Public Affairs Specialist II

Overview

The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) directs the worldwide overseas building program for the Department of State. Working with other offices and bureaus, foreign affairs agencies, and Congress, OBO’s challenge is to set worldwide priorities for the design, construction, acquisition, maintenance, use, and sale of real properties and the use of sales proceeds.

OBO requires additional services to manage public and media information regarding OBO. These individuals will work in the Office of External Affairs (OBO/EA).

EA serves as OBO’s congressional and press liaison for legislative, press, and industry affairs. EA coordinates with other OBO offices on matters relating to Congress, state legislative bodies, industry, and other U.S. government agencies, media, press, and the public.

The effort that will be supported by this task order includes managing the industry relations portfolio to ensure that any related questions, media requests, and internal meetings are effectively coordinated and scheduled.

Responsibilities

• Leverages extensive knowledge of public affairs principles, methods, and best practices to provide expert guidance and recommendations to EA Director and Deputy Director.
• Develops and implements strategic communications and digital media plans to disseminate the Bureau’s mission, projects, and initiatives.
• Drafts and copywrites press releases, responses to media queries, talking points, speeches, project monographs, newsletters, and social media.
• Develops and implements strategic communications and digital media plans that inform and educate audiences about OBO activities and priorities.
• Liaises with OBO project teams and the post Public Affairs Section to execute localized strategic public affairs activities.
• Adheres to DOS style guide and OBO branding and messaging.
• Proactively protects and enhances the organization’s public image and reputation.
• Proactively pitches positive stories to national and international media outlets.
• Works closely with GPA on DOS messaging.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, as well as expertise in strategic planning, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and digital/social media.
• Trusted advisor to senior leadership.
• Public sector communications.
• Public Affairs Specialist II – A bachelor’s degree and seven (7) years of experience or a master’s degree and five (5) years of communications experience.

Apply for this job online