Public Affairs Specialist

About the company

This position is part of the Defense Microelectronics Activity. The incumbent is responsible for independently developing, executing, and evaluating comprehensive strategic communications and public affairs programs that communicate DMEA's mission, technical advancements, and strategic goals to internal and external audiences.

Your tasks

This position is being filled under AcqDemo Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for non-acquisition positions involving 51% or more of time in direct support of acquisition positions within Business and Technical Management Professional Career path. As a Public Affairs Specialist at the NH-1035-3 some of your typical work assignments may include: Serves as the primary developer and certifying authority of the Annual Strategic Communications Plan, independently managing the full life cycle of communication projects. Develops and implements innovative, non-traditional strategies such as digital media series (e.g., podcasts), targeted digital advertising, and modern employer branding campaigns to resolve critical agency challenges, such as overcoming high-tech STEM recruitment barriers in competitive markets, and exercises final approval authority on daily communication products. Develops, manages, and executes comprehensive strategic communication plans for DMEA's initiatives, programs, and events. Serves as a subject matter expert on strategic communications, providing trusted counsel to DMEA leadership on all aspects of public affairs. Creates and disseminates a wide range of communication products, including news releases, feature articles, talking points, speeches, and social media content, ensuring all materials are aligned with DMEA's and DoW strategic goals. Monitors and analyzes the media landscape to identify and address potential issues, and to capitalize on opportunities to promote DMEA's mission. Manages the agency's digital presence, including the public website and social media channels, to ensure a consistent and engaging experience for all users. Plans, designs, and executes official protocol support for high-level meetings, ceremonies, and special events hosted by DMEA. Serves as the primary point of contact for protocol matters, providing critical advice and guidance to DMEA leadership and staff. Coordinates all logistical aspects of events, including invitations, seating arrangements, flag etiquette, and the reception of distinguished visitors. Develops and maintains a comprehensive protocol guide for DMEA, ensuring all activities are conducted in accordance with military and diplomatic customs and courtesies. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with representatives from the media, other government agencies, and community organizations. Serves as the official spokesperson for DMEA, responding to media queries and facilitating interviews with subject matter experts. Plans and executes public engagement events to enhance public understanding of DMEA's mission and programs. Designs and conducts specialized media and communications training for non-public affairs personnel, preparing senior DMEA leaders and technical subject matter experts for high-profile interviews, inquiries, and social media engagements. Demonstrates a high degree of skill in rapidly learning and translating technical data; conducts targeted interviews with engineers and subject matter experts to synthesize highly complex microelectronics concepts (e.g., trusted foundry operations) into clear, accessible briefs, reports, and public narratives for non-technical audiences. Performs other relevant duties as assigned.

• Strategic Communications: Developing and managing the full lifecycle of communication projects, including creating and disseminating materials such as news releases, feature articles, speeches, and social media content. This includes managing an organization's digital presence across websites and social media platforms and providing subject matter expertise on all aspects of public affairs to leadership.
• Media Relations and Public Engagement: Serving as an agency spokesperson, managing media inquiries, facilitating interviews with subject matter experts, and conducting media training for senior leaders. Experience must include translating complex, highly technical information (such as scientific or engineering concepts) into clear, accessible content for non-technical audiences, media, and the general public.
• Protocol and Event Management: Planning, designing, and executing official protocol for high-level meetings, ceremonies, and special events, including coordinating logistics, invitations, and support for distinguished visitors in accordance with military and diplomatic customs.
• Stakeholder and Interagency Collaboration: Establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with public affairs offices across government agencies, industry, and academic institutions to coordinate unified messaging on key initiatives. This includes experience drafting and refining communication products for executive and legislative stakeholders.

Requirements

You may qualify at the NH-03 if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience at the NH-02 (GS-11 equivalent) or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. Examples of creditable specialized experience include:

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.

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.