As a global leader in public health & health promotion, CDC is the agency Americans trust with their lives. In addition to our everyday work, each CDC employee has a role in supporting public health emergency management, whether through temporary assignments to emergency responses or sustaining other CDC programs and activities while colleagues respond. Join our team to use your talent, training, & passion to help CDC continue as the world's premier public health organization. Visit www.cdc.gov.
Summary
As a global leader in public health & health promotion, CDC is the agency Americans trust with their lives. In addition to our everyday work, each CDC employee has a role in supporting public health emergency management, whether through temporary assignments to emergency responses or sustaining other CDC programs and activities while colleagues respond. Join our team to use your talent, training, & passion to help CDC continue as the world's premier public health organization. Visit www.cdc.gov.
As a/an Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist, you will perform the following duties:
Lead the development and execution of strategies to disseminate public health information to the media and public in a clear, timely, and accurate manner. Oversee the translation of complex scientific and technical information into accessible messaging and ensures the use of multiple communication channels to support integrated public affairs campaigns.
Plan, direct, and evaluate a comprehensive, nationally and internationally recognized public affairs program. Integrate traditional media, digital media, and internal communications to maximize the reach and impact of agency information, while anticipating emerging issues and guiding proactive communication strategies.
Serve as a senior advisor to agency leadership on public affairs strategy, messaging, and risk communication. Anticipate and assess emerging issues, recommend communication approaches, and guide leadership in high-visibility, sensitive, or crisis situations.
Direct and manage division operations through subordinate supervisors, including workforce planning, performance management, resource allocation, and budget oversight. Establish performance metrics, ensure compliance with policies and regulations, and promote an effective, accountable, and inclusive work environment.
Develop and sustain strategic relationships with senior government officials, media organizations, and external partners. Serve as a principal liaison to coordinate messaging, resolve complex issues, and ensure alignment of communication efforts across internal and external stakeholders.
Due to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) process enhancement to use Shared Certificates throughout the Agency, some of the requirements below may differ:
US Citizenship is required.
Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov).
May be subject to a Background/Security Investigation. Security clearance level may differ from the position announced when certificates are shared.
One-year probationary period may be required.
This position may be subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Sign a Statement of Understanding that explains the terms and conditions of the competitive temporary promotion.
Candidates must have demonstrated or shown the potential to develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. A supervisory probationary period may be required. Applicants should describe any previous experience or responsibilities which could be used in relation to the supervisory requirements of this position.
This position may be subject to the OGE Financial Disclosure requirements of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-521). CDC inspires public confidence in its trust responsibilities and mission by maintaining high ethical principles. If selected, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency. If identified, this will be an annual requirement.
In accordance with Executive Order 12564 of September 15, 1986, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is A Drug-Free Federal Workplace. This position may require a Drug Test and be subject to Random Drug Testing. The position may require the submission of a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and be subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing upon hiring. If required to submit to urinalysis, the appointment to the position will be contingent upon a negative test result.
Qualifications
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Time in grade (TIG) must be met within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Minimum Qualifications:
To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-15 grade level, which must include the following experience: planned internal communication and engagement initiatives to enhance staff understanding of the agency's mission, science, and priorities. Implemented communication strategies and resources to effectively convey organizational goals and scientific priorities. Evaluated the impact of internal engagement activities to ensure clarity, awareness, and alignment with agency objectives.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
This is a competitive temporary promotion assignment of an employee to a different position for a specified period. This position may be extended or made permanent without further competition. Temporary promotions may be extended up to a maximum of five years. The employee will be returned to their official position of record when the temporary promotion assignment ends unless the promotion is made permanent.
Applicants must currently occupy a full-time Career or Career Conditional Competitive Service CDC/ATSDR position at the next lower grade level.
May be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
The Federal government, as the largest employer in the Nation, can and should show the way towards achieving drug-free workplaces through programs designed to offer drug users a helping hand, and at the same time demonstrating to drug users and potential drug users that drugs will not be tolerated in the Federal workplace if declared a drug-testing position. The use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, by Federal employees is inconsistent not only with the law-abiding behavior expected of all citizens, but also with the special trust placed in such employees as servants of the public.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service. Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
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.
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.
The utilization of shared certificates for additional selections within the same geographical area can be made from multiple Centers of the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR). By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at CDC/ATSDR.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP): For information on how to apply as a CTAP eligible see http://opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp#ictap. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85.0 or above on the rating criteria for this position.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Accountability
Influencing/Negotiating
Internal and External Information Dissemination
Public Affairs Science and Decision Making
Your application will be rated and ranked among others, based on your responses to the online questions regarding your experience, education, training, performance appraisals and awards relevant to the duties of this position. You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards within the last 3 years in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process.
Once the application process is complete, a review of resume and supporting documentation will be made to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you MUST submit a complete Application Package which includes the following. Note: All documents must be in English. Resumes must not exceed 2 pages in length.
1. Resume - Must reflect name, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (month/year) of employment and duties performed. Must reflect pay plan, series and grade, i.e., GS-0301-9.
