Lead Public Affairs Specialist

Duties

The following are the duties of this position at the full working level. If this vacancy includes more than one grade and you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform these duties and receive training to help you grow in this position.

Serves as a senior team lead and technical authority by providing expert-level guidance and direction to employees engaged in communications and liaison activities supporting IRS programs and initiatives. Ensures consistent interpretation and application of Communications and Liaison (C&L) policies, procedures, and messaging standards across program activities. Distributes, balances, and monitors workload in accordance with established priorities, ensuring timely completion of complex assignments and alignment with organizational objectives.

Provides advanced advisory support to employees and management in the analysis of communication requirements, development of messaging strategies, and preparation of communication products. Interprets policy and guidance to address complex or sensitive communication issues, advises on appropriate approaches, and ensures alignment with national C&L strategies and program goals.

Reviews work in progress and completed work for quality, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to established guidelines. Identifies systemic issues, emerging risks, and trends affecting communication effectiveness and program delivery, and provides recommendations to management to improve processes, enhance messaging strategies, and support organizational objectives.

Serves as a liaison between management and staff by communicating assignments, priorities, and program changes. Coordinates with National C&L and other stakeholders to ensure consistency in messaging and outreach efforts. Provides input to management on program performance, operational risks, and improvement opportunities.

Monitors workflow and analyzes program trends, stakeholder responses, and communication outcomes to evaluate effectiveness and support continuous improvement. Performs work consistent with the level and complexity of the employees being led.

Standard Position Descriptions (SPD): PD94765 Visit the IRS SPD Library to access the position descriptions.