Public Affairs Specialist

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of the announcement.

Applicants applying for the GS 12 must meet the following requirements: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level (or equivalent), and your resume must demonstrate performing ALL the tasks below as part of your regular duties: 1) Drafting press releases, media statements, talking points, responses to reporter inquiries, or attributable quotes for publication or broadcast; 2) Advising management on public information matters, media inquiries, interview preparation, or engagement with news organizations; and 3) Developing and maintaining professional working relationships with reporters, editors, producers, assignment desks, or other news media representatives.

In addition, your resume must demonstrate performing at least one of the following: 1) Serving as a media relations representative, spokesperson, or supporting spokesperson duties involving engagement with local, regional, or national news media; or 2) Demonstrated experience with one or more of the following: Responding to reporter inquiries, providing attributable statements or quotes for publication or broadcast; participating in recorded or on-camera interviews; or supporting press conferences, briefings, or other direct engagements with news organizations; or 3) Supporting media relations or public information programs designed to increase public awareness and understanding of an organization's mission, programs, operations, or accomplishments.

Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Applicants applying for the GS-13 must meet the following requirements: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level (or equivalent), and your resume must demonstrate performing ALL the tasks below as part of your regular duties: 1) Writing press releases, media statements, responses to inquiries, talking points, or briefing materials on critical incidents, emerging issues, or organizational priorities; 2) Advising management before, during, or after interviews, press conferences, media availabilities, or other high-stakes public engagements; and 3) Developing professional relationships with reporters, editors, producers, assignment desks, or other news media representatives.

In addition, your resume must demonstrate performing at least one of the following: 1) Serving as a media relations representative, spokesperson, or supporting spokesperson duties, to include engaging with local, regional, or national news media; or 2) Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following: providing recorded, on-camera television or digital interviews; participating in radio interviews, press conferences, or press briefings; or responding in real time to reporter questions concerning complex, sensitive, high-profile, or rapidly developing matters; or 3) Developing or executing media relations and strategic communication plans for sensitive, high-profile, or rapidly developing matters.

Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

As a your typical work assignments may include: Planning, developing and implementing media programs for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) leaders and the Division that have coverage in multiple states to garner greater understanding of support for the mission. Coordinating local press conferences, statements and press releases with the appropriate partner agencies in the event of a joint law enforcement investigation. Advising management at various Division levels on public information matters.

Planning and directing special outreach events, ceremonies, tours and other activities intended to develop public and media interest within the Division.