Public Affairs Specialist

This position is part of the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, Department of Energy. As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will serve as a senior communications advisor responsible for planning and executing high-visibility, multi-channel communication strategies, managing media and crisis responses, and creating executive-level content to advance public understanding of the Department of Energy's mission and programs.

Major duties

The Department of Energy's mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. The Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office works to unleash the full potential of America's hydrocarbon and geothermal resources to provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy. We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will: Plan and execute strategic communications campaigns to convey complex, high-visibility DOE policies, research initiatives, and programmatic priorities to internal and external audiences. Develop and implement crisis communication strategies to manage controversial issues, address public indifference or opposition, and maintain organizational credibility during emergency situations. Serve as an official agency spokesperson to represent senior leadership, deliver briefings, and clarify official DOE positions to media outlets, industry partners, and the public. Draft, review, and edit high-level communication products-including press releases, speeches, op-eds, fact sheets, and digital/social media content-to ensure accuracy and alignment with agency messaging policy. Cultivate and maintain working relationships with national and international media representatives, congressional liaisons, and intergovernmental partners to facilitate broad public understanding and coverage of agency programs. Analyze public and media reaction to DOE initiatives to evaluate the effectiveness of outreach efforts and provide actionable recommendations to leadership for refining communications policy.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 4 of the following: Developing and executing strategic communication plans or multi-channel campaigns to convey complex, technical, or sensitive organizational policies, initiatives, or program priorities to diverse audiences. Formulating and implementing crisis communication or issue-management strategies to address controversial situations, public opposition, or negative media coverage. Drafting, reviewing, and editing executive-level communication materials (e.g., news releases, op-eds, speeches, fact sheets, media advisories, or digital content) translating complex subject matter for the public and media. Cultivating and maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders-such as journalists, industry representatives, partner organizations, or community leaders-to facilitate coverage and mutual understanding of organizational goals. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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. Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must (1) meet all of the requirements as described in this section; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as having a score of 85 or better. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.