Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

Reporting to the Director of Congressional Affairs and Communications, The Senior Communications Specialist's primary responsibilities include:

• Write, review and/or edit reports, press releases, op-eds, congressional testimony, fact sheets, policy briefs, feature articles, talking points, briefings, and other publications by developing materials that promote USCIRF's policy and legislative priorities;
• Serve as primary editor/copyeditor of all USCIRF publications;
• Enhance internal and external communication to be more efficient and effective;
• Maintain media contact lists;
• Pitch calls to media as needed;
• Analyze inquiries from and serve as primary point of contact for the media; develop responses under deadline pressure through correspondence and scheduling of interviews and briefings;
• Manage USCIRF's publication schedule and calendar, including overseeing the production and design of publications;
• Perform analytics and prepare reports compiling key data related to USCIRF's media/communications;
• Utilize website analytics to improve outreach effectiveness;
• Train staff and Commissioners to communicate with media, including radio, TV, print, and other forms of media;
• Prepare talking points for staff and Commissioner interviews with media;
• Ensure timely compiling of reports to CA&C Director, Executive Director, and Commissioners;
• Coordinate with the Government Publishing Office's (GPO) Creative Design and printing services divisions;
• Assist with development and implementation of communications strategy;
• Work closely with policy staff on communication related tasks;
• Plan and promote special events; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree; and
• Three (3) years of substantive experience as demonstrated by a sustained record of accomplished, analytical writing and other professional achievements.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree, along with at least four (3) years of substantive experience in relevant areas that demonstrate commensurate experience;
• Experience working with the media required;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including copy editing;
• Experience drafting press releases, web content, and other communications materials;
• Experience with website maintenance (Drupal or WordPress), or the ability to learn the necessary skills quickly;
• Experience working with various contact management systems and/or email distribution programs such as Cision, Meltwater, Mail Chimp, etc.;
• Ability to implement a social media strategy and experience with social media outreach including Facebook and Twitter;
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced setting, defining and meeting deadlines;
• Ability to synthesize information from various sources;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Working knowledge of AP Style, MS Office, HTML, Google Analytics (and/or other metrics tools), and other web-related skills are helpful, but not required; and
• Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and collegial demeanor.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This job is excepted from the competitive civil service. Applicants will be evaluated and deemed either eligible or ineligible based on the relevance and quality of their experience and education and on the desired qualifications described above.

Pursuant to section 204(c) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, as amended, USCIRF staff members are hired "on the basis of professional and nonpartisan qualifications.