Well-qualified surplus/displaced Federal employees (CTAP/ICTAP) in the local area and current/former Federal employees in permanent competitive service positions (status candidates). VEOA eligibles and those eligible for non-competitive appointment under special hiring authority, e.g., Individuals with Disabilities, Military Spouses, former Overseas employees, VISTA/Peace Corps, some Land Management employees, and certain veterans, e.g., VRA, 30% Disabled. See link in "How to Apply"
The Communications Director serves as the senior communications adviser and principal spokesperson USAO-SDTX, subject to the authority of the U.S. Attorney and applicable DOJ policies. The Director leads the Office's integrated communications strategy, public affairs operations, media relations, digital engagement, and public outreach.
The Director serves on the Office's Executive Staff, advising the U.S. Attorney and senior leadership on communications strategy, media engagement, public messaging, emerging issues, reputational risks, and opportunities to advance the Office's mission.
Executive Leadership and Communications Management
Serve as a senior strategic adviser to the U.S. Attorney and Executive Staff on communications strategy, public affairs, media relations, and public messaging.
Lead, supervise, develop, and evaluate assigned communications and public affairs personnel; establish strategic objectives, performance standards, priorities, and operating procedures.
Manage personnel, resources, and operational priorities; recruit and develop talent; identify capability gaps; and recommend improvements in staffing, technology, and organizational effectiveness.
Media Relations and Strategic Public Affairs
Serve as the principal spokesperson for the Office and lead responses to local, regional, national, and international media inquiries.
Develop and execute communications strategies for significant prosecutions, investigations, enforcement operations, civil litigation, policy developments, and other matters of public interest.
Identify newsworthy developments, anticipate emerging issues, and translate complex legal proceedings and federal enforcement actions into clear, accurate, and compelling public communications.
Build and maintain productive relationships with journalists, editors, producers, broadcasters, and other media representatives.
Coordinate press conferences, interviews, media briefings, public statements, announcements, and other public-information activities.
Develop and execute communications plans for breaking news, high-profile matters, and rapidly evolving events requiring immediate coordination and sound judgment.
Monitor news coverage and emerging public narratives; identify inaccuracies, assess public understanding, and recommend appropriate responses.
Interagency Coordination
Serve as the principal communications liaison between USAO-SDTX and public affairs officials across federal, state, and local law-enforcement and governmental agencies.
Coordinate regularly with communications personnel from partner law enforcement agencies.
Develop coordinated communications strategies for joint investigations, prosecutions, enforcement operations, and other multi-agency matters, consistent with applicable authorities and disclosure restrictions.
Advise DOJ officials and partner agencies on communications considerations involving significant cases, enforcement initiatives, and emerging public-safety issues.
Community Engagement and Public Outreach
Build and maintain productive relationships with community organizations, civic leaders, professional associations, victims' organizations, and other stakeholders throughout the District.
Develop and oversee public-engagement initiatives that promote understanding of the Office's mission, federal law enforcement, public safety, and the rule of law.
Represent the Office at public events, briefings, conferences, community meetings, and professional engagements.
Evaluate outreach initiatives and recommend strategies to improve their effectiveness and reach.
Digital Communications and Content Strategy
Establish and lead the strategic vision for the Office's website, authorized social media accounts, digital publications, and other approved communications platforms.
Serve as managing editor of the Office's digital content and oversee the development of press releases, executive remarks, public statements, photography, video, graphics, and other communications materials.
Develop and execute an editorial strategy that effectively communicates the Office's mission, significant cases, enforcement results, and public-safety initiatives.
Establish editorial calendars, publication standards, review procedures, and content workflows to ensure timely, coordinated, and high-quality communications across the District's seven divisions.
Ensure digital communications are engaging, accessible, professionally produced, and consistent with the credibility and professionalism of a federal law-enforcement institution.
Use analytics, media monitoring, and performance measures to evaluate audience reach, engagement, and communications effectiveness.
Recommend and implement appropriate communications technologies and methods, consistent with Department of Justice policies, security requirements, accessibility standards, and available resources.
You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
You may be required to complete a probationary or trial period. See "Additional Information" for specific details.
Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
Time-in-Grade: Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement
A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment.
Qualifications
To qualify for the position of Communications Director, at GS-1035-14, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below.
GS-14: To qualify as a GS-14, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal Service.
Specialized Experience: Leading strategic communications, public affairs, media relations, and stakeholder engagement programs for a large, complex organization; serving as a senior advisor to executive leadership on communications strategy, crisis communications, public messaging, and reputation management; acting as an organizational spokesperson and managing relationships with television, radio, print, digital, and national media outlets; planning and conducting press conferences, broadcast interviews, media briefings, and other high-profile public affairs activities; developing communications strategies for sensitive, controversial, or high-visibility issues; supervising communications professionals and managing communications operations; coordinating messaging with governmental and law enforcement partners; and directing digital communications, social media, multimedia content, and public information initiatives to support organizational objectives and increase public understanding of agency programs and accomplishments.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)- The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)-The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) -VEOA allows eligible veterans to apply and compete for positions announced under merit promotion procedures when the hiring agency is recruiting from outside its own workforce. To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed three (3) or more years of continuous active military service. If you are applying for a Merit Promotion announcement and wish to be considered under VEOA, you must submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214, in addition to any other required documents listed on this announcement.
