Public Affairs Specialist

Summary This announcement is open to current or former federal employees and specific hiring authorities. The primary purpose includes public affairs program oversight, planning, policy, evaluation, media relations of COPS communications strategies to ensure consistency between external/internal audiences, primarily across the Department, and their outreach activities and the news media. Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities for a GS-Public Affairs Specialist-1035-14 generally include, but are not limited to, the following: Plan and execute highly specialized and technical programs of marked difficulty, responsibility, and national significance. Demonstrate leadership and unusual attainments in professional activities, public affairs, media, and research. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align communication efforts with organizational goals, ensuring a unified approach to external and internal communication. Serve as the POC between the contractor and the government, facilitating communication and resolving any contractual issues or conflicts. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for the position of Public Affairs Specialist, at GS-1035-14, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below. For the GS-14: Specialized Experience: For the GS-14, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service which demonstrates planning, designing and implementing public affairs strategies or initiatives through disseminating information to the press, radio, television, Internet media, or the law enforcement community. You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the 08/07/2026 of this announcement. Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 08/07/2026 to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application. Education Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted. Additional Information Additional selections may be made from this announcement. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Probationary or Trial Period (as applicable): As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: 1) your performance and conduct; 2) the needs and interests of the agency; 3) whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and 4) whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: Offices, Boards and Divisions