameworks, briefing materials, and other executive communications for the IHS Director and other senior officials on the full range of IHS programs, policies, services, priorities, and emerging issues. Integrates complex, sensitive, and sometimes conflicting policy, scientific, clinical, operational, legislative, and stakeholder information into clear and accurate executive communications. Develops new communication approaches for high-visibility, sensitive, controversial, or unprecedented issues; anticipates likely audience reaction and recommends changes in framing, sequencing, emphasis, and supporting information to advance Agency objectives. Ensures executive communications are consistent with IHS and HHS policy, cleared positions, public affairs requirements, and the strategic priorities of Agency leadership. Independently researches and analyzes Agency programs and issues; identifies information gaps, conflicting interpretations, reputational or public-understanding risks, and matters requiring leadership resolution before communications are finalized. Leads cross-Agency development and clearance of executive remarks, coordinating with senior executives, Area Directors, program directors, subject matter experts, HHS public affairs officials, and other offices as appropriate. Exercises judgment and discretion in handling predecisional, sensitive, embargoed, or confidential information and determines how such information may be appropriately reflected in public affairs products consistent with applicable policy and clearance requirements. Reviews and edits high-level PAS products to ensure consistency of Agency voice, message architecture, policy positions, accessibility, and strategic communications objectives across internal and external channels. Advises senior management on communication considerations associated with proposed or emerging policies, programs, events, and issues. Evaluates the effectiveness of executive messaging using available audience feedback, stakeholder input, media coverage, engagement data, and lessons learned. Represents PAS in high-level planning discussions and maintains working relationships with officials and stakeholders. Provides authoritative technical guidance to public affairs staff and Agency communicators on executive writing, message development, audience analysis, strategic framing, and clearance practices. Which agency is hiring for this position? This position is with Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services. What is the salary for this position? The posted pay range is $143913 – $187093/yr. What security clearance is required? This position requires a Other security clearance. What is the application deadline? Applications close on 2026-11-18. Who is eligible to apply? This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path. Related Searches Public Affairs Specialist (Speechwriter), Public Affairs Specialist (Speechwriter) jobs, Public Affairs Specialist (Speechwriter) careers, apply Public Affairs Specialist (Speechwriter), Public Affairs Specialist (Speechwriter) in Rockville, Public Affairs Specialist (Speechwriter) jobs Rockville, Public Affairs Specialist (Speechwriter) in Maryland, Public Affairs Specialist (Speechwriter) jobs Maryland, jobs in Rockville, careers in Rockville, jobs in Maryland, federal jobs in Maryland, government jobs Maryland, jobs near Rockville, Maryland, Indian Health Service, Indian Health Service jobs, Indian Health Service careers, Indian Health Service Rockville, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Health and Human Services jobs, Public Affairs, Public Affairs jobs, USAJOBS Public Affairs, fed transition jobs, Other clearance jobs Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-07 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov #J-18808-Ljbffr Indian Health Service