Special Employment Consideration - Persons with disabilities, veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more, certain other veterans, spouses of certain members of the armed forces, and returning Peace Corps volunteers are examples of individuals who are potentially eligible for non-competitive appointments. For further information, click on the links provided below. You must specify in your online questionnaire under what authority you wish to be considered and submit appropriate documentation to verify your eligibility.
You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the 11/27/2026 of this announcement.
Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.
After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 11/27/2026 to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Payment of relocation expenses may be authorized in accordance with applicable regulations.
A recruitment or relocation incentive may be considered as appropriate based on qualifications.
The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Federal Agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. 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 this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal 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.
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.
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. You must meet all qualifications, including meeting or exceeding the cut score on the required assessments.
Your USAHIRE assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.
Additionally, we will review your supporting documents and resume to determine if you are in the "Area of Consideration" for this vacancy. Government-Wide Merit Promotion vacancies may only accept applications from a limited audience, pay careful attention to the "Who May Apply" and the "Hiring Paths" information. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
BASIS OF FINAL RATING:
DOJ's Merit Promotion Procedures will be used to evaluate candidates.
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 provide a complete Application Package. It is your responsibility to carefully review the list of required documents below and submit the necessary documentation based on your eligibility.
Required: Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process).
Required: Resume- You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history:
Official position title,
Employer name and contact information,
Start and end dates (including month and year),
Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, and
A list of duties performed and accomplishments.
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.
Veterans Preference Documentation: If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit:(1) a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," (Member 4 copy), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service, OR(2) a certification letter from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. This letter must contain (a) military service dates including the expected discharge or release date and (b) character of service. In addition to the documents specified above, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF-15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15.
CTAP/ICTAP eligibility documentation - If you are a displaced Federal employee claiming eligibility under CTAP or ICTAP, you must submit:
A copy of the agency notice (i.e., letter of intent to separate, separation notice, or agency RIF letter),
Your most recent performance appraisal, and
Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
Spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty: documentation showing 1) your spouse's active-duty status and 2) your marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage certificate or other legal documentation verifying marriage).
Spouse of service members who incurred a 100% disability because of the service member's active-duty service: documentation showing 1) the member of the armed forces retired, or was released or discharged from active duty, with a disability rating of 100 percent;
Spouse of service members killed while on active duty: documentation showing a) the member was released or discharged from active duty due to his or her death while on active duty; b) the member of the armed forces was killed while serving on active duty; c) proof of the widow or widower's marriage to the member of the armed forces and d) a statement certifying that the individual seeking to use the authority is the un-remarried widow or widower of the service member.
Schedule A: You must submit "proof of a disability" documentation ("Proof of a disability" is a letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability).You must get this letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits.
Current or former Federal employee: You must submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent agency form. Your SF-50 should list the full position title, series, grade and step, organization, duty location, service computation date, effective date, and your service type and tenure status.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/27/2026 to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on 11/27/2026.
After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.
Need Help?
If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help or Application Manager Online Help websites which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc.
Southern District of Texas
1000 Louisiana Street
Suite 2300
Houston, TX 77002
US
Next steps
Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
We strive to extend a final offer of employment within 90 days from the close of this announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement within 90 days.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. It is your responsibility to carefully review the list of required documents below and submit the necessary documentation based on your eligibility.
Required: Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process).
Required: Resume- You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history:
Official position title,
Employer name and contact information,
Start and end dates (including month and year),
Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, and
A list of duties performed and accomplishments.
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.
Veterans Preference Documentation: If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit:(1) a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," (Member 4 copy), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service, OR(2) a certification letter from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. This letter must contain (a) military service dates including the expected discharge or release date and (b) character of service. In addition to the documents specified above, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF-15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15.
CTAP/ICTAP eligibility documentation - If you are a displaced Federal employee claiming eligibility under CTAP or ICTAP, you must submit:
A copy of the agency notice (i.e., letter of intent to separate, separation notice, or agency RIF letter),
Your most recent performance appraisal, and
Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location.
Spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty: documentation showing 1) your spouse's active-duty status and 2) your marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage certificate or other legal documentation verifying marriage).
Spouse of service members who incurred a 100% disability because of the service member's active-duty service: documentation showing 1) the member of the armed forces retired, or was released or discharged from active duty, with a disability rating of 100 percent;
Spouse of service members killed while on active duty: documentation showing a) the member was released or discharged from active duty due to his or her death while on active duty; b) the member of the armed forces was killed while serving on active duty; c) proof of the widow or widower's marriage to the member of the armed forces and d) a statement certifying that the individual seeking to use the authority is the un-remarried widow or widower of the service member.
Schedule A: You must submit "proof of a disability" documentation ("Proof of a disability" is a letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability).You must get this letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits.
Current or former Federal employee: You must submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent agency form. Your SF-50 should list the full position title, series, grade and step, organization, duty location, service computation date, effective date, and your service type and tenure status.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/27/2026 to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on 11/27/2026.
After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.
Need Help?
If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help or Application Manager Online Help websites which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc.
Southern District of Texas
1000 Louisiana Street
Suite 2300
Houston, TX 77002
US
Next steps
Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
We strive to extend a final offer of employment within 90 days from the close of this announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement within 90 days.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
