Public Affairs Officer

Summary The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon is seeking to fill a Public Affairs Officer position located in our Portland, Oregon office. For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This position is also being announced to applicants eligible to apply through Merit Staffing procedures under 26-OR-12938154-MS . Learn more about this agency Duties As the Public Affairs Officer, you will administer a comprehensive communications program to inform and engage the public, news media, community organizations, and other stakeholders about the work and priorities of the United States Attorney's Office. Typical work assignments will include: Planning, initiating, and implementing comprehensive public affairs and communications strategies to enhance public understanding of USAO initiatives, priorities, and the Department of Justice's role in advancing the rule of law and instilling public confidence in the justice system. Serving as the office's chief spokesperson and principal communications advisor to the United States Attorney and senior leadership on all matters involving media relations and public messaging. Developing and executing proactive and reactive communications strategies, including crisis communications planning, to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent information reaches the public across all channels. Handling privileged, sensitive, and law enforcement-sensitive information with discretion, ensuring that public communications do not compromise active investigations, ongoing prosecutions, or the privacy rights of victims, witnesses, and defendants. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with members of the local and national news media, specialized groups, community organizations, and other stakeholders interested in the office's work and initiatives. Producing a broad range of high-quality written communications, including press releases, public statements, speeches, talking points, op-eds, and articles for both national publications and district-level distribution. Managing the office's social media presence and other digital communications platforms, developing content that advances office priorities and accurately represents the office's work to diverse audiences. Organizing and coordinating media interviews, press conferences, and other public-facing events involving senior leadership and staff; oversees logistics and preparation for all media engagements. Providing expert advisory services and communications leadership to public affairs officers at federal, state, and local law enforcement partner agencies, promoting coordinated and consistent public messaging across the law enforcement community. Developing messaging frameworks and strategic communications initiatives that strengthen public trust in the justice system and help audiences understand the Department of Justice's mission and impact. Coordinating with public affairs officers at other United States Attorney's Offices on shared cases and initiatives, and maintaining close working relationships with public affairs staff at Department of Justice headquarters. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S. Citizen or National Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement. Qualifications GS-12: At the GS-12 level, you must meet one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level. Specialized Experience is defined as performing the following types of duties: developing news releases, fact sheets, talking points, and related materials for publication in printed media; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with print and broadcast media; and conducting workshops, seminars, and other meetings with various audiences. GS-13: At the GS-13 level, you must meet one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level. Specialized Experience is defined as performing the following types of duties: developing news releases, fact sheets, talking points, and related materials for publication in printed media; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with print and broadcast media; speech writing; managing press events; executive-level support for media and business interviews; and conducting workshops, seminars, and other meetings with various audiences. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)- The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)-The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Education Additional information Payment of relocation expenses will not be authorized The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov. Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Federal Agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline. Political Appointees (Current or Former): 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 or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.