2. Transcripts (if applicable): You may submit an unofficial transcript. An official transcript from an accredited educational institution is required if you are selected.
3. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)
Supporting documentation i.e., Reduction in Force (RIF) notice or Certificate of Expected Separation (CES), AND most recent:
Annual performance appraisal
SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action)
4. Standard Form 50 (SF-50):
Official SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action/equivalent) which reflect the following:
Current grade and service status (SF-50 block 34 "position occupied" reflects "1" and block 24 "tenure" reflects "1" or "2".)
Highest grade held on a permanent basis
If you currently hold or previously held a General Schedule (GS) or equivalent position within the last 12 months and are applying for a position advertised at a higher grade level, you MUST an official SF-50 or DA Form3434 that shows you have held the next lower GS grade level or equivalent for at least one year:
SF-50s that have an effective date within the past year may not clearly show you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement
Within-Grade/Rate-Increase (WGI/WRI) SF-50s OR SF-50s that have an effective date outside the past year demonstrate you meet the time-in-grade requirements
Note: You may need to submit multiple SF-50s to support your eligibility unless all the above requirements are met on one SF-50. If your SF-50(s) does not provide the information needed, you may be found ineligible for the position.
5. Performance Appraisal (Current Federal Employees): Most recent performance appraisal (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record signed by a supervisor or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. You may also list any incentive awards received within the last 3 years on the resume or separate document.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not mandatory and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. If you elect not to answer the questions, you will not be disqualified or screened out from consideration for this vacancy.
Essay questions are as follows:
1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
Complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date, 04/10/2026, of this announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Please ensure that a personal email address is linked to your USAJOBS/login.gov account.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online:
Applicants external to CDC - Contact the CDC Helpdesk by email at HRCS@CDC.GOV.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online. Applying online, through your USAJOBS account, will expedite the application process and allow you to check your application. If you utilize the Alternate Application method, your USAJOBS account will not display this application or status updates related to this application.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy:
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you have questions or need special accommodations during any part of the application process, contact HHS's Equal Employment Opportunity Service Center (EEOSC) Accessibility and Disability Services Branch by phone 202-619-1564 or email EEOSC.Accommodations@hhs.gov. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
1600 Clifton Road, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30333
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will receive notice via email once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).
If selected, you will be contacted with a job offer. Please ensure that your USAJOBS profile is setup with a personal email address prior to acceptance.
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you MUST submit a complete Application Package which includes the following. Note: All documents must be in English. Resumes must not exceed 2 pages in length.
1. Resume - Must reflect name, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (month/year) of employment and duties performed. Must reflect pay plan, series and grade, i.e., GS-0301-9.
2. Transcripts (if applicable): You may submit an unofficial transcript. An official transcript from an accredited educational institution is required if you are selected.
3. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)
Supporting documentation i.e., Reduction in Force (RIF) notice or Certificate of Expected Separation (CES), AND most recent:
Annual performance appraisal
SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action)
4. Standard Form 50 (SF-50):
Official SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action/equivalent) which reflect the following:
Current grade and service status (SF-50 block 34 "position occupied" reflects "1" and block 24 "tenure" reflects "1" or "2".)
Highest grade held on a permanent basis
If you currently hold or previously held a General Schedule (GS) or equivalent position within the last 12 months and are applying for a position advertised at a higher grade level, you MUST an official SF-50 or DA Form3434 that shows you have held the next lower GS grade level or equivalent for at least one year:
SF-50s that have an effective date within the past year may not clearly show you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement
Within-Grade/Rate-Increase (WGI/WRI) SF-50s OR SF-50s that have an effective date outside the past year demonstrate you meet the time-in-grade requirements
Note: You may need to submit multiple SF-50s to support your eligibility unless all the above requirements are met on one SF-50. If your SF-50(s) does not provide the information needed, you may be found ineligible for the position.
5. Performance Appraisal (Current Federal Employees): Most recent performance appraisal (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record signed by a supervisor or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. You may also list any incentive awards received within the last 3 years on the resume or separate document.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not mandatory and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. If you elect not to answer the questions, you will not be disqualified or screened out from consideration for this vacancy.
Essay questions are as follows:
1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
Complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date, 04/10/2026, of this announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Please ensure that a personal email address is linked to your USAJOBS/login.gov account.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online:
Applicants external to CDC - Contact the CDC Helpdesk by email at HRCS@CDC.GOV.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online. Applying online, through your USAJOBS account, will expedite the application process and allow you to check your application. If you utilize the Alternate Application method, your USAJOBS account will not display this application or status updates related to this application.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy:
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you have questions or need special accommodations during any part of the application process, contact HHS's Equal Employment Opportunity Service Center (EEOSC) Accessibility and Disability Services Branch by phone 202-619-1564 or email EEOSC.Accommodations@hhs.gov. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
1600 Clifton Road, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30333
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will receive notice via email once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).
If selected, you will be contacted with a job offer. Please ensure that your USAJOBS profile is setup with a personal email address prior to acceptance.
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
