Public Affairs Specialist

Job Title

Public Affairs Specialist
Job Description

Major duties include, but are not limited to:
Establishes and maintains proactive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets, legislative offices, Veteran Service Organizations, and healthcare affiliates.
Coordinates media promotional efforts for medical center programs and initiatives with various media outlets.
Drafts and disseminates news releases, feature stories, fact sheets, and responses to media inquiries.
Actively pitches and places stories with media outlets and manages social media and web content.
Supports the Chief with communication efforts during controversial or high-level issues, including crisis and emergency situations.
Serves as the alternate Public Information Officer under the Hospital Incident Command System during disasters and emergencies.
Prepares and delivers timely risk/incident communications, coordinating with Incident Command and the Chief to ensure message accuracy and consistency.
Provides leadership and direction for the Office of Strategic Communications program in alignment with the Chief's guidance.
Advises the Chief on media campaigns and communication strategies to increase awareness of VA programs, services, events, technologies, and research.
Builds integrated communication plans across internal and external channels, aligning messaging with organizational priorities and leadership guidance.
Assesses program effectiveness, recommending improvements based on evaluated information from various sources and public affairs trends.
Plans, develops, and produces print, visual, web-based, multimedia, and video materials tailored to diverse audiences, ensuring brand, accessibility, and policy compliance.
Manages the content lifecycle, including drafting, editing, approvals, publication, and archiving.
Plans and executes special events, such as ceremonies, research showcases, and Veteran outreach, including logistics, run-of-show, and stakeholder coordination.
Coordinates high-profile visits with elected officials, VA leadership, and partners, managing security, media, and protocol considerations.
Supports outreach to non-enrolled Veterans, partnering with Service Organizations and community groups to raise awareness and facilitate access to care.
Develops budgets, writes statements of work (SOWs), and directs or coordinates supporting staff and contractors for various events and services.
***Only current employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) are eligible to apply.***
Work Schedule: Full Time, 8:00am-4:30pm, M-F
Telework: This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Public Affairs Specialist / PD028500
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved