Communications Officer - Entry to Expert Level (Maryland)

Communications Officers develop and deliver communications to a wide range of stakeholders (both internal and external). They leverage a full range of journalistic, public relations, and marketing techniques, platforms, and products, such as storytelling, social media, speeches, briefings, articles, and others to inform, increase awareness, and shape the Agency's image.
Communications Officers engage with appropriate outlets to promote programs and initiatives and market informational events. They work on activities across the organization and the agency.
Description of the Position
The responsibilities of a Communications Officer include:
- Gathering desired outcomes and analyzing corporate or customer requirements for communication strategies or products
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- Designing and executing communication campaigns and strategies using corporate communications and industry best practices
- Creating content for social media accounts
- Engaging with appropriate outlets to promote programs and initiatives
- Coaching and advising others to create and deliver effective messages (for senior positions)
- Measuring communication product outcomes and routinely analyzing return on investment

Communications personnel at the National Security Agency (NSA) provide NSA with the means to build capacity through timely and effective tailored communications to inform, educate and inspire. Examples include building state-of-the-art websites and web applications for the Agency intranet, performing closed captioning at a live event, designing logos, publishing reports, and maintaining/safeguarding records.

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Writing, or a related field.
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience.
Relevant experience must be in the IC/DoD or in a communications or public affairs related area (for example, writing, marketing, or public relations). Successful completion of the Defense Information School (DINFOS) Public Affairs & Communications Strategy Qualification (PACS-Q) Course can count for 3 months experience.
FULL PERFORMANCE
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.
Relevant experience must be in the IC/DoD or in a communications or public affairs related area (for example, writing, marketing, or public relations). Successful completion of the Defense Information School (DINFOS) Public Affairs & Communications Strategy Qualification (PACS-Q) Course can count for 3 months experience.
SENIOR
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 10 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.
Relevant experience must include at least 2 years in a communications or public affairs-related area (for example, writing, marketing, or public relations). Additional relevant experience may also include DoD/IC experience. Successful completion of the Defense Information School (DINFOS) Public Affairs & Communications Strategy Qualification (PACS-Q) Course can count for 3 months experience.
EXPERT
Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 13 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 11 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience.
Relevant experience must include at least 5 years in a communications or public affairs-related area (for example, writing, marketing, or public relations). Additional relevant experience may also include DoD/IC experience. Successful completion of the Defense Information School (DINFOS) Public Affairs & Communications Strategy Qualification (PACS-Q) Course can count for 3 months experience.

The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for continual learning and who possesses strong communication (oral and written), problem-solving, analytic, interpersonal skills, and is able to:
- Provide excellent customer service while remaining focused on outcomes
- Effectively work (independently and/or within teams) across functional areas in a collaborative environment
- Manage multiple tasks with competing timelines and deliverables
- Remain adaptable, agile, and resilient to focus on top Agency priorities
Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
- Communications
- Social Media
- Journalism
- Media / Broadcasting
- DoD / Intelligence Community

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $55,924 - $191,900 (Entry - Expert)
Salary range varies by work level and relevant experience to the position.
On the job training, internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.
Benefits: NSA offers excellent benefits to include relocation assistance, flexible work schedules, generous leave programs, paid personal fitness time, training and continuing education classes, health and life insurance, Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a Federal retirement plan.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.
A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**
U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. NSA is also committed to the promotion of diversity within its workforce. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. Please visit our Diversity link for more information https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/NSA/diversity-and-inclusion.

The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.