Become the Voice of Food Safety: Director of the Communications Division
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is currently seeking a strategic and highly experienced leader to fill the role of Director of the Communications Division. This position is a cornerstone of the agency’s mission, responsible for shaping how the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) communicates critical food safety information to the public, industry, and legislative partners. If you have a passion for public health and a proven record of leading large-scale communication initiatives, this is an opportunity to lead at the federal level.
Job Responsibilities
As the Director, you will perform a wide range of high-level duties, including:
- Strategic Planning: Leading the creation and execution of internal and external communication plans.
- Legislative Coordination: Managing Congressional communications and overseeing legislative document preparation.
- Media & Public Engagement: Providing briefings to agency leadership and representing the agency on complex public health issues.
- Operations Management: Overseeing the day-to-day work of the Communications Division, including personnel development and performance management.
- Stakeholder Outreach: Maintaining collaborative working relationships with industry groups, consumer organizations, and other federal agencies.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-15 level position, applicants must demonstrate significant leadership experience. Key requirements include:
- Time-in-Grade: 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level.
- Specialized Experience: 52 weeks of senior-level work involving program management, media/legislative strategy, and organizational leadership.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a suitability/fitness adjudication and complete a one-year probationary period.
Comparison of Qualification Needs
| Requirement | Level of Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Program Management | Senior / Expert |
| Communication Planning | High-Level Strategic |
| Legislative Coordination | Complex / Interagency |
| Staff Supervision | Personnel/Operational |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $169,279 to $197,200 per year, commensurate with qualifications and locality pay for Washington, DC.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:
- Health and Life Insurance programs.
- Defined benefit retirement plans.
- Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
- Paid annual, sick, and federal holiday leave.
- Flexible work schedules and telework options.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Your resume must be strictly under two pages. Focus on high-impact accomplishments.
- Align with Duties: Use the keywords found in the major duties section of the announcement when drafting your experience descriptions.
- Prepare for Assessments: Be ready to set aside time for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if notified.
Serving as the Director of the Communications Division for the FSIS is a rare opportunity to influence public health policy through effective communication. If you meet the criteria and are ready to contribute to a critical federal mission, we encourage you to review the full requirements and submit your application via the USAJOBS portal by September 10, 2026.
Why This Director - Communications Division Job Matters
Shape the future of public health messaging at the USDA—lead high-impact communications for the Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Director - Communications Division Job Overview
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to serve as the Director of the Communications Division within the Office of Public Affairs and Training. In this vital leadership role, you will define and implement comprehensive communication strategies to ensure consistent, accurate food safety messaging reaches Congress, the media, industry stakeholders, and the public. This role is essential for maintaining transparency and public trust in the safety of our nation's meat, poultry, and egg products.
Requirements for Director - Communications Division
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level) for current federal employees.
- 52 weeks of senior-level specialized experience in program management, communication planning, and stakeholder relations.
- Expertise in coordinating legislative activities, including Congressional communications and clearance processes.
- Experience providing briefings, acting as a spokesperson, and managing press engagement.
- Ability to design and integrate the operations of subordinate offices.
- Proficiency in developing internal messaging and digital/social media strategies.
- Submission of a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Director - Communications Division
- Proven track record in managing complex public health or regulatory communications.
- Experience in leading high-performing teams within a federal or large-scale organizational setting.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive media and Congressional inquiries.
- Strong strategic planning skills with a focus on measurable communication outcomes.
- Advanced interpersonal and problem-solving skills in high-stakes environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance plans.
- ✓Retirement programs (FERS).
- ✓Life insurance options.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements (telework eligibility).
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities.
💡 How to Apply Director - Communications Division Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Director - Communications Division Job
- Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages.
- Click the Apply Online button in the USAJOBS portal.
- Complete the online questionnaire and attach all required documentation.
- Monitor your email for potential USA Hire assessment invitations.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 10, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume specifically to the major duties listed; do not exceed the two-page limit.
- Clearly document your senior-level experience and how it aligns with the 52-week specialized requirement.
- Verify your SF-50 and performance appraisals are current if you are a federal employee.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are in accepted formats (PDF, DOC, etc.) and under 5MB.
- Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to prepare for potential competency assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum resume length?
Resumes must not exceed two pages. Applications with resumes exceeding this length will be disqualified.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
The position is located in Washington, DC and is telework-eligible, but it is not a fully remote position.
What happens if I submit my application after the closing date?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on September 10, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Does this position require a drug test?
*A: No, a drug test is not required for this specific role.*
What type of security clearance is needed?
*A: The position is classified as non-sensitive; however, it requires a suitability/fitness determination.*
Job from Food Safety And Inspection Service
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the public health agency in the USDA responsible for ensuring that the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and processed egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. The Office of Public Affairs and Training (OPAT), where this role is housed, acts as the bridge between scientific data and public understanding.