Become a Public Affairs Specialist (COGAP Manager) with the U.S. Coast Guard
Are you a communications professional with a passion for community outreach and event management? The U.S. Coast Guard is currently seeking a highly skilled Public Affairs Specialist to serve as the COGAP Manager. This role is a unique opportunity to work in the heart of Washington, D.C., managing the Coast Guard Art Program (COGAP) and leading high-visibility engagement efforts.
About the U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard is a vital branch of the Department of Homeland Security, dedicated to protecting maritime interests at sea, in ports, and throughout the nation's waterways. Professionals within the Coast Guard contribute to a culture of excellence, safeguarding American interests and ensuring resilience in the face of disasters. Joining the Coast Guard as a civilian employee means becoming part of a dedicated team committed to national security.
Job Responsibilities
As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will act as a key member of the Community Relations (COMREL) team. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
- Event Coordination: Serving as an advisor and planner for high-level events, managing logistics, travel, and operational support.
- Program Management: Overseeing the Coast Guard Art Program (COGAP), including the annual acquisition and curation of art.
- Contract Oversight: Serving as the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for labor, art handling, and instructional contracts.
- Outreach: Developing and executing strategic campaigns that promote the Coast Guard mission to the general public.
Comparison: GS-13 Requirements vs. Expectations
| Feature | Requirement / Expectation |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 Year of specialized experience at GS-12 level |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Security Clearance | Non-sensitive (NS) |
| Salary Range | $121,785 - $158,322 |
| Resume Limit | 2 Pages Max |
Requirements for Success
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific federal eligibility standards. These include U.S. citizenship, registration with the Selective Service (if applicable), and successfully passing a background investigation. You must provide a two-page resume that details your professional accomplishments, emphasizing how your past experience matches the specialized needs of the COGAP program.
Benefits of Federal Employment
Employees with the Department of Homeland Security enjoy a robust compensation package designed to support a healthy work-life balance and long-term financial security. Key benefits include:
- Comprehensive Insurance: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Leave: Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave accrual.
- Professional Development: Access to ongoing training and employee development programs.
How to Apply
Application for this position is handled strictly through the USAJOBS portal. Ensure all documentation, including your most recent SF-50 and any relevant veteran preference documents, are legible and formatted correctly. Remember, the two-page limit on your resume is strictly enforced.
The Public Affairs Specialist (COGAP Manager) role is an exceptional way to apply your public outreach expertise within a prestigious federal agency. If you are ready to make a lasting impact on how the public views the U.S. Coast Guard, we encourage you to submit your application before the closing date.
Why This Public Affairs Specialist (Cogap Manager) Job Matters
Shape the narrative of the U.S. Coast Guard and manage the prestigious Coast Guard Art Program (COGAP) in this pivotal leadership role.
Public Affairs Specialist (Cogap Manager) Job Overview
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking a dedicated Public Affairs Specialist to join the Community Relations Division in Washington, D.C. This GS-13 role serves as the COGAP Manager, where you will oversee outreach, event logistics, and high-level communications. You will play a vital part in bridging the gap between the Coast Guard and the public through strategic art exhibits, community engagement, and complex project management.
Requirements for Public Affairs Specialist (Cogap Manager)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period may be required.
- Must pass a background investigation for a non-sensitive clearance.
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements by the closing date.
- Must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent.
- Resume must not exceed two pages and adhere to specific formatting (10pt font, .5-inch margins).
Preferred Qualifications for Public Affairs Specialist (Cogap Manager)
- Proven experience in developing and executing comprehensive community relations and outreach campaigns.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate complex intergovernmental relations.
- Prior experience serving as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or managing government technical contracts.
- Expertise in logistics, event planning, and operational coordination for high-level programs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and annual raises.
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with matching contributions.
- ✓Flexible spending accounts and paid federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for tuition reimbursement and transportation subsidies.
- ✓Access to wellness programs and federal fitness centers.
💡 How to Apply Public Affairs Specialist (Cogap Manager) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Public Affairs Specialist (Cogap Manager) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a two-page resume highlighting relevant specialized experience.
- Gather supporting documents such as SF-50s, transcripts, and veterans' preference documentation.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload all required materials through the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Do not copy/paste duty descriptions from the announcement into your resume; provide specific examples of your work.
- Check your resume length carefully; applications with resumes over two pages will be automatically rejected.
- Ensure your SF-50 forms clearly show your grade and tenure to verify your eligibility.
- Apply early to allow time for technical troubleshooting.
- Review your application status on your USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can education substitute for experience at this level?
No, this position does not have a positive education requirement, and education cannot be substituted for the required specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must be exactly two pages or fewer. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Is telework available?
This position is not currently listed as eligible for telework or remote work.