This position is located in the Public Affairs Staff, Office of External Affairs, Office of the Director, Indian Health Service. Reports to IHS Headquarters. The official duty station is at IHS Headquarters, Rockville, MD. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
Serves as the Agency-level technical authority for executive speechwriting and message development, advising the Director of Public Affairs and senior IHS leadership on formulations, articulation timing, tone, and public affairs implications of executive communications, Plans, develops, and produces authoritative speeches, keynote remarks, talking points, statements, message frameworks, briefing materials, and other executive communications for the IHS Director and other senior officials on the full range of IHS programs, policies, services, priorities, and emerging issues.
Integrates complex, sensitive, and sometimes conflicting policy, scientific, clinical, operational, legislative, and stakeholder information into clear and accurate executive communications. Develops new communication approaches for high-visibility, sensitive, controversial, or unprecedented issues; anticipates likely audience reaction and recommends changes in framing, sequencing, emphasis, and supporting information to advance Agency objectives.
Ensures executive communications are consistent with IHS and HHS policy, cleared positions, public affairs requirements, and the strategic priorities of Agency leadership. Independently researches and analyzes Agency programs and issues; identifies information gaps, conflicting interpretations, reputational or public-understanding risks, and matters requiring leadership resolution before communications are finalized.
Leads cross-Agency development and clearance of executive remarks, coordinating with senior executives, Area Directors, program directors, subject matter experts, HHS public affairs officials, and other offices as appropriate.
Exercises judgment and discretion in handling predecisional, sensitive, embargoed, or confidential information and determines how such information may be appropriately reflected in public affairs products consistent with applicable policy and clearance requirements.
Reviews and edits high-level PAS products to ensure consistency of Agency voice, message architecture, policy positions, accessibility, and strategic communications objectives across internal and external channels. Advises senior management on communication considerations associated with proposed or emerging policies, programs, events, and issues.
Evaluates the effectiveness of executive messaging using available audience feedback, stakeholder input, media coverage, engagement data, and lessons learned. Represents PAS in high-level planning discussions and maintains working relationships with officials and stakeholders. Provides authoritative technical guidance to public affairs staff and Agency communicators on executive writing, message development, audience analysis, strategic framing, and clearance practices.
Develops and improves Agency resources.
There are no education requirements.
Arlene.Big@ihs.gov · (240)463-1740
This position is with Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services.
The posted pay range is $143913 – $187093/yr.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-11-18.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-04 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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