Public Affairs Officer

Job Title

Public Affairs Officer
Duties

The successful candidate will perform the full range of public affairs officer duties. Such duties include but are not limited to:
Serves as a technically authoritative expert Public Affairs Officer performing highly complex work in the administration of public, media, educational and community information programs that contribute to public understanding of NRC programs and policies, particularly as relating to technical and scientific subjects. Plans and executes projects to convey complex information concerning NRC programs, research on program-related areas, responsibilities, and activities. Responds to information requests from the news media, and specialized/general public audiences regarding the NRC's programs, both in written and verbal form, often requiring detailed explanations of negative comments made on the organization's activities or performance in particular situations. Writes and/or edits public information statements, news releases, special reports, bulletins, etc., with an emphasis on translating technical/scientific information into lay, understandable language. Develops strategic methods to effectively communicate highly complex and sometimes controversial subjects and information, such as those associated with nuclear power reactor plans and functions.
Leads in select public affairs projects and initiatives. Participates with management officials in formulating information campaigns, communication strategies, and policies and procedures governing NRC information functions. Employs a full range of communication methods and techniques in analyzing proposed public information and education content and delivery. Produces the Information Digest, an Agency communication resource consisting of broad, specialized, complex, and informative issues. Leads in collaborating and coordinating information with NRC managers and staff to ensure accuracy of content and endorsement by senior-level management officials. Develops graphics and other visual content to augment the information and make it more useful to the public. Determines optimum use of digital assets over print to reach the widest possible audience. Supports the agency's social media platforms by maintaining YouTube and Flickr and serving as backup for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms as deemed necessary. Leverages the editorial calendar for the development and production of social media and audiovisual products that amplify agency messaging.
Establishes and maintains channels of communication through personal contacts with key personnel of information media (print and broadcast) as well as Federal, State, and local government officials. Assists top management and Commission offices on Commission issues, as assigned by the OPA Director.
Secures concurrences from other divisions and offices on OPA draft news releases, brochures and other publications, scripts, videos, infographics and other collateral products; discusses public information implications of any suggested changes made when necessary; clarifies, points and coordinates revisions with all divisions concerned, suggests concurrent products or social media to augment the communication.
Maintains contact with program and other offices in the agency to keep abreast of policy items scheduled to be brought before the Commission and assesses public interest in and importance of public participation in those decisions. Develops video, graphical, and social media approaches and recommends actions to ensure the public, the media and other stakeholders comprehend the basis for, and implications of the technical decisions made by the Commission and NRC staff, and the Commission's decision and rulemaking process. Participates in crisis/emergency communication response activities either via exercises or real-time events
Serves as OPA spokesperson afterhours, including weekends as required.
Attends local and out of town public hearings to inform news media on NRC policies and procedures.