Strategic Communications Specialist

Summary
This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations, Strategy, Policy, and Communications Branch located in San Diego, CA and El Paso, TX. Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

Location
San Diego, California and El Paso, Texas (additional selections may be available).

Compensation
Starting salary of $106,437.00 (GS‑13, Step 1) to $138,370.00 (GS‑13, Step 10). Salary will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection.

Duties

Develop strategic messaging to communicate operational successes, workforce initiatives, policy changes, and mission priorities.

Coordinate communication support for major operational activities, special events, and national‑level initiatives.

Collaborate with public affairs, legislative affairs, operational components, and executive leadership to ensure message alignment and mission integration.

Oversee the production of multimedia content—including videos, photography, graphics, and digital campaigns—to support recruitment, public awareness, and stakeholder engagement.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship required.

Men born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.

Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.

All pre‑employment processes conducted in English.

May be required to pass a background investigation.

Must follow CBP Drug‑Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.

Employees must adhere to all government ethics standards and relevant conflict of interest statutes.

Must obtain approval for outside employment or business activity when applicable.

Must comply with E‑Verify to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.

Qualifications

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

Developing communication plans supporting organizational priorities and operational objectives.

Preparing executive speeches, congressional responses, briefing materials, talking points, and messaging guidance.

Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders—including federal, state, local, and private‑sector partners—to obtain, verify, and clarify information through formal presentations, informal meetings, email correspondence, memoranda, and conversations.

Managing media engagement, public information dissemination, and crisis communication efforts.

Directing digital communications, including websites, social media, and multimedia content.

Experience may include paid, unpaid, volunteer, or national service programs such as Peace Corps or AmeriCorps.

Must meet all qualification requirements, including any applicable education and the Time‑in‑Grade requirement of 52 weeks at the next lower grade for current federal employees.

Background investigation required.

Application includes questions on any felony convictions, drug use, and controlled substance incidents.

Education
Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

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