Job Description
Public Affairs Specialist
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
Office of Field Operations, (Baltimore Field Division, Newark Field Division, Boston Field Division)
Summary
ATF is a law enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Justice that protects our communities from violent criminals/criminal organizations, illegal use/trafficking of firearms, illegal use/storage of explosives, acts of arson/bombings, acts of terrorism, and illegal diversion of alcohol/tobacco products. We partner with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public through information sharing, training, research, & technology. Visit www.atf.gov
Duties
This position is located under the Office of Field Operations located in Baltimore, Maryland, Boston, Massachusetts, and Woodland Park, New Jersey.
Salary Range for Baltimore, Maryland - $117,962 - $153,354
Salary Range for Boston, Massachusetts - $116,820 - $151,870
Salary Range for Woodland Park, New Jersey - $121,485 - $157,934
The primary purpose of this position is responsible for planning, organizing, and developing communications strategies and media plans for mass media in support in support of the field division and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) mission.
As a Public Affairs Specialist, GS-1035-13, your typical work assignments may include:
Responds to inquiries from the news media utilizing tact and judgment; responses to the media are accurate and helpful while avoiding disclosure prohibited by law, regulation, or policy.
Maintain field division's social media presence. Managing the field division's Twitter account and providing content for the ATF national account. Manages and coordinates social media platforms.
Works directly with the SAC to secure information and to discuss the background of significant decisions. Responds to the scene of major ATF operation(s), serves as the ATF spokesperson, and/or advises the SAC prior to interaction with the media regarding significant, sensitive, or controversial ATF activities for both criminal and regulatory enforcement.
Works with the Legislative Affairs Division assigned liaison to determine appropriate talking points, key issues important to members and ATF priorities and required to follow-up with the Office of Legislative Affairs post congressional visit to provide an after-action report to include items that need follow-up.
Establishes effective relationships with members of the media, Congressional staff members, public interest and other community groups, and with representatives of private industry within the division.
Performs a variety of miscellaneous tasks related to the public information function such as responding to congressional inquiries, briefing congressional members and their staff, and conducting extensive community outreach.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progresses.