Public Affairs Specialist

Full Job Description

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) safeguards the Congress, Members of Congress, employees, visitors, and Congressional buildings and grounds from crime, disruption, and terrorism.

We protect and secure Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure and open environment.

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below.

For the CP-10 level you must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CP-9/GS-11 level which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Specialized experience is defined as experience which includes 1) exercising sound judgment in determining the level of detail in response to questions and inquiries and the intended recipients; 2) organizing news conferences, as needed, and creating talking points for high visibility and highly sensitive/complex issues; 3) communicating information and articulating policies, priorities and commitments in a clear, concise manner; and 4) formulating plans and department, agency, or organizational policy initiatives.

Additional Qualifications Three (3) years of public affairs experience in a Law Enforcement or Journalism organization.

All eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

(Information on Qualification & Education is located at the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/) Major Duties:

This position is located in the Public Information Office (PIO), Office of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief of Police, United States Capitol Police (USCP).

The PIO coordinates all media coverage of the Department; disseminates information to the media and the public through the uscp.gov site, press releases, correspondence, and other materials; and coordinates communications between USCP and the media in response to events that attract media attention.

The PIO also serves as the Editor for the Department's employee magazine and is responsible for other internal communications initiatives throughout the Department.

Serves as a Public Affairs Specialist and maintains strict confidentiality of all privileged and otherwise restricted data, information, communications, and correspondence.

Coordinates with appropriate staff members to ensure that communications and relations with the media and other stakeholders are synchronized and consistent in meeting the needs of the organization.

Responds orally and/or in writing to information requests from the news media, Congressional offices, and specialized and/or general members of the public and ensures that USCP Departmental programs, priorities, and commitments are accurately articulated and/or relayed.

Collaborates with the Communications Director to plan, develop, update, and execute a strategic communications campaign.

Provides high-level support to the Communications Director to ensure the planning and execution of a comprehensive, effective communications program necessary to execute the timely, accurate, and legally authorized dissemination of Department and law enforcement sensitive information to the public, national and international media, USCP representatives, Congressional staff, industry groups, community groups, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agency staff.

Directs special events, ceremonies, tours, and other activities intended to develop interest, garner support, and enhance USCP programs and services.

Manages content and audience engagement of the agency's social media platforms.