Clarification from the agency

US Citizens.

Reporting to the Director of Outreach and Policy, the Communications Specialist's primary responsibilities involve the following:

1. Website / Social Media accounts

• Managing USCIRF's website including updating and maintaining all content;
• Managing and enhancing USCIRF's social media outreach, including Facebook and Twitter;
• Managing website vendors;
• Monitoring USCIRF's media and social media coverage, including receiving, coordinating, and tracking media inquiries; and
• Utilizing website analytics to improve outreach effectiveness.

• Create and maintain media contact lists;
• Compiling and distributing daily press clips;
• Assisting with writing and promoting stories, op-editorials, press releases, etc. that support USCIRF and the agency's overall mission; and
• Strategically circulating press releases and other documents generated by USCIRF to global, local, regional, and national media contacts.

• Identifying and cultivating audiences and constituencies that benefit from and/or support USCIRF's mission;
• Take photos and maintain photograph database;
• Plan and promote special events;
• Pitching calls to media outlets as needed;
• Assisting with development and implementation of communications strategy; and
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

Minimum 3 years' progressively responsible experience commensurate with duties outlined above.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen;
• Satisfactory completion of a background investigation;
• Completion of a probationary period;
• Selectee must be able to meet and maintain suitability and security requirements;
• Experience working with the media required;
• Experience drafting press releases, web content, and other communications materials;
• Experience with website maintenance, or the ability to learn the necessary skills quickly;
• Experience working with various publishing programs such as Microsoft Publisher or InDesign;
• Experience working with various contact management systems such as Wordpress or Drupal and email distribution programs such as Cision, Meltwater, Mail Chimp, etc.;
• Ability to implement a social media strategy and experience with 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;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including copy editing;
• Working knowledge of AP Style, MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, web platforms, HTML, email clients, Google Analytics (and/or other metrics tools), and other web-related skills, including digital graphic design creation and video editing software such as iMovie are helpful, but not required; and
• Extreme 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 (1) completeness of the submission of the required materials, (2) relevance and quality of experience and education, and (3) 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."