Communications Specialist #5466 Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. req697 Department Senate
Salary $84,248.00 to $147,434.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/13/2025 Close Date 8/27/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The Senate Sergeant at Arms is seeking a Communications Specialist. The complete vacancy announcement and application can be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/J5NY. This vacancy announcement closes at 7pm EST on the closing date. Late applications will not be accepted.

Duties

Writes, edits and prepares clear, concise, grammatically correct, and accessible written materials ’for the Sergeant at Arms. Produces materials such as web content, messages, guides, newsletters, and speeches, ensuring that the information is timely and accurate. Edits policies, reports, presentations, acquisition packets, and other materials, ensuring that information is tailored to a non-technical audience. Ensures that relevant information is reflected on the Senate and SAA intranets. Collaborates with all SAA divisions to gather information, translating technical concepts into customer-friendly language, and ensure consistent messaging and style. Designs and executes communication strategies to align with organizational goals. Monitors and incorporates feedback from stakeholders and audiences to improve communication effectiveness. Suggests and implements new ways to communicate with the Senate and SAA communities. Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/J5NY.

Qualifications

Other Duties/ Responsibilities

  • Stays current on the organization's developments to ensure communications are timely, relevant and impactful.

Required Work Experience

  • 3-4 years of relevant work experience or Master's degree with 2-3 years of relevant work experience.

Required Special Skills/ Knowledge

  • Excellent writing and editing skills.
  • Ability to analyze complex information and communicate it clearly to non-technical audiences.
  • Knowledge of professional communication principles and practices, including audience engagement and messaging.
  • Ability to conduct research and prepare clear, concise communication materials.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in preparing written communications.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders across the organization.
  • Strong time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.

As part of our hiring process, we may conduct a skills assessment to better understand an applicant’s proficiency in key areas relevant to the role. 

Desired Qualifications

  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments to deliver high-quality communications.
  • Proven experience in content creation and editing for publications, websites, and employee portals.
  • Ability to present information so that readers can understand it quickly and easily.
  • Flexibility, ability to prioritize, and ability to meet short deadlines.
  • Two+ years’ experience in the Senate.
  • Knowledge of SAA programs.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.

Working Conditions

  • This position directly supports essential services of the U.S. Senate. As such, this position requires the employee be available and prepared to work during government shutdowns, in inclement weather, on holidays, weekends, and during late nights to ensure essential services to the Senate continue without interruption. In the context of government furloughs, this position is considered excepted.
  • Work is primarily sedentary and performed at a computer.
  • Occasional late nights and weekends.
  • No exceptional physical demands.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, or Political Science.

Additional information

The Sergeant at Arms is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the requirements of Senate rules, regulations, and applicable Federal Laws. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please email SAARecruitment@saa.senate.gov with “Applicant Accommodation” in the subject line. No moving, relocation or pre-employment travel expenses will be paid for this position, or while in application for this position.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated by a panel on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. Highly qualified candidates may be interviewed and a reference check conducted.

Required Documents

Subject to background/security investigation.

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

All applicants must apply for jobs online using this link: https://sen.gov/J5NY. Paper application materials, resumes and attachments that are sent via email, mail or brought in-person will not be considered or accepted. All applicants MUST attach their documents to the online employment application.

Agency contact information

Address
U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms
SH-142 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC, Washington, DC 20001

Next steps

Qualified candidates will be contacted directly.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.