Public Affairs Specialist

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food and agriculture issues based on public policy, the best available science and effective management. The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world, improves foreign market access for U.S. food and agricultural products, builds new markets, improves the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provides food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries.

Oversees the development and preparation of talking points, speeches, presentations, and other communications for use by senior agency officials oftentimes dealing with complex, policy-sensitive, and controversial issues.

Provides guidance to the CES staff and other FAS staff in best practices for communicating about FAS activities, operations, and program objectives to audiences such as Congress, international bodies, farm and industry organizations, and news media.

Plans, directs, and implements the FAS social media strategy, coordinating with stakeholders across the agency to ensure its effectiveness and leading and encouraging use of relevant social media tools and techniques.

Liaises with external organizations, including industry cooperators and food assistance implementing partners, to develop joint strategies for sharing information and successes via social media channels

Demonstrates steady leadership when responding to dynamic mission needs and short deadlines, and following through in carrying out duties as the mission requires.

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.