Telework eligibleFederal

Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Federal Highway Administration · Department of Transportation

Salary
$169,279–$197,200/year
Grade
15
Work location
Telework eligible (US)
Schedule
Full Time
Posted
Aug 13, 2026
Apply by
Aug 24, 2026
Category
Public Affairs

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Summary

The incumbent serves as the Director for the Office of Media Relations for the Federal Highway Administration.

Duties

As a Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist, you will: Evaluate the effectiveness of public affairs activities; identifies and analyzes information program problems and opportunities; advise on and participates in policy formulation and recommend appropriate program modification and plans, develop, and execute specific public affairs activities and information materials designed to meet these problems and opportunities and inform and gain the acceptance of the general and specialized publics concerning complex and controversial highway policies, programs, issues and crises. Direct a national and international comprehensive program of external communications to assure the effective communication of FHWA policies, positions, and program objectives to a wide range of public and constituent interest groups. Develop plans and programs designed to promote understanding and acceptance of FHWA programs at the national, international, State, and local community levels. Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to Public Affairs staff in the conduct of a wide variety of communication and public affairs activities. Oversee administrative and personnel functions for the Office of Media Relations such as time-and-attendance, performance management, work schedules, training and development, and office operations, such as budget, travel, etc. The ideal candidate for this position is recognized as both a nationally and internationally authoritative source in the area of public affairs and is an expert consultant to agency principals, and others external to the agency.

Requirements

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In 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 the 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. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required. SUPERVISORY PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year supervisory probationary period (unless already completed). BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).

How you will be evaluated

DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE: PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/ application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination. Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level. All applicants: Your application will be reviewed in two phases determine how you move forward in the hiring process. Phase I: Your resume will be reviewed to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. ONLY two (2) pages of your resume will be reviewed. Additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) will not be reviewed. Applicants passing “Phase I” will move on to the “Phase II” of the assessment process where your application will be reviewed and rated based on the KSAs/Competencies listed in the vacancy announcement by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). You may preview questions for this vacancy.

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