Public Affairs Specialist

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This position is also being announced to applicants eligible to apply through Merit Staffing procedures under 26-NDCA-12983841-MS. GS-13 To be eligible at the GS-13 level, you must have one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which has equipped you with the competencies to perform the duties of the position. Specialized Experience Planning, directing, and managing the public relations program for a prosecutorial, law enforcement, judicial, or other legal organization involving controversial and legally sensitive issues of significant public interest; Developing a dynamic and effective communication plan designed to educate the public, stakeholders, and community partners, about an organization's mission, initiatives, programs, and operations while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies governing public communications; Establishing and maintaining effective and professional working relationships with print, broadcast, and digital media representatives to facilitate accurate and timely dissemination of information regarding criminal, civil, and other legal matters; Drafting, reviewing, and editing press releases, media advisories, public statements, speeches, talking points and other communications related to investigations, prosecutions, civil litigation, community outreach efforts and other matters with legal implications; Serving as an organizational spokesperson by developing and conveying accurate, timely, and legally appropriate information to the media and the public while safeguarding sensitive, confidential, and law enforcement information; Developing and maintaining productive relationships with community organizations, advocacy groups, and other external stakeholders to promote public understanding of the federal justice system, strengthen community engagement, and support public confidence in the administration of justice. Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communications plans for a federal, state or local law enforcement organization. Experience drafting press releases, media statements, speeches, and social media content under tight deadlines. Experience planning and coordinating press conferences and media events. Knowledge of the federal criminal justice system, Department of Justice policies, and issues affecting public trust, community engagement, and transparency in law enforcement. Established relationships with local and national media outlets and reporters. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at #J-18808-Ljbffr