Public Affairs Officer
About the role
As the Public Affairs Officer, you will administer a comprehensive communications program to inform and engage the public, news media, community organizations, and other stakeholders about the work and priorities of the United States Attorney's Office.
Responsibilities
- Planning, directing, and executing a public affairs program within the District to enhance public understanding of the District's initiatives and priorities and the Department of Justice's role in advancing the rule of law.
- Serving as the office's chief spokesperson and principal communications advisor to the United States Attorney and senior leadership on all matters involving media relations and public messaging, including coordinating with other public affairs staff at the Department of Justice and law enforcement partners.
- Drafting news releases, public statements, talking points, background information, and feature stories to provide to the news media and law enforcement community.
- Maintaining an updated Internet site and managing the District's social media accounts (i.e., Facebook, X, LinkedIn, etc.), developing content that advances office priorities and accurately describes the office's work to diverse audiences.
- Developing and maintaining effective and professional working relationships with print and broadcast media representatives and various special interest groups.
- Responding to a high volume of media queries and maintaining media contacts with local, regional, and national media outlets throughout the District.
- The incumbent also serves as the chief communications officer to various law enforcement partners regarding all communications matters involving federal criminal prosecutions in the District.
- Monitoring media coverage of events and preparing daily summaries of news reports about the District.
- Organizing and coordinating news media interviews and press conferences for the United States Attorney's Office, including media events involving multi-agency case announcements.
Requirements
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre‑employment adjudication (fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing). Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation. Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable. If selected, you may be required to complete a one‑year probationary period. Must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement. Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System or claim an exemption. Selection priority may be given to eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) or to eligible surplus/displaced Department of Justice employees under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) when the vacancy falls within their eligibility, they apply per the announcement instructions, and they are found well‑qualified (score ≥85 on ranking criteria) and provide proof of eligibility.