Public Affairs Specialist

Work Where it Matters

Tuvli, an Akima company, is not just another federal IT contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At Tuvli, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, Tuvli provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, Tuvli ensures that solutions are strictly aligned with agency processes and desired program outcomes while delivering the best value for technology investments.

As a Tuvli employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

Job Summary:

This position is for a contractor to serve the Global Engagement Center (GEC) as a Public Affairs Officer. The incumbent reports to the Senior Advisor in the GEC. In accordance with the GEC mission to “direct, lead, synchronize, integrate, and coordinate” the U.S. response to foreign state and foreign non-state propaganda and disinformation efforts, the incumbent works to strengthen the organization’s external and internal communication efforts as it relates to its public image and awareness. This position requires an individual who can combine an understanding of the State Department Public Affairs operations with a comprehensive understanding to meet the news and information needs of internal and external audiences. The primary responsibilities are to assess the public affairs situation, with a specific focus on print, broadcast, and digital media; advise senior leaders on public affairs issues and assist them in making well-informed decisions; and translate the decisions into effective public affairs operations. The incumbent also facilitates media relations with domestic and international news media.

Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with the GEC Front Office to develop public affairs strategies for current and future public engagement and media initiatives.
• Facilitate relationships with offices and bureaus throughout the State Department to ensure that the GEC’s public affairs operations advance the Department’s broader strategies and efforts. Specifically, the incumbent will develop and maintain relationships with his or her counterparts with appropriate offices and bureaus.
• Cultivates relationships with media outlets.
• Serves as primary point of contact for all internal and external media inquiries. The incumbent will be responsible for handling all aspects of these media inquiries, including but not limited to, developing, and coordinating responses (with assistance from subject matter experts within the GEC), and clearing those responses with the relevant State Department bureaus (and interagency partners when appropriate).
• Developing press guidance in anticipation of or in reaction to media related activities and clearing that guidance with the relevant State Department bureaus (and interagency partners when appropriate).
• Seeks approval from GPA and other relevant offices within the Department for any GEC employee, to include GEC Leadership, to present at a public event.
• Accompanies GEC Leadership in all media engagements and public events that are open to the media.
• Develops high-quality media statements, press releases, media advisories, pitches, website copy and other related content.
• Drafts engaging and thoughtful talking points and speeches for GEC Leadership.
• Monitors and disseminates all relevant print, online, television, radio, and social media coverage as it relates to the GEC.
• Organizes press conferences and media events as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have a bachelor’s degree or higher (preferably in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field).
• 5-7 years of experience in public relations, marketing, or related field.
• Well-versed in all public affairs/relations principles and techniques.
• Experience managing all major social media platforms i.e., Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working external relationships with media and partner agencies as well as internal relationships at all levels of the agency.
• Must have excellent writing and speaking skills, specifically in writing briefings, press releases, and consultation responses, as well as give presentations internally and externally.
• Must have the ability to keep abreast of ever-changing political developments and advise senior staff of the implications for the organization.
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills in a cross-cultural environment.
• Must possess proven time management and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.
• Must be able to prepare recommendations and briefing materials for senior leaders.
• Must be able to work collaboratively and exercise strong interpersonal skills.
• Must have an active TS and be able to obtain and maintain an SCI security clearance.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender or gender-identity, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability, and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at job-assist@akima.com or [Register to View] (information about job applications status is not available at this contact information).

Job: Program & Project Management

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

Organization: Tuvli, LLC

Clearance: TS

Shift: Day Job

Work Type: On-Site

Req ID: TUV02958