Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens. A Financial Disclosure is required based on salary threshold reporting requirements.

Reporting to the Chief of Public Affairs, the Communications Specialist's primary responsibilities involve the following:

• Assisting with the implementation of a communications strategy;
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with media contacts;
• Enhancing USCIRF's outreach through traditional news media, public events, social media, and other communications outlets;
• Generating content and promoting reports, op-editorials, press releases, etc. that support USCIRF and the agency's overall mission;
• Performing quality control of information communicated to internal and external audiences to include editing for grammar, format, and graphic design;
• Tracking and monitoring day-to-day official communications;
• Assisting in planning and promoting events;
• Assisting with USCIRF's website management and utilizing analytics to improve outreach effectiveness; and
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Completion of a probationary period.
• Selectee must be able to meet/maintain suitability and security requirements.

Qualifications

Minimum 4 years' progressively responsible experience commensurate with duties outlined above, and including:

• Working with the media;
• Implementing a social media strategy and experience with media outreach;
• Drafting and editing press releases, web content, and other communications materials;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including copy editing;
• Multi-tasking and working in a fast-paced setting, defining and meeting deadlines;
• Working with various contact management systems such as WordPress or Drupal and email distribution programs such as Meltwater, Mail Chimp, etc.;
• Website maintenance, or the ability to learn the necessary skills quickly;
• 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; 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."