Communications Director

Quick Facts

• Role: Communications Director (GS-14)

Description

The Communications Director is the senior communications adviser and principal spokesperson, leading integrated communications strategy, public affairs, media relations, digital engagement, and public outreach. The Director advises the U.S. Attorney and executive leadership on communications strategy, media engagement, public messaging, emerging issues, reputational risks, and opportunities to advance the Office’s mission. The role also includes managing communications personnel and operations, leading media and interagency coordination, building community engagement, and overseeing digital content and editorial strategy.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior strategic adviser to executive leadership on communications strategy, public affairs, media relations, and public messaging
• Lead, supervise, develop, and evaluate communications and public affairs personnel; set strategic objectives and operating procedures
• Manage personnel, resources, and operational priorities; identify capability gaps and recommend improvements in staffing, technology, and organizational effectiveness
• Act as the principal spokesperson; lead responses to media inquiries at local through international levels
• Develop and execute communications strategies for significant prosecutions, investigations, enforcement operations, civil litigation, policy developments, and other public-interest matters
• Translate complex legal proceedings into clear, accurate, compelling public communications; anticipate emerging issues and monitor coverage
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and media producers; coordinate press conferences, interviews, media briefings, and public statements
• Plan and lead communications for breaking news and high-profile, rapidly evolving events requiring immediate coordination
• Assess public understanding and recommend responses to inaccuracies or emerging narratives
• Serve as principal communications liaison across federal, state, and local law-enforcement and governmental agencies; coordinate joint messaging within applicable disclosure restrictions
• Develop and oversee public-engagement initiatives; represent the Office at community and professional events
• Establish and lead strategic vision for the Office’s website, authorized social media accounts, and other approved digital platforms
• Oversee digital editorial content production (press releases, remarks, public statements, photography, video, and graphics) and maintain editorial calendars and review workflows
• Ensure digital communications are engaging, accessible, professionally produced, and aligned with DOJ policies and federal law-enforcement credibility
• Use analytics and media monitoring to evaluate reach, engagement, and communications effectiveness; recommend communications technologies

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or U.S. national
• Completion of a pre-employment security investigation/background check, including drug screening
• GS-14 qualification: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-13
• Experience leading strategic communications/public affairs/media relations and serving as a senior advisor to executive leadership on messaging, crisis communications, and reputation management
• Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson and managing relationships with television, radio, print, digital, and national media outlets
• Experience planning and conducting press conferences, broadcast interviews, media briefings, and other high-profile public affairs activities
• Experience developing communications strategies for sensitive, controversial, or high-visibility issues
• Experience supervising communications professionals and managing communications operations
• Experience coordinating messaging with governmental and law enforcement partners
• Experience directing digital communications, social media, multimedia content, and public information initiatives
• Complete the USA Hire assessment within the required timeframe (48 hours after submission)
• Selectively comply with Selective Service registration requirements (if applicable)
• Meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within the required timeframe after the announcement closing date

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, telework
• Life insurance and health benefits
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
• Relocation expenses may be authorized; recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be considered based on qualifications