Public Affairs Specialist

U.S. Capitol Police

Washington, DC

JobSummary

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) safeguards the Congress, Members of Congress, employees, visitors, and Congressional buildings and grounds from crime, disruption, and terrorism. We protect and secure Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure and open environment.

LowGrade

HighGrade

PromotionPotential

OrganizationCodes

LL/LL03

Relocation

False

HiringPath

public

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

AgencyMarketingStatement

We protect the legislative process, the symbol of our democracy, the U.S. Capitol, the people who carry out the legislative process, and the millions of visitors who travel here to see democracy in action. Every American who visits the Capitol-as well as visitors from around the world-become part of our protected community. They see the USCP first-hand as the best of America's spirit and diversity. The USCP acts on the world stage every day as a model in security, urban crime prevention, dignitary protection, specialty response capability, and homeland security. We are often the first face that visitors and employees encounter, and we leave a lasting impression that reflects the Legislative Branch and its role in America's democracy.

TravelCode

MajorDuties

This position is located in the Public Information Office (PIO), Office of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief of Police, United States Capitol Police (USCP). The PIO coordinates all media coverage of the Department; disseminates information to the media and the public through the uscp.gov site, press releases, correspondence, and other materials; and coordinates communications between USCP and the media in response to events that attract media attention. The PIO also serves as the Editor for the Department's employee magazine and is responsible for other internal communications initiatives throughout the Department. Serves as a Public Affairs Specialist and maintains strict confidentiality of all privileged and otherwise restricted data, information, communications, and correspondence. Coordinates with appropriate staff members to ensure that communications and relations with the media and other stakeholders are synchronized and consistent in meeting the needs of the organization. Responds orally and/or in writing to information requests from the news media, Congressional offices, and specialized and/or general members of the public and ensures that USCP Departmental programs, priorities, and commitments are accurately articulated and/or relayed. Collaborates with the Communications Director to plan, develop, update, and execute a strategic communications campaign. Provides high-level support to the Communications Director to ensure the planning and execution of a comprehensive, effective communications program necessary to execute the timely, accurate, and legally authorized dissemination of Department and law enforcement sensitive information to the public, national and international media, USCP representatives, Congressional staff, industry groups, community groups, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agency staff. Directs special events, ceremonies, tours, and other activities intended to develop interest, garner support, and enhance USCP programs and services. Manages content and audience engagement of the agency's social media platforms.

Education

There is no education substitution for experience in this series and/or grade.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen. Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Must complete a one-year probationary period. This position has a hybrid work schedule. The incumbent will spend most days working onsite and teleworking on other days during the work week.

Evaluations

Evaluation Factors: Please address all Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) within the narrative responses so that your experience can be evaluated properly. We will review your resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for this job. If you meet the minimum requirements for this job, we will evaluate your application materials to assess the quality, depth, and complexity of your qualifications, accomplishments, experience, and education as they relate to the requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. Failure to successfully pass a full field background investigation and all segments of the pre-employment evaluation process will result in disqualification from further consideration under this vacancy announcement.

HowToApply

Navigate to the following URL to apply to this job: USCP Careers 1. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click the Submit Application button to submit your application package. 3. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date. 4. To verify that your application is complete, log into your account and select the job posting for this position. The page will display the status of your application, the documentation received, and any correspondence the Department has sent related to this application. 5. Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application not being considered. The complete application package must be submitted by 7:59 PM (ET) on the closing date to receive consideration.

WhatToExpectNext

After a review of your application materials is made, you will be notified of your eligibility status. If you are referred to the hiring official, you will receive further notification. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Please note that if you are not selected for this position, the USCP may not be able to provide specific feedback or disclose the reasons for your disqualification, due to confidentiality and legal considerations related to the hiring process.

RequiredDocuments

The following documents are required and must be received by the closing date of this announcement: 1. Your resume: Effective September 27, 2025, resume page limit is two (2) pages and should include a description of related job duties as well as dates of employment (mm/yy). Margins cannot be smaller than .5 all around and the font no smaller than 11-point. 2. Other supporting documents: - Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable. - College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education, or other documentation to prove possession of the basic requirements for this position.

Benefits

OtherInformation

Additional Conditions of Employment with the USCP: As per the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) and the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019, criminal history information will only be collected following a qualifications review and after a tentative offer of employment has been made. A criminal history does not automatically exclude an applicant from employment with the USCP. Criminal History Check -- Must successfully pass a comprehensive criminal history check of the past 10 years if offered employment. A criminal history check will be performed on applicants who accept an offer of employment. Credit Check -- Must successfully pass a credit check. Applicants must not be in default or delinquent on any Federal guaranteed student loans. Applicants must demonstrate a competent financial history. Financial delinquency including collection accounts, liens, repossessions, or garnishments may be a basis for disqualification. Selective Service Registration -- Male applicants must provide verification of registration with the Selective Service System or must verify exemption from the Selective Service System registration because of age or military status. Female applicants are exempt from Selective Service System registration. https://www.sss.gov/verify/ Fingerprint Check -- Applicants' fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a check of their criminal history record. Background Investigation -- Must successfully complete all components of the USCP full field background investigation. There are few automatic grounds for rejection in the USCP background investigation process. Issues of misconduct, such as illegal drug use, arrests, or convictions, may not be automatically disqualifying. However, deliberate misstatements, omissions, or intentionally withholding required information at any phase of the hiring process will result in a candidate's disqualification regardless of the nature or reason for the misstatement or omission. The primary reason candidates fail a background investigation is due to deliberately withholding or omitting material facts. Providing false and/or misleading information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection process.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

ServiceType

AnnouncementClosingType

AgencyContactEmail

Crystal.Johnson.ctr@uscp.gov

SecurityClearance

Not Required

DrugTestRequired

False