Director Communications Division

• Lead the creation and execution of internal and external communication plansincluding digital and executive communicationsto inform stakeholders of FSIS priorities and initiatives.
• Advise on food safety education campaigns communications to media Congress and key stakeholders ensuring alignment with agency goals.
• Represent the agency on matters directly supporting the Administrator and Under Secretary for Food Safety including complex public health and policy issues.
• Plan coordinate and supervise FSIS legislative activities including preparation and analysis of legislative documents and communication with Congress committees and other government agencies.
• Ensure production and clearance of media talking points social media content news releases web content recall releases fact sheets newsletters testimony reports to Congress and other materials.
• Plan and assign work set priorities evaluate performance provide guidance recommend personnel actions resolve complaints and identify training needs for Communications Division staff.
• Maintain close and continuous lines of communication between FSIS Department other government agencies Congress industry consumer groups and the public to coordinate responses and present information.
• Formulate strategies on public health scientific and regulatory issues to effectively communicate agency policies and programs to diverse audiences.
• Create materials for FSIS leadership including reports briefing papers special studies and informational documents related to Congressional and media operations.
• Evaluate staff operations promote safety cost reduction incentive awards and review work methods and organizational features to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary or trial period unless previously served. Refer to the Next Steps section for more information.
• Subject to one year supervisory/managerial probationary period unless prior service is creditable. New USDA supervisors must successfully complete all components of the required training program before the end of their probationary period.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• If you are newly hired the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS E-VERIFY system.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action including removal from Federal service.
• If you are selected you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions specialized experience and/or education as defined below.

Time in Grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

Specialized Experience:
52 weeks work experience at the senior level that demonstrates all of the following: program management; creating internal and external communication plans; coordinating legislative activities such as Congressional communications or clearance processes; maintaining contact and collaborative working relationships with external and internal stakeholders; designing implementing and integrating activities of subordinate offices; providing briefings spokesperson duties or press engagement; and developing web and social communications along with internal messaging.

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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.