The Center has an opening for a Legislative and Public Affairs Officer. The Legislative and Public Affairs Officer is the primary point of contact for Congress, the media, and the public, and provides strategic guidance and advice to the Director and Deputy Director on congressional and public relations. The position is part of the Director and Deputy Director's Office and reports to the Center's Deputy Director.
Summary
The Center has an opening for a Legislative and Public Affairs Officer. The Legislative and Public Affairs Officer is the primary point of contact for Congress, the media, and the public, and provides strategic guidance and advice to the Director and Deputy Director on congressional and public relations. The position is part of the Director and Deputy Director's Office and reports to the Center's Deputy Director.
The Legislative and Public Affairs Officer will often work closely with the Center's senior staff as well as with Judiciary leadership and other stakeholders.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Public Affairs
Develops and implements public affairs strategies to support the Center's mission
Advises the Director and Deputy Director on all matters related to media and public affairs
Drafts press releases, speeches, talking points, and other public communications
Serves as spokesperson for the Center and as liaison to the media
Responds to information requests from the media and the public
Manages social media and other public-facing communication channels to ensure accurate and consistent messaging
Monitors and analyzes print, broadcast, and digital media, including social media, on matters related to the Center's work
Legislative Affairs
Advises the Director and Deputy Director on all matters related to legislative affairs, appropriations, and congressional relations
Serves as the primary liaison with Congress, responding to inquiries and coordinating requests for information
Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with congressional staff, federal agencies, and other stakeholders
Facilitates open lines of communication and fosters a strong working relationship between the Center and Congress
Keeps the Director and Deputy Director informed about legislative activities
Monitors, analyzes, and reports on federal legislation, policies, and regulatory developments affecting the Center and its mission
Manages, tracks and completes congressional reporting requirements for the Center
Prepares briefings, reports, and summaries for the Director and Deputy Director on legislative developments
Selectee must favorably complete a background investigation.
Relatives of Center staff members may not be employed at the Center in any capacity.
All requirements must be met for full consideration.
The Federal Judicial Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to achieving a professional and collegial workplace in which everyone is valued and treated fairly and respectfully.
Qualifications
MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS:
Juris Doctorate (JD) or master's degree in public affairs, public administration, public policy, political science, journalism, or related fields
Familiarity with legislative processes
Experience working with the media
Strong knowledge and judgment about inter-branch relations
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work with government officials, stakeholders, and different audiences
Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships
Ability to act quickly and maintain composure under high pressure
Ability to consistently exercise sound ethics and judgment and maintain confidentiality
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience working in the Judicial Branch
Experience working in Congress
Experience in public relations, media relations, communications, or journalism
Experience advising senior leaders
Experience working in legislative or public affairs in a government agency
Education
Juris Doctorate (JD) or master's degree in public affairs, public administration, public policy, political science, journalism, or related fields.
Additional information
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
The starting salary is set at $152,291(includes 2026 D.C. locality). This position falls in the Center's pay band 6, which has a salary range up to $229,908. For a successful candidate not currently a member of the Center's staff, a higher starting salary not to exceed $159,906 (includes 2026 D.C. locality) may be considered if the candidate furnished proof that their current salary falls above the pay band 6 minimum salary of $152,291 (includes 2026 D.C. locality), in which case the Center would match that salary up to the starting salary limit of $159,906. This is the maximum starting salary, and it is non-negotiable. If the successful internal candidate's salary falls above the range minimum, that salary will be matched up to their current salary.
The position is in Washington, D.C. and the selected candidate must be prepared to work in the TMFJB on a regular basis. This position provides limited telework options. The Center does not pay for relocation expenses; however, Center employees receive reimbursement for official business travel.
This position does not carry the tenure rights of positions in the competitive civil service.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Federal government benefits are applicable. An array of supplemental benefits is also offered, including a transportation subsidy and a flexible benefit program allowing for pre-tax deductions for health insurance, health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses. The Center is in the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building (TMFJB), conveniently situated to public transportation directly beside Union Station. The TMFJB houses a child development center, a health fitness facility, and a cafeteria for its tenants.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Selected applicants will be evaluated based upon the question responses provided during a structured interview.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Federal government benefits are applicable. An array of supplemental benefits is also offered, including a transportation subsidy and a flexible benefit program allowing for pre-tax deductions for health insurance, health care, dependent care, and commuter expenses. The Center is in the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building (TMFJB), conveniently situated to public transportation directly beside Union Station. The TMFJB houses a child development center, a health fitness facility, and a cafeteria for its tenants.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
In a cover letter referring to Announcement #26-08 please indicate specifically how you satisfy the qualifications listed above. Applications without the required cover letter or with cover letters that do not address the qualifications will not be considered. Along with the cover letter, please include a current resume that specifies dates of employment and responsibilities for all related positions. Applicants should not include detailed application information in the transmittal email and should attach only a single PDF document containing the combined cover letter and resume. Name the file using your last name, first name, and announcement number as follows: Lastname.Firstname.26-08.pdf.
When applying, please refer to Announcement #26-08. This vacancy will remain open until filled but to assure full consideration, your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. on April 21, 2026.
Federal Judicial Center
Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building
One Columbus Circle, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002-8003
US
Next steps
Complete applications will be evaluated based on qualifications. The hiring manager will consider the most highly qualified candidates for a possible interview. Applicants will be notified by e-mail once the position has been filled.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
In a cover letter referring to Announcement #26-08 please indicate specifically how you satisfy the qualifications listed above. Applications without the required cover letter or with cover letters that do not address the qualifications will not be considered. Along with the cover letter, please include a current resume that specifies dates of employment and responsibilities for all related positions. Applicants should not include detailed application information in the transmittal email and should attach only a single PDF document containing the combined cover letter and resume. Name the file using your last name, first name, and announcement number as follows: Lastname.Firstname.26-08.pdf.
When applying, please refer to Announcement #26-08. This vacancy will remain open until filled but to assure full consideration, your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. on April 21, 2026.
Federal Judicial Center
Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building
One Columbus Circle, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002-8003
US
Next steps
Complete applications will be evaluated based on qualifications. The hiring manager will consider the most highly qualified candidates for a possible interview. Applicants will be notified by e-mail once the position has been filled.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
