Job Posting: Public Affairs Specialist

Summary

This position entails writing health and science materials about a variety of topics for nationwide distribution to a general audience. It is located in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Director (OD), Office of Communications and Public Liaison (OCPL).

Duties

Develop and implement strategic communication and media relations plans to support agency priorities, anticipate emerging issues, and promote accurate, timely dissemination of public health and scientific information. Serve as a liaison with news media, professional organizations, stakeholders, and other external audiences by cultivating relationships, responding to inquiries, coordinating interviews, and facilitating communication between subject matter experts and the public. Translate complex scientific, medical, and technical information into clear, accurate, plain-language content tailored for diverse audiences using a variety of communication channels and formats, including news releases, feature stories, web content, speeches, talking points, fact sheets, and digital communications. Advise leadership and program officials on communication strategies, messaging, media engagement, and outreach approaches to increase public understanding of agency programs, research, policies, and initiatives. Plan, develop, and evaluate communication products and outreach activities using audience research, media monitoring, performance metrics, and stakeholder feedback to improve effectiveness and inform future communication strategies. Collaborate with internal and external partners, subject matter experts, and multidisciplinary teams to develop integrated communication campaigns and ensure messaging is accurate, consistent, accessible, and aligned with agency priorities and federal communication requirements.

Who Can Apply