Public Affairs Specialist

Job Title

Public Affairs Specialist

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Independently research, drafts, and develops communication products; including press releases. Media statements, articles, speeches, and feature stories for dissemination to media, public and targeted external customers.
• Serves as a spokesperson, providing timely and accurate responses and explanations of VA activities, programs, and policies to media representatives, veterans, their families, and the general public.
• Maintains working relationships with media representatives, Veteran Service Organizations, congressional offices, and community stakeholders to facilitate proactive and responsive communication.
• Pitches and places stories with media outlets, coordinates interviews, and monitors media coverage for accuracy and emerging issues.
• Supports crisis and emergency communication activities by gathering information, drafting urgent communications, and assisting with dissemination in coordination with leadership and under direction of the Chief of Communication.
• Creates and manages communication products for web, intranet and social media platforms, ensuring content is accurate, accessible, and consistent with agency standards.
• Designs graphics, infographics, and short-form videos to enhance engagement and make complex information more accessible to diverse audiences.
• Manages official social media channels, engaging with the public, responding to inquiries, and monitoring platforms for emerging concerns or reputational risks.
• Utilizes analytics and reporting tools to measure the effectiveness and reach of digital communication strategies, providing recommendations for ongoing improvement.
• Coordinates with service lines, programs offices, clinical staff, and stakeholders to gather information and develop messages tailored to specific internal audiences and situations.
• Develops and distributes mass email communications, newsletters, announcements, and emergency notifications to internal and external recipients.
• Identifies and engages key stakeholder groups, including traditionally underserved veteran populations, through targeted messaging and outreach activities.
• Plans, organizes, and executes special events, outreach campaigns, and high-profile visits, providing logistical and communication support before, during and after events.
• Provides communication guidance to staff and leadership, supporting their ability to represent the VA clearly and confidently.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Telework: AdHoc

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Public Affairs Specialist/ PD01324A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized