Summary
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.
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, directing, and executing a public affairs program within the District to enhance public understanding of the District's initiatives and priorities and the Department of Justice's role in advancing the rule of law. 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, including coordinating with other public affairs staff at the Department of Justice and law enforcement partners. Drafting news releases, public statements, talking points, background information, and feature stories to provide to the news media and law enforcement community. Maintaining an updated Internet site and managing the District's social media accounts (i.e., Facebook, X, LinkedIn, etc.), developing content that advances office priorities and accurately describes the office's work to diverse audiences. Developing and maintaining effective and professional working relationships with print and broadcast media representatives and various special interest groups. Responding to a high volume of media queries and maintaining media contacts with local, regional, and national media outlets throughout the District. The incumbent also serves as the chief communications officer to various law enforcement partners regarding all communications matters involving federal criminal prosecutions in the District. Monitoring media coverage of events and preparing daily summaries of news reports about the District. Organizing and coordinating news media interviews and press conferences for the United States Attorney's Office, including media events involving multi-agency case announcements. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
How you will be evaluated
Your complete application package (resume/supporting documentation, online questionnaire, and USA Hire Competency Based Assessment) will be evaluated and rated using DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the online questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If it is determined you meet minimum qualification requirements, your application will then be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles. In addition, qualified veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest quality category (i.e., Best Qualified). You will be rated on the following Competencies (see The OPM Website for definitions): Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Flexibility, Influencing/Negotiating, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Learning, Reading Comprehension, Reasoning, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, and Teamwork To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.