PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

About the role

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Public Affairs, Media Division. Location of vacancies : El Paso TX; Laredo, TX; and San Diego CA. Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

Responsibilities

• Act as a senior spokesperson, representing the agency's official positions to regional, national, and international media outlets and journalists, engaging "on the record" to present agency positions, correct misinformation, and enhance public understanding.
• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies to support the agency's mission and strategic goals, including managing complex communication projects such as large-scale media campaigns and crisis communication responses.
• Prepare high-level subject matter experts (SMEs), leadership, and executives for media engagements by developing comprehensive preparation strategies, key messages, and talking points.
• Provide guidance, assistance, and consultation to public affairs liaisons concerning agency policies and procedures for engaging the media and the public, and offer guidance on complex communication challenges.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English.
• You may be required to pass a background investigation.
• CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
• Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes.

Qualifications

• You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:
  • Experience preparing subject matter experts, senior leadership, and executives for media engagements, interviews, and public appearances, including developing comprehensive preparation strategies with key messages, talking points, and tailored responses to challenging questions.
  • Experience serving as an agency's senior spokesperson, representing official positions and proactively engaging the media to correct misinformation, highlight accomplishments, and address public concerns.
  • In-depth knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and strategic goals, enabling the provision of authoritative guidance and consultation.
  • Experience serving as a key point of contact for external stakeholders, including media outlets, community organizations, and other government agencies.

Background Investigation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity.

Residency

There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:

• Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
• A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
• Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
• Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests

If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis.

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.