The Public Affairs Specialist independently develops, coordinates, and delivers communication products and strategies to inform and engage a broad range of internal and external audiences, including Veterans, staff, media and community partners. The incumbent plays a pivotal role in presenting, interpreting and disseminating information about VA programs, services, policies and achievements, supporting the health care systems mission to serve veterans and their families.
Duties Include but are not limited to: Independently research, drafts, and develops communication products; including press releases. media statements, articles, speeches, and feature stories for dissemination to media, public and targeted external customers. Serves as a spokesperson, providing timely and accurate responses and explanations of VA activities, programs, and policies to media representatives, veterans, their families, and the general public.
Maintains working relationships with media representatives, Veteran Service Organizations, congressional offices, and community stakeholders to facilitate proactive and responsive communication. Pitches and places stories with media outlets, coordinates interviews, and monitors media coverage for accuracy and emerging issues.
Supports crisis and emergency communication activities by gathering information, drafting urgent communications, and assisting with dissemination in coordination with leadership and under direction of the Chief of Communication. Creates and manages communication products for web, intranet and social media platforms, ensuring content is accurate, accessible, and consistent with agency standards.
Designs graphics, infographics, and short-form videos to enhance engagement and make complex information more accessible to diverse audiences. Manages official social media channels, engaging with the public, responding to inquiries, and monitoring platforms for emerging concerns or reputational risks. Utilizes analytics and reporting tools to measure the effectiveness and reach of digital communication strategies, providing recommendations for ongoing improvement.
Coordinates with service lines, programs offices, clinical staff, and stakeholders to gather information and develop messages tailored to specific internal audiences and situations. Develops and distributes mass email communications, newsletters, announcements, and emergency notifications to internal and external recipients.
Identifies and engages key stakeholder groups, including traditionally underserved veteran populations, through targeted messaging and outreach activities. Plans, organizes, and executes special events, outreach campaigns, and high-profile visits, providing logistical and communication support before, during and after events. Provides communication guidance to staff and leadership, supporting their ability to represent the VA clearly and confidently. Other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: AdHoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Public Affairs Specialist/PD01324A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. NOTE: If your school was accredited by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the U.S.
Department of Education website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $81186 – $105547/yr.
Applications close on 2026-08-31.
There are 2 openings for this position.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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