Become a Leader in Veteran Communications: Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist
Are you a strategic communicator looking to lead initiatives that directly support those who served our country? The Atlanta VA Health Care System is currently accepting applications for a Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist. This role is essential to maintaining the public trust and effectively communicating the vital health services provided to our Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will lead the public affairs department with a focus on:
- Strategic Oversight: Planning and prioritizing public affairs activities aligned with the medical center's mission.
- Media and Public Relations: Serving as a key spokesperson and managing sensitive media inquiries.
- Team Leadership: Supervising staff, managing hiring, and fostering a fair, EEO-compliant work environment.
- Operations Management: Overseeing budgets, procurement, and contracting efforts.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Time-in-Grade: Current federal employees must possess 52 weeks of experience at the GS-12 level.
- Documentation: Submission of an SF-50 is required to verify your service history.
- Compliance: Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Comparison of Expectations
| Feature | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm (evenings/weekends as needed) |
| Travel | Occasional off-site meetings and events |
| Probation | 1-year probationary/2-year trial period required |
| Resume Limit | Strictly capped at two pages |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $112,556 to $146,325 per year. Employees enjoy robust federal benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, retirement planning through FERS, and generous annual/sick leave accrual.
Application Tips
To ensure your application stands out:
- Be Concise: Since there is a strict two-page limit for resumes, prioritize your most recent and relevant experience.
- Use the Builder: Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your documents meet all formatting requirements.
- Verify SF-50s: Ensure your submitted SF-50 clearly shows your one-year time-in-grade eligibility to avoid disqualification.
If you are a seasoned communications professional ready to serve your country, this position offers a unique blend of leadership, media strategy, and community impact. Apply before September 8, 2026, to be considered for this vital role.
Why This Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist Job Matters
Shape the narrative of veteran care at the Atlanta VA Health Care System and lead strategic communications as a Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist.
Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist Job Overview
The Atlanta VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated and experienced Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist to join our leadership team. In this pivotal role, you will oversee comprehensive communication strategies, manage media relations, and lead community outreach initiatives for one of the nation's largest tertiary healthcare facilities. You will be responsible for guiding internal and external messaging, ensuring compliance with organizational standards, and supporting the mission of providing compassionate, world-class healthcare to our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Must complete a one-year probationary or two-year trial period.
- Must be able to pass a background and security investigation.
- Current federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements at the GS-12 level.
- Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist
- Extensive experience in developing and implementing complex public affairs strategies.
- Proven ability to manage media inquiries and serve as an organizational spokesperson.
- Experience in budget management, resource oversight, and contract procurement.
- Strong leadership background with experience supervising professional staff.
- Demonstrated expertise in crisis communication and stakeholder outreach.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- ✓Flexible spending accounts and life insurance options.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Ensure your resume adheres to the mandatory two-page limit.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Attach all required documentation, including SF-50s and transcripts.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page count.
- Focus your resume on results-oriented language and specific achievements.
- Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your one-year time-in-grade eligibility.
- Proofread your application carefully; errors may affect your eligibility.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page constraint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an on-site position based in Atlanta, Georgia.
What is the maximum resume length?
Per federal requirements, resumes must not exceed two pages in length.
Is the influenza vaccination mandatory?
Yes, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all VA health care personnel.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Atlanta VA Health Care System is a Complexity Level 1A facility and a major hub for education and research. As part of the VA Southeast Network (VISN 7), we provide comprehensive care—ranging from primary and emergency medicine to specialized surgery and mental health—to the men and women who have defended our nation. Joining our team means committing to President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have borne the battle.
