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Communications Specialist

Department of State
Department of State - Agency Wide

Summary

This is a TEMPORARY, INTERMITTENT position located in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Global Media, Bureau of Global Public Affairs. The incumbent serves as a Communications Specialist who performs the review of personal capacity publications submitted to GPA, serves as a back-up for reviewing international media requests and public speaking requests, and provides back-up support for media programs, Task Forces, reporting tours, and staffing major events as needed.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/24/2026 to 04/30/2026
Salary
$121,785 - $158,322 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be required.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Temporary - Temporary Appointment not-to-exceed 1 year. May be extended without further announcement.
Work schedule
Intermittent - Intermittent Work Schedule (no regular work schedule); limited to a maximum of 1,040 hours during the appointment period.
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Announcement number
HRSC/ICTAP-2026-0016
Control number
866510700

Duties

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  • Reviews submissions against guidelines and policies to determine whether public speaking requests, interviews, media appearances, and personal capacity publications can be authorized.
  • Drafts Action Memos for the Assistant Secretary, Deputy Secretary or Secretary recommending intervention to prevent personal capacity publications.
  • Negotiates with drafters and/or Departmental Officials to accept and implement recommendations.
  • Develops detailed plans, goals and objectives for long-term effectiveness and efficiency of the review process.
  • Serves as a representative on Task Forces created during crisis situations and advise on public affairs and media concerns.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/

Qualifications

Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

    • Experience making decisions about sensitive matters involving public image.
    • Experience working with foreign journalists and international media organizations.
    • Experience utilizing tact, diplomacy, and negotiation methods with multiple interlocutors.
    • Experience applying qualitative and/or quantitative methods to access and improve the effectiveness of communication review programs and processes.

There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.

To be considered well-qualified, in addition to meeting minimum qualifications, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in some, but not all of the major aspects of the position.

Education

Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.

Additional information

  • For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at OAA@state.gov. 
  • If eligible, situational telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. 
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department for up to 240 days. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume limited to two pages will be conducted and evaluated by an HR specialist to determine if you are qualified for this job. Resumes longer than two pages will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies:

  • Ability to understand trends in public and media attitudes.
  • Knowledge of communications and analytical methods and techniques.
  • Ability to analyze and evaluate materials as they relate to public affairs issues.
  • Ability to serve on committees, task forces or teams.
  • Ability to meet deadlines.

Agency Career and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP and ICTAP) candidates must be rated "Well Qualified" and submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job to receive consideration for selection priority. To be considered well-qualified, in addition to meeting minimum qualifications, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in some, but not all of the major aspects of the position.


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Department of State - Agency Wide

The U.S. Department of State, our country’s lead foreign policy agency, provides employees with a dynamic international career whether at home or abroad and unique professional development opportunities.  Each day, our employees make a difference as they advance the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity, through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance.  We embrace our talented workforce which reflects the personal, professional, and educational strengths of our country. 

Named one of America’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a workplace that values and rewards leadership, collaboration, innovation, and personal and professional development. Visit careers.state.gov to learn more about what it's like to work at the U.S. Department of State, what the agency does, the wide range of careers this agency offers, and the benefits available to employees.

Agency contact information

Kathryn E. Phelan
Phone
771-204 4482
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
TS-REA@state.gov
Address
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Department of State
1999 Dyess Ave
Charleston, South Carolina 29405
United States

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