External Affairs Specialist

SummaryView common definitions of terms found in this announcement.This job is open to Federal employees - Competitive serviceCurrent or former competitive service federal employees.Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.VeteransIndividuals with disabilitiesMilitary spousesSpecial authoritiesIndividuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VistaFamily of overseas employeesFamily members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.Land and base managementCertain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency. Clarification from the agency•Current or former competitive service federal employees with career or career-conditional tenure•Surplus or Displaced (CTAP or ICTAP)•Land Management•Individuals with Disabilities•Military Spouses•Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA)•Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)•30% or More Disabled Veterans•Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA•Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems•Foreign Service Employees•Certain Former Overseas EmployeesVideosDutiesTypical work assignments include:Helping to develop communication plans and strategies to promote various CISA initiatives.Working collaboratively as part of a creative teams to develop concepts and materials that raise awareness of CISA and its resources.Working with program experts to help interpret, develop or analyze policyprogram issues related to stakeholder engagement or external affairs.Working proactively to develop media and public interest in CISA initiatives.Creating communications to ensure the final products are clear, compelling and written in plain language tailored to external audiences.Conducting research on issues of interest and briefing senior executives on findings of significance related to stakeholder perspectives and concerns, outreach strategies and communication initiatives and proposals.Providing guidance and direction on developing program briefings for leadership, in coordination with external affairs functional and program staff as required.Requirements Conditions of EmploymentYou must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.Selective Service - males born after 123159 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service see must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements.One-year probationary period may be required.You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative test result prior to appointment to this position.If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application.DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid.Other incentives may be authorized.This position has been designated excluded from bargaining unit representation under the national security provision of 5 USC Section 7112(B)(6).All employees are required to participate in Direct DepositElectronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. § 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable). QualificationsSpecialized Experience: Qualified applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-13) in the Federal service, or comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-13 level if outside the Federal service.Specialized experience is defined as:Executing external communication strategies to ensure the effective implementation of organizational program and activities; andWriting and editing communication materials to support agency initiatives; andImplementing communication activities and messaging consistently across an organization.Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (52 weeks at the GS-13 level).NOTE: Current and former employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment ("position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 should show a "1"), tenure group (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your currenthighest grade (examples of appropriate SF50s include appointment, reassignment, with-in graderange increases and promotion actions). Please note: Pay adjustments and awards do not include the length of time in your current position, therefore, they are NOT acceptable. If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including Time-in-Grade, by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification AND time-in-grade claims will be subject to verification.NOTE: 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.EducationThis position does not have an education qualification requirement.Additional informationThis position is at the full performance level.This is a non-supervisory position.Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.Current or Former Political Appointees: 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, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. BenefitsA 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.Review our benefitsEligibility 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 EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and the responses you provide on the application questionnaire. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):Communications and MediaInformation ManagementPartneringPlanning and EvaluatingOverstating your qualifications andor experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.For Competitive Merit Promotion and Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) Applicants: The highest rated candidates will be referred to the hiring agency.For Non-competitive Appointment Eligibles: All qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring teragencyCareer Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well-qualified under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures.)The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.To preview the application questionnaire, click here: BenefitsA 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.Review our benefitsEligibility 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. Required DocumentsAs a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.All documents, including transcripts, must be in English.1. RESUME: Your resume MUST show a detailed description of your job-related qualifications to include start and end dates with the month and year and hours worked per week for all jobs listed. For Federal civilian service, you MUST include your pay planband, series, and grade (e.g., GS-0301-09). Be clear and specific when describing your work history as human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Do NOT include photographs, social media links (e.g., LinkedIn), inappropriate content, or other personal or sensitive information such as date of birth, social security number, gender, religious affiliation. IF INCLUDED YOUR RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Please view Resume & Application Tips.2. COVER LETTER (OPTIONAL): Your cover letter will not be used to determine your qualifications but will be included with your resume if you are referred.3. OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (only submit if applicable):CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows the grade, step, tenure (block 24) "1" (Career) or "2" (Career-Conditional), and position occupied (block 34) "1" (Competitive Service). Provide proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an Interchange Agreement. If applying for a higher grade, provide a SF-50 which shows the length of time you have been in your currenthighest grade or promotion potential held. You may need to provide more than one (1) SF-50,if your SF-50 does not clearly demonstrate that you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement(examples of appropriate SF-50s include AppointmentConversion, Within-GradeRange Increases and Promotion actions). NOTE: Pay adjustments and awards are NOT acceptable. You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal andor incentive awards.QUALIFYING BASED ON EDUCATION: Submit a copy of your transcripts from an accredited institution. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, name of the educational institution, declared degree program, course title(s), credits completed, grade, date of completion, Grade Point Average (GPA), and date of degree conferral. If selected, an official transcript will be required.VETERAN DOCUMENTATION: Submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 or equivalent). ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of active service, rankgrade, expected character of service (i.e., honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e., separation or retirement). NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If selected, a DD-214 must be provided prior to appointment.10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference, you will need to submit a SF-15 and provide an official document from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying your overall compensable service-connected disability rating (NOTE: Your overall percentage must be clearly shown), andor any other associated documentation based on your TERAGENCYCAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ICTAP): Submit a copy of the following: Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement;SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action'', documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade level, and duty location, andor Agency certification of inability to place you through reemployment priority list (RPL), etc.;Latest performance appraisal including your rating; ANDAny documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.NONCOMPETITIVE OR SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITIES: (e.g.,Military Spouses, Individuals with Disabilities, Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA, Land Management, Former Overseas Employees, etc.) Submit documentation of proof that supports your eligibility.CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL SCHEDULE A, SCHEDULE C, NON-CAREER SES OR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title;Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);Agency; ANDBeginning and ending dates of appointment. How to ApplyPlease read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM EST on 01272025 to receive consideration. