Strategic Communications Specialist

Full Job Description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S.

Customs and Border Protection, Office of Enterprise Services (ES) Immediate Office of the Executive Assistant Commissioner (EAC), located in one of the following locations: Washington, DC Indianapolis, IN Specialized Experience: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Developing, implementing, and coordinating programs, projects, or initiatives to support organizational objectives, improve operations, or enhance communications.

Creating, editing, and formatting written materials, reports, correspondence, and presentations for leadership, stakeholders, and diverse audiences.

Conducting research, analyzing data, and verifying the accuracy of information from multiple sources to inform decision-making or communications.

Adapting written and verbal communications for a variety of audiences, including internal teams, senior leadership, external partners, and the public.

Assisting in the management, tracking, and evaluation of program or project milestones, deliverables, and outcomes.

Specialized Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Leading, managing, and evaluating programs, projects, or initiatives to achieve organizational goals, improve processes, and enhance stakeholder engagement.

Creating, editing, and reviewing written products in accordance with organizational or industry standards for style, format, and clarity across multiple types of communications (e.g., reports, articles, policy documents, web content).

Designing, implementing, and assessing strategies for program management, communications, or organizational improvement using various channels and platforms.

Analyzing organizational policies, programs, or initiatives to anticipate operational needs, communication challenges, and stakeholder sentiment, and to inform strategic decision-making.

Coordinating cross-functional teams or working groups to achieve program objectives and ensure alignment with organizational priorities.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible.

Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

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.

You must: Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 03/02/2026.

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.

Background Investigation: U.S.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity.

During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances.

For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP.

Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.

If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S.

Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S.

government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S.

government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment.

Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period. Major Duties:

Joining Customs & Border Protection (CBP),Immediate Office of the Executive Assistant Commissioner (EAC), will allow you to utilize your expertise to provide leadership with advice and assistance in writing and developing communication materials and vehicles to ensure coordination and communication throughout the office.

This position starts at a salary of $89,508.00 (GS-12, Step 1) to $138,370.00 (GS-13, Step 10) with promotion potential to $138,370.00 (GS-13 Step 10).

In this Strategic Communications Specialist position, you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals involved in complex and diverse assignments that involve some independent projects or program areas; developing new methods, strategies, and communication plans covering the complete spectrum of EAC programs; analyzing communication challenges; and the development of communication solutions and long-range plans.

Typical Work assignments include: Planning, researching, writing, and editing internal and external publications to keep employees informed about current ES programs, priorities, and initiatives within ES.

Preparing talking points and anticipated questions and answers for senior leadership to ensure stakeholders' concerns are addressed in a wide variety of external engagement forums.

Developing, implementing, and evaluating the effectiveness of EAC communications strategies, materials and programs that support and promote enhanced engagement with EAC stakeholder communities.

Analyzing organizational specific policy issues to identify and to anticipate communication needs and potential reaction from employees.

Identifying and carrying out internal communication requirements needed to support leadership.