Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist

Full Job Description

As a global leader in public health & health promotion, CDC is the agency Americans trust with their lives.

In addition to our everyday work, each CDC employee has a role in supporting public health emergency management, whether through temporary assignments to emergency responses or sustaining other CDC programs and activities while colleagues respond.

Join our team to use your talent, training, & passion to help CDC continue as the world's premier public health organization. Visit www.cdc.gov.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Time in grade (TIG) must be met within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Minimum Qualifications: To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-15 grade level, which must include the following experience: planned internal communication and engagement initiatives to enhance staff understanding of the agency's mission, science, and priorities.

Implemented communication strategies and resources to effectively convey organizational goals and scientific priorities.

Evaluated the impact of internal engagement activities to ensure clarity, awareness, and alignment with agency objectives.

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. Major Duties:

As a/an Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist, you will perform the following duties: Lead the development and execution of strategies to disseminate public health information to the media and public in a clear, timely, and accurate manner.

Oversee the translation of complex scientific and technical information into accessible messaging and ensures the use of multiple communication channels to support integrated public affairs campaigns.

Plan, direct, and evaluate a comprehensive, nationally and internationally recognized public affairs program.

Integrate traditional media, digital media, and internal communications to maximize the reach and impact of agency information, while anticipating emerging issues and guiding proactive communication strategies.

Serve as a senior advisor to agency leadership on public affairs strategy, messaging, and risk communication.

Anticipate and assess emerging issues, recommend communication approaches, and guide leadership in high-visibility, sensitive, or crisis situations.

Direct and manage division operations through subordinate supervisors, including workforce planning, performance management, resource allocation, and budget oversight.

Establish performance metrics, ensure compliance with policies and regulations, and promote an effective, accountable, and inclusive work environment.

Develop and sustain strategic relationships with senior government officials, media organizations, and external partners.

Serve as a principal liaison to coordinate messaging, resolve complex issues, and ensure alignment of communication efforts across internal and external stakeholders.