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Posted: February 11, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Public Affairs Specialist

Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Department of Homeland Security

Fresh

Location

Salary

$121,785 - $158,322

per year

Closes

February 16, 2026More ICE jobs →

GS-12 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $74,441 - $96,770

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves handling media relations and public communications for a federal agency focused on immigration enforcement and homeland security, including responding to press inquiries, preparing statements on sensitive topics, and building relationships with journalists.

A good fit would be someone with experience in public relations or communications who can work quickly under pressure on national security issues and explain complex policies clearly to the public.

It's ideal for those passionate about government transparency and media strategy in a law enforcement context.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized experience at GS-11 level or equivalent
  • Ability to respond to media inquiries on national interest topics
  • Experience coordinating crisis communications or rapid response for media on law enforcement/national security
  • Skills in managing relationships with reporters and media stakeholders
  • Proficiency in preparing communication materials for public release
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • U.S. citizenship and ability to pass background checks

Full Job Description

View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement. Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Public Affairs, in Washington, District of Columbia. This is a non-bargaining unit position. Limit your resume to 2 pages.

If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as: Responding to media inquiries on topics of national interest; AND Coordinating statements, crisis communications, or rapid response for media engagement on law enforcement or national security-related topics; AND Managing relationships with reporters and other media stakeholders on topics related to law enforcement or national security; AND Preparing communication materials on stories or topics with national interest for public release.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.

If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707.

Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission.

If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs.

To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Major Duties:

As a Public Affairs Specialist, at the full performance level GS-14, you will perform the following duties: Responds to requests from the media, the public, specialized groups, community, and government entities on the agencies mission.

Identifies communication needs and develops informational materials that inform media and the public of the agency's policies, programs, services, and activities.

Executes and evaluates the effectiveness of information and communication programs in furthering agency goals.

Advises on potential media and public reaction to proposed policies and programs establishes.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/11/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/12/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: OPA-12880343-DHA-KT