Become a Public Affairs Specialist with U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Are you a strategic communicator looking to make a lasting impact on national security? The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is hiring a Public Affairs Specialist in Washington, D.C. This role is essential for ensuring that the public remains informed about the critical work being done to secure our borders and facilitate legal trade.

Job Responsibilities

As a Public Affairs Specialist, your daily duties will be varied and high-stakes. You will be expected to:

Manage Media Relations: Coordinate responses to inquiries from news outlets and handle sensitive or controversial topics with discretion.
Develop Strategic Materials: Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, and official statements.
Strategic Planning: Design communication plans to raise awareness for organizational programs.
Consultation: Provide expert advice to field offices on how to engage with the public and stakeholders effectively.

Requirements

You must meet several foundational requirements to be considered for this role, including:

U.S. Citizenship.
Three years of physical residency in the U.S. or its territories out of the last five years.
Completion of a background investigation.
Passing the required USA Hire competency-based assessments.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$102,415 – $133,142 per year
Promotion Potential	GS-13
Retirement	Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Leave	Paid federal holidays & personal leave

Why Choose a Career with CBP?

The federal government offers a comprehensive benefits package that is hard to match. Beyond the salary, you will receive:

Robust health, vision, and dental insurance options.
Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which is similar to a 401(k).
Professional development and tuition reimbursement programs.
Flexible work schedules and wellness initiatives.

Application Tips for Success

Respect the Limits: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
Check Your Documents: Always convert your resume to a PDF before uploading.
Detail is Key: Quantify your experience in your resume, ensuring you list specific duties and timeframes.
Assessment Preparedness: Do not ignore the USA Hire assessment link; it is a critical gatekeeper in the hiring process.

Joining the Office of Public Affairs at CBP is more than just a job; it is a chance to participate in the security and prosperity of the United States. If you have the communication skills and dedication to serve, we encourage you to apply before the closing date of November 2, 2026.

Why This Public Affairs Specialist Job Matters

Shape the narrative of national security by joining the front lines of communications at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Public Affairs Specialist Job Overview

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Public Affairs is seeking a dedicated Public Affairs Specialist to lead strategic communications in Washington, D.C. In this high-impact role, you will manage media relations, develop comprehensive outreach strategies, and serve as a vital link between the agency's mission and the public. You will play a pivotal role in protecting national interests while ensuring transparency and clear communication regarding critical border security and trade operations.

Requirements for Public Affairs Specialist

U.S. Citizenship
Must be registered with Selective Service (if born after 12/31/1959)
Three years of physical residency in the U.S. or its protectorates during the last five years
Ability to pass a thorough background investigation
Completion of online USA Hire assessments
Proficiency in English for all application materials

Preferred Qualifications for Public Affairs Specialist

Substantial experience in managing news and social media inquiries
Proven track record in drafting official press releases and communication strategies
Expertise in advising organizational leaders on media handling and public messaging
Strong interpersonal skills for coordinating high-profile media visits and events

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401(k) equivalent)
✓Life and long-term care insurance
✓Flexible work schedules and personal leave days
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
✓Fitness center access and wellness programs

💡 How to Apply Public Affairs Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Public Affairs Specialist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a concise, two-page resume in PDF format including all required employment history.
Complete the online USAJOBS application and job questionnaire.
Submit all necessary supporting documentation (SF-50, transcripts, veteran documentation, etc.).
Complete the required USA Hire Assessment within the specified window once notified.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Upload your resume as a PDF rather than a Word document to preserve formatting.
Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions over two pages will be automatically rejected.
Explicitly detail how your previous work matches the required duties in your resume.
Set aside three hours for the USA Hire assessment, though many complete it faster.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS account to ensure all documents were received.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the promotion potential for this position?

This position is at the GS-12 level with promotion potential up to GS-13, though promotion is not guaranteed.

Can I submit my resume in a different format?

Resumes must be submitted in English. While you may submit a CV, it must be included within your document uploads and all materials should ideally be in PDF format to ensure compatibility.

Job from Customs And Border Protection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the largest federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). With a mission to protect the United States against terrorists and the instruments of terror while simultaneously enforcing hundreds of laws, CBP relies on a diverse, skilled workforce to tell its story. Working in the Office of Public Affairs means you are at the heart of the agency’s communication strategy.