Public Affairs Specialist

Quick Facts

• Role: Public Affairs Specialist

• Focus: Improving internal communications and website platforms for a VA healthcare system

Description

This position supports the Public Affairs program by increasing internal and external awareness of VA programs, services, events, projects, technologies, personnel, and research accomplishments. You will help manage media and legislative/stakeholder outreach, produce print and multimedia communications, and serve as an alternate spokesperson when needed. A key part of the role is editing and updating web and social media content across Internet, Intranet, SharePoint, and related platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct public affairs program work with tact, diplomacy, initiative, and sound judgment
• Establish proactive contacts with media outlets, legislative offices, veteran service organizations, and healthcare affiliates
• Pitch and place stories with media outlets
• Advise on media campaigns and communication plans/strategies
• Plan, develop, and produce communications materials (print, visual, web-based, multimedia, video)
• Evaluate information and provide feedback on public affairs trends and stakeholder attitudes
• Act as an alternate spokesperson for the facility’s Public Affairs Officer
• Respond in writing and orally to questions/criticisms and explain the VA point of view
• Handle communications during controversial or high-level issues, including crisis/emergency situations
• Manage internal communications for staff (employee announcements, bulletin boards, and other information sources)
• Serve on the Public Affairs team within the Hospital Incident Command System
• Edit and update web content for Internet, Intranet, SharePoint, and social media platforms
• Ensure new pages are placed correctly and display properly across graphics/video/multimedia
• Manage production of internal and external communications end-to-end (writing, editing, producing)
• Select and review photos/artwork for quality and composition; rewrite and edit copy for publication
• Use desktop publishing to design and prepare internal displays and publications; provide guidance to others
• Ensure compliance with Department of Veterans Affairs policies and standards

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Complete required application steps, including an online assessment
• Subject to urinalysis drug screening if tentatively selected
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Complete online onboarding and provide acceptable, REAL ID-compliant identification (effective May 7, 2025)
• Seasonal influenza vaccination participation required
• Complete a 1-year probationary period or a 2-year trial period, with written certification that employment advances the public interest
• Meet qualification requirements by 11/18/2026 via specialized experience (at least GS-09 equivalent for 1 year) OR qualifying education OR a combination; submit transcripts if using education
• Time-in-grade requirements may apply to current Federal employees (e.g., 52 weeks at GS-09 for GS-11)

Benefits

A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; eligibility depends on the type of position and work schedule.