Public Affairs Specialist

Public Affairs Specialist

This Public Affairs Specialist position is located in Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (SCPA), Public Affairs Division, Media Relations Branch, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Duties include but are not limited to:

Plans and executes internal and external communications activities for assigned SCPA programs and functional areas. Develops communications, outreach, and promotional materials that explain complex, high-visibility, and potentially controversial issues to a range of audiences. Conducts research on program responsibilities, activities, policies, and emerging issues to support national communications campaigns. Advises leadership and program officials on potential media and public reactions to proposed policies, programs, and initiatives. Establishes and maintains productive relationships with local, national, and international media representatives and responds to communications issues affecting SCPA.

Develops and implements short- and long-term communications strategies to promote public understanding of SCPA programs and activities among the media, industry stakeholders, other Federal agencies, Congress, the general public, and internal audiences. Prepares key messages, communication plans, outreach products, and implementation approaches using a variety of communications channels. Identifies and assesses potentially controversial issues with national or international impact and recommends appropriate communications responses. Leads or participates in special projects involving policy-sensitive or confidential matters, ensuring communications activities are consistent with SCPA policy and organizational objectives.

Manages strategic communication portfolios; to include regular information gathering, tracking of SCPA support requests, and evaluation of effectiveness. Provides strategic communications and public affairs subject matter expertise concerning agency programs, developments, and policies. Provides advice and counsel to senior leadership on strategic communications, audience outreach, and engagement opportunities as they relate to the TSA mission and goals.

Conducts extensive research, develops plans, and contributes to the implementation of a variety of Public Affairs projects and programs; utilizes metrics to track the progress of projects and developing reports of findings to management and other TSA entities. Consults and advises executive level program managers regarding their communication needs and advises headquarters senior program managers and field leadership on how to build stronger communication products and systems for delivering products.