Summary
USCIRF is seeking a dynamic Chief of Public Affairs to support the Executive Director in implementing strategies to advance policy recommendations and raise awareness of religious freedom conditions abroad. The Chief of Public Affairs supervises and provides management and guidance to the USCIRF team in developing the annual outreach and policy workplan in compliance with USCIRF's strategic objectives.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
U.S. Citizens.
Duties
Primary responsibilities include managing all aspects of USCIRF's relationship with Congress; briefing and advising the Executive Director and Commissioners on all Congressional activity relating to USCIRF; managing communications and media relations; publishing USCIRF materials; overseeing USCIRF's website and social media platforms; coordinating public events; and drafting letters, testimony, and other relevant materials.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Chief of Public Affairs' primary responsibilities include the following:
1. Strategic Planning
- Shaping and implementing the annual public affairs workplan in accordance with USCIRF's strategic goals and objectives to communicate policy priorities and recommendations to key constituencies.
2. Congressional Affairs
- Developing and strengthening relationships with Congressional offices to advance USCIRF's policy recommendations and priorities;
- Scheduling Congressional meetings and drafting relevant materials;
- Submitting required Congressional reports by established deadlines;
- Planning and coordinating efforts to secure USCIRF's reauthorization and appropriations;
- Planning and coordinating impactful USCIRF hearings, congressional briefings, and other special events;
- Monitoring Congressional activities; and
- Drafting and contributing to testimony, legislation, and other materials.
3. Communications and Media Relations
- Raising the profile of USCIRF through traditional news media, public events, social media, and other communications outlets;
- Developing and strengthening relationships with journalists and news outlets;
- Identifying new communication channels and methods for promoting USCIRF's policy recommendations and priorities;
- Supervising the content and development of the USCIRF website; and
- Overseeing the production and design of USCIRF publications.
4. Special Projects and Outreach
- Identifying and cultivating new audiences and constituencies that benefit from and/or support USCIRF's mission as well as developing current relationships;
- Identifying and coordinating impactful non-Congressional public events that advance USCIRF's policy recommendations and priorities;
- Maintaining and promoting USCIRF's Frank R. Wolf Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) Victims List and contributing to the strategic vision.
5. Management
- Managing the work of the Public Affairs team towards meeting the Commission's mandate, goals, and priorities in a manner that is consistent with the Strategic Plan.
6. Other duties as assigned
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
- Completion of a probationary period.
- Selectee must be able to meet/maintain suitability and security requirements.
Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. citizen;
- 12+ years of progressively responsible experience commensurate with the duties outlined above;
- Minimum of a bachelor's degree;
- Supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to organize and manage staff to ensure on time completion of assignments;
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills including drafting and editing press releases, web content, and other communications materials;
- Ability to identify and manage policy, program, and operational priorities;
- Ability to work in a fast-paced setting, defining and meeting deadlines;
- Experience with various contact management systems such as WordPress or Drupal and email distribution programs such as Meltwater, Mail Chimp, etc.;
- Website maintenance experience, or the ability to learn the necessary skills quickly;
- Working knowledge of AP Style, MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, web platforms, HTML, email clients, Google Analytics (and/or other metrics tools), and other web-related skills, including digital graphic design creation and video editing software; and
- Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and collegial demeanor.
Education
Minimum of a bachelor's degree.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This job is Excepted from the Competitive Civil Service. Applicants will be evaluated and deemed either eligible or ineligible based on the relevance and quality of their experience and education and on the desired qualifications described above.
Pursuant to section 204(c) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, as amended, USCIRF staff members are hired "on the basis of professional and nonpartisan qualifications."
Required Documents
- cover letter;
- resume;
- three references; and
- writing sample (no more than five pages).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, three references, and a writing sample (no more than five pages) in this order and within a single PDF file via email to: jobs@uscirf.gov.
Applications not provided in a PDF file will not be considered.
No calls please
Next steps
Applications will be held in strict confidence. After submitting your application for this position, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your application materials. USCIRF will contact you if we wish to schedule an interview or if we require additional information or references. Please email all questions about the position to jobs@uscirf.gov.
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