Communications Director

Quick Facts

• Role: Communications Director (senior communications adviser and principal spokesperson)

Description

The Communications Director leads an integrated communications strategy and public affairs operations, including media relations, digital engagement, and public outreach, under the authority of the U.S. Attorney and DOJ policies.

The Director advises the U.S. Attorney and executive leadership on communications strategy, media engagement, public messaging, emerging issues, reputational risks, and opportunities that advance the Office’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior strategic advice on communications strategy, public affairs, media relations, and public messaging
• Lead and manage communications and public affairs personnel; set objectives, standards, priorities, and operating procedures
• Manage resources and operational priorities; identify capability gaps and recommend staffing, technology, and organizational improvements
• Serve as the principal spokesperson; respond to local, regional, national, and international media inquiries
• Develop and execute communications strategies for significant prosecutions, investigations, enforcement operations, civil litigation, and policy developments
• Translate complex legal and enforcement actions into clear, accurate, compelling public communications
• Build relationships with journalists and media representatives; coordinate press conferences, interviews, briefings, and public statements
• Monitor news coverage and public narratives; recommend responses to inaccuracies and assess public understanding
• Coordinate with partner federal, state, and local law-enforcement and governmental agencies; develop joint communications strategies consistent with disclosure restrictions
• Represent the Office at community events and professional engagements; develop and evaluate public-engagement initiatives
• Establish strategic vision for the website, authorized social media, digital publications, and other approved platforms
• Act as managing editor for digital content; oversee production of press releases, remarks, statements, and multimedia assets
• Create editorial calendars, standards, review procedures, and content workflows across seven divisions
• Ensure digital communications are accessible, engaging, professionally produced, and consistent with federal credibility
• Use analytics, media monitoring, and performance measures to evaluate reach and effectiveness
• Recommend and implement communications technologies and methods aligned with DOJ policies, security, and accessibility requirements

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or nationality
• Complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check, including drug screening
• Maintain eligibility throughout the hiring process (offers may be rescinded if requirements aren’t met)
• Probationary/trial period may be required
• Selective Service registration required for eligible males born on/after Dec 31, 1959 (or approved exemption)
• Meet time-in-grade requirements for federal employees by the closing date
• Complete the USA Hire assessment within 48 hours after the closing date
• For GS-14: one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-13 in leading strategic communications/public affairs/media relations programs; serving as a senior advisor to executive leadership on crisis communications and public messaging; acting as an organizational spokesperson with major media outlets; planning high-visibility media events; developing strategies for sensitive/high-visibility issues; supervising communications professionals; coordinating messaging with law-enforcement partners; and directing digital, social media, multimedia, and public information initiatives

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave; holidays
• Telework options
• Life insurance and health benefits
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)