Public Affairs Specialist (External Affairs Officer)

Quick Facts

• Role: Public Affairs Specialist (External Affairs Officer)

• Program/Unit: FEMA IMAT General Staff (IMAT CORE)

• Appointment: 2-year temporary appointment (excepted service)

• Salary: $65.51/hour minimum; up to $94.48/hour maximum (locality pay included)

Description

Serve as the External Affairs Officer for FEMA’s IMAT General Staff, leading Federal external affairs response communications during disaster incidents. Coordinate communications with Federal, State, Tribal territorial and local agencies, political offices, and private sector entities while leading a large communications team (250–500 professionals). The role includes emergency-management recall and may require irregular hours and extensive travel.

Responsibilities

• Manage Federal external affairs response communications

• Coordinate communication efforts across Federal, State, Tribal territorial and local agencies, political office, and private sector entities

• Lead and manage a large team of Federal communications professionals (250–500)

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Successfully pass and maintain a background investigation (Public Trust)

• Selective Service registration required

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government travel card

• Travel required for emergency operations

• Possible 24-hour on-call schedule during emergency response periods

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least IT-04 level demonstrating: (1) establishing/facilitating/coordinating emergency response communications for large institutions; (2) communicating emergency response information to a wide variety of audiences; and (3) leading a large communications team

• Attend required three-week in-person training in Emmitsburg, Maryland within six months of onboarding

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance

• Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan

• Flexible Spending Account

• Employee Assistance Program

• Paid personal leave and federal holidays

• Potential additional benefits: flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, wellness programs, and fitness centers

• Training and developmental opportunities

• Disabled veteran leave eligibility for qualifying veterans