PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) Performance Office, Public Affairs Division.

The purpose of the position is to manage the external communication program within the Office of Public Affairs. The incumbent serves as primary focal point for the public information program.

To qualify as a Public affairs Specialist, your resume and supporting documentation must support: Specialized Experience: Provide expert public affairs guidance by interpreting Department of Defense policies and overseeing media and community relations programs that support agency communication goals.

Research complex issues and media inquiries, gather information from headquarters and field subject-matter experts, and deliver coordinated, timely responses to national, regional, and local news outlets.

Prepare a wide range of communication products-including news releases, feature articles, speeches, media kits, and executive briefings-ensuring accuracy, clarity, and appropriate targeting to external audiences.

Develop crisis and contingency communication plans, manage security and policy reviews, and ensure all public information materials comply with classification, disclosure, and Freedom of Information Act requirements.

Coordinate media engagements, training programs, special events, and community relations activities to strengthen stakeholder relationships and enhance public understanding of the agency's mission.

You will receive credit for all relevant qualifying experience (paid and unpaid), including volunteer work done through National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Additional Requirements that must be met by the closing date: - Time-in-grade applies to the promotion of current and former federal employees who hold or have held a permanent GS position in either the competitive or excepted service in the previous 52 weeks, including current employees applying under VEOA.

Your application package must contain proof you meet this requirement. See Required Documents for more information. o For GS-13: You must have 52 weeks of Federal service at or equivalent to GS-12.

- Time after competitive appointment.

Current federal civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since being selected for a nontemporary appointment from a competitive examination register of eligibles (an announcement opened to the public) or under a direct hire authority.

As part of the online application process, you will respond to a series of questions designed to evaluate your level of experience in these competencies: Planning and Evaluating Self-Management Writing Overtime: Occasional Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt Bargaining Unit Status: Covered Those retired under CSRS or FERS considered: No.

DoD criteria not met.

Telework eligible:Yes Telework is at discretion of supervisor/Agency Remote work eligible: No HR does not select or change your eligibility/eligibilities for you, regardless of the supporting documents you submit.

You are considered ONLY for the eligibility or eligibilities you select and for which you provide all required supporting documents. You will not be considered if you do not select an eligibility.

If you have questions about which eligibility/eligibilities apply to you, contact the HR POC listed on this announcement. Major Duties:

Leads the Defense Commissary Agency's media relations program, providing guidance to public affairs staff and ensuring alignment with Department of Defense public affairs regulations and policies.

Designs and oversees strategies that promote balanced, accurate coverage across all news media platforms.

Responds to inquiries from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and news outlets, preparing background materials and coordinating timely, well-vetted responses with subject-matter experts and agency leadership.

Writes and edits news and feature content on Defense Commissary Agency activities, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and proper targeting of media distribution.

Maintains strong headquarters and field-level relationships to support information gathering, query response, and effective marketing of agency products.

Develops, updates, and synchronizes contingency communication plans with Department of Defense public affairs and internal stakeholders to ensure readiness across a range of scenarios.

Read the entire announcement before starting the application process.