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible.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 01272025.You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. However, you will not be able to make changes to questions related to assessing the minimum qualifications and competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics) mentioned in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. To make an allowed update to your application, return to your USAJOBS account (There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: Certificate: When CISA completes its hiring, the remaining list of qualified candidates may be shared with other DHS Component agencies. You will have an opportunity to opt-in if you would like to share your name, application material, and assessment results with other DHS Component agencies who are hiring for similar positions. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job announcements.Agency contact informationHR Customer Care CenterPhone 317-212-0454 Email and Infrastructure Security Agency 1110 N Glebe Rd Arlington, VA 22201 USNext stepsOnce you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. We expect to make a job offer within 30-60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are determined qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an in-person or phone panel interview. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitabilitysecurity background investigation.Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.Notice to Applicants - The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is subject to the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019. Unless excluded by law, all CISA hiring officials and agency representatives are statutorily prohibited from asking applicants to disclose their criminal history record information prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment. Applicants may submit a complaint, or any other information, to the CISA Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer Human Capital Policy and Programs Subdivision at email within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged non-compliance by a CISA hiring manager or agency representative.Thank you for your interest in the Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency! Fair and TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.Criminal history inquiriesEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) PolicyFinancial suitabilityNew employee probationary periodPrivacy ActReasonable accommodation policySelective ServiceSignature and false statementsSocial security number requestRequired DocumentsAll documents, including transcripts, must be in English.1. RESUME: Your resume MUST show a detailed description of your job-related qualifications to include start and end dates with the month and year and hours worked per week for all jobs listed. For Federal civilian service, you MUST include your pay planband, series, and grade (e.g., GS-0301-09). Be clear and specific when describing your work history as human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Do NOT include photographs, social media links (e.g., LinkedIn), inappropriate content, or other personal or sensitive information such as date of birth, social security number, gender, religious affiliation. IF INCLUDED YOUR RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Please view Resume & Application Tips.2. COVER LETTER (OPTIONAL): Your cover letter will not be used to determine your qualifications but will be included with your resume if you are referred.3. OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (only submit if applicable):CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows the grade, step, tenure (block 24) "1" (Career) or "2" (Career-Conditional), and position occupied (block 34) "1" (Competitive Service). Provide proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an Interchange Agreement. If applying for a higher grade, provide a SF-50 which shows the length of time you have been in your currenthighest grade or promotion potential held. You may need to provide more than one (1) SF-50,if your SF-50 does not clearly demonstrate that you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement(examples of appropriate SF-50s include AppointmentConversion, Within-GradeRange Increases and Promotion actions). NOTE: Pay adjustments and awards are NOT acceptable. You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal andor incentive awards.QUALIFYING BASED ON EDUCATION: Submit a copy of your transcripts from an accredited institution. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, name of the educational institution, declared degree program, course title(s), credits completed, grade, date of completion, Grade Point Average (GPA), and date of degree conferral. If selected, an official transcript will be required.VETERAN DOCUMENTATION: Submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 or equivalent). ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of active service, rankgrade, expected character of service (i.e., honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e., separation or retirement). NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If selected, a DD-214 must be provided prior to appointment.10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference, you will need to submit a SF-15 and provide an official document from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying your overall compensable service-connected disability rating (NOTE: Your overall percentage must be clearly shown), andor any other associated documentation based on your TERAGENCYCAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ICTAP): Submit a copy of the following: Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement;SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action'', documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade level, and duty location, andor Agency certification of inability to place you through reemployment priority list (RPL), etc.;Latest performance appraisal including your rating; ANDAny documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.NONCOMPETITIVE OR SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITIES: (e.g.,Military Spouses, Individuals with Disabilities, Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA, Land Management, Former Overseas Employees, etc.) Submit documentation of proof that supports your eligibility.CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL SCHEDULE A, SCHEDULE C, NON-CAREER SES OR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title;Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);Agency; ANDBeginning and ending dates of appointment.How to ApplyPlease read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM EST on 01272025 to receive consideration. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible.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 01272025.You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. However, you will not be able to make changes to questions related to assessing the minimum qualifications and competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics) mentioned in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. To make an allowed update to your application, return to your USAJOBS account (There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: Certificate: When CISA completes its hiring, the remaining list of qualified candidates may be shared with other DHS Component agencies. You will have an opportunity to opt-in if you would like to share your name, application material, and assessment results with other DHS Component agencies who are hiring for similar positions. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job announcements.Agency contact informationHR Customer Care CenterPhone 317-212-0454 Email and Infrastructure Security Agency 1110 N Glebe Rd Arlington, VA 22201 USNext stepsOnce you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. We expect to make a job offer within 30-60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are determined qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an in-person or phone panel interview. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitabilitysecurity background investigation.Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.Notice to Applicants - The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is subject to the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019. Unless excluded by law, all CISA hiring officials and agency representatives are statutorily prohibited from asking applicants to disclose their criminal history record information prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment. Applicants may submit a complaint, or any other information, to the CISA Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer Human Capital Policy and Programs Subdivision at email within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged non-compliance by a CISA hiring manager or agency representative.Thank you for your interest in the Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency!Fair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.Criminal history inquiriesEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) PolicyFinancial suitabilityNew employee probationary periodPrivacy ActReasonable accommodation policySelective ServiceSignature and false statementsSocial security number request

Created: 2025-01-31