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Public Affairs Specialist

Drug Enforcement Administration

Job Location:

Arlington, TX - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 143913 - 143913

Posted: 6 October 2026 (4 hours ago)

Application Deadline: 3 January 2027

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Office of Congressional and Public Affairs Media Relations Section.

This position primary purpose is to serve as an agency spokesperson to effectively communicate the mission and activities of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Duties

As a Public Affairs Specialist your typical work assignments may include:

Developing of new methods strategies and communication plans covering the complete spectrum of the Organizations program
Establishing reputation of credibility trust and reliability with media contacts to encourage receptivity to DEA messaging.
Developing policies and making recommendations regarding the dissemination of information to correct misperceptions and enhance public understanding.
Conducting interviews arranging and moderating media interviews with designated DEA principals and provides media coaching and interviews preparation as necessary

Requirements

Conditions of employment

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.
Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit: Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period (OR 1-year OR 2-year trial period as appropriate) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.

Qualifications

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the required qualification requirements described below by the closing of this announcement.

Applicants applying for the GS 14:

Must have at least one full year of qualifying specialized experience that is at least equivalent in difficulty and complexity to work performed at the GS-13 grade level. Specialized 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.

Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

1) Serving as a senior communications advisor to executive leadership on public affairs issues involving matters of national significance high public visibility congressional interest or substantial reputational risk;
2) Serving as an authorized spokesperson and engaging directly with national regional and international media including providing live television radio digital and print interviews; participating in press conferences and media availabilities; and preparing or delivering attributable statements and senior executive quotes;
3) Developing and executing enterprise-wide communications and media relations strategies supporting major agency initiatives critical incidents enforcement operations or other high-profile matters;
4) Coordinating communications activities with senior officials from multiple federal departments and agencies including the Department of Justice the White House Congress and other executive branch partners to ensure unified messaging on issues of national importance;
5) Advising and preparing senior executives for media interviews congressional appearances public engagements and other high-profile events through the development of briefing materials talking points anticipated questions and strategic communications guidance;
6) Leading communications efforts during rapidly evolving critical incidents or breaking news events by developing timely public messaging coordinating media responses and advising leadership under compressed timelines;
7) Writing reviewing and approving press releases public statements speeches workforce communications executive correspondence talking points opinion pieces and other strategic communications products for senior leadership;
8) Developing both short- and long-term communications plans that advance organizational priorities strengthen public confidence and support mission objectives through proactive media engagement and strategic messaging; and
9) Planning coordinating and executing high-profile press conferences media events and public announcements involving multiple federal state local or international stakeholders while balancing operational sensitivities legal considerations and communications objectives.

Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Managements (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook.

Education

Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.

Additional information

For reasonable accommodation at the Drug Enforcement Administration please contact the Human Resources office listed in this announcement.

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.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible applicants to this announcement may be referred to similar positions in any Division/Office listed in this announcement. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.

Recruitment and/or Relocation Incentives may be considered and approved under conditions specified provided the agency has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

your performance and conduct;
the needs and interests of the agency;
whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If eligible telework may be permitted with supervisory approval.

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.

Review our 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.

Required Experience:

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