Public Affairs Specialist

Overview

The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA), Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (WHA/PDA) shapes the development of strategies for advancing U.S. policies, interests, values and culture abroad through effective public diplomacy (PD) programs and initiatives; coordinates with Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and other bureaus and USG agencies for briefings for Western Hemisphere audiences in support of U.S. policies; supports the coordination of programs with implementing partners and WHA posts and Front Office.

Responsibilities

• Advocates for PDA program resources and represents WHA regional interests including overseas Posts at ECA program meetings and grant panels.
• Solicits and integrates proposal input from PDA sub-regional and functional experts for proposal reviews.
• Presents bureau policy goals and advocates for posts’ interests and ECA exchange resources.
• Liaises on daily work and reviews policy links with WHA/PDA Senior Coordinator for Strategic Cultural and Educational Engagement.
• Proactively plans and coordinates policy briefings and programming activities of International Visitors and other exchange visitors from the Western Hemisphere in coordination with PD Desk Officers and Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs Program Officers.
• Leads and coordinates unit reporting on exchanges supporting regional policy priorities for office leadership, bureau front office, and external PD reporting requirements.
• Provides back up support for the Senior Coordinator for Strategic Cultural and Education Programs, Entrepreneurship Officer, and Regional Education Program Coordinator, to support the Strategic Programs Unit coverage needs, including liaising with posts and functional bureaus; representing WHA/PDA in meetings as needed.
• Serves as the Bureau's liaison with Office of Language Services for the translation of reports and speeches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree is required
• Expertise in regional proposal review.
• Expertise in establishing travel arrangements using the E2 system; including working knowledge of the Department of State’s travel policies.
• Expertise in TATEL (time and attendance system).
• Capable of conducting research and able to use the Public Diplomacy Tool (PD Tool) application and other PD systems.
• Excellent drafting and communication skills and ability to collaborate with people. Experience or undergo training to be able to prepare research using the PD Tools application.
• Ability to quickly and succinctly draft reports and remarks on a variety of issues that impact the Western Hemisphere.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Sharepoint and online collaboration and virtual meeting platforms.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to proactively follow-up on multiple tasks. Good judgement and problem solving skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills. Ability to evaluate proposals and make recommendations based on policy priorities and proposal strength.
• Basic awareness of the Western Hemisphere region, including background on educational, cultural, political and social inclusion issues, as well as PD program offerings.
• Basic Spanish or Portuguese language abilities are encouraged, but not required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• public diplomacy: 3 years (Preferred)
• public affairs: 3 years (Preferred)

Security clearance:

• Secret (Preferred)

Work Location: In person