The Public Affairs/Media Relations Specialist reports to the Diplomatic Security Public Affairs Director and Deputy Director. This position provides diverse and complex services in support of internal and external communications and provides professional and extensive research, writing, and project management support in the day-to-day operations of the office. This position is assigned to the Diplomatic Security Office of Public Affairs (DS/PA).
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Drafts and edits expert high-level written products to include press guidance, speeches, talking points, social media and web content, brochures, scripts, executive memos, award submissions, and others as needed.
• Advises program offices on media issues, developing and implementing proactive strategies for delivering messaging to targeted internal and external audiences via digital, print and broadcast platforms and produces after-action analysis on the impact of those initiatives.
• Develops and executes crisis communications initiatives as required.
• Acts as the messaging subject matter expert on assigned portfolios and coordinates with other elements of the Department, law enforcement partners and throughout the interagency on implementation of one-voice messaging.
• Responds to journalists’ queries for information or imagery as required, proactively conceives of and engages media on projects to educate and inform audiences and promote the Bureau, and acts as after-hours/weekend press duty officer on a rotating basis.
• Manages messaging special projects and events as needed, advising office leadership and overseeing development and implementation.
• Provides guidance to the multimedia specialist, and in his/her absence, acts as primary multimedia specialist providing photography and video support and internal and external web management.
• Serves as an informational resource to office staff and Bureau program offices, assisting with research on virtually any aspect of the Bureau.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as the mission dictates.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFACTIONS/SKILLS:
• Must be a US citizen, and possess at a minimum, a Secret security clearance, with eligibility to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.
• Must possess a bachelor's degree with at least five years of experience or equivalent combination of formal education.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in governmental public affairs and media relations; foreign policy, international law enforcement and security experience preferred.
• Demonstrates a high level of writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Expert, specific knowledge of contemporary journalism standards, ethics, and techniques.
• Fluent in multimedia and digital communications platforms and web content management systems.
• Proficient in digital photography, including digital camera operation and editing.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, work independently, and perform in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment with rapidly changing priorities.
• Able to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Ability to meet deadlines and to work across Department offices at all levels.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS:
As a condition of employment, must pass a pre-employment drug screening, as well as have acceptable reference and background check results.
The Tatitlek Corporation gives hiring, promotion, training and retention preference to Tatitlek shareholders, shareholder descendants and shareholder spouses who meet the minimum qualifications for the job.
As an equal opportunity employer, The Tatitlek Corporation recognizes that our strength lies in our people. Discrimination and all unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment. We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination everywhere we do business.
