PD_GENERIC_Head-of-Public-Affairs

Position Description

Head of public affairs

Overview

Position Type
Varies, but typically noncareer appointment (NA) or presidential appointment (PA)¹ _{2016 plum book}

Position Overview

The assistant secretary or director of public affairs serves as the principal communications advisor to the agency head, and directs public affairs and external communications for the department on a broad array of issues.² _{https://www.treasury.gov/about/organizational-structure/Pages/natalie-e.aspx}

Compensation

Varies³ _{2016 plum book}

Position Reports to

Agency head

Responsibilities

Management Scope

This appointee typically manages a permanent career staff as well as a political staff. The staff varies depending on the agency’s size.

Primary Responsibilities

® Serves as the secretary’s principal counsel on public affairs, providing executive leadership, policy direction and management strategy for the department’s public affairs programs and activities
® Handles internal and external communications
® Serves as the principal point of contact for communications and press issues
® Ensures coordination among public affairs components
® Manages public affairs issues and special activities that cut across operating division lines
® Leads the planning, development and implementation of difficult incident communications strategies and activities for the department⁴ _{http://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/aspa/aspa-organization/index.html}
® Employs a wide range of media platforms; provides historical perspective; and conducts public outreach
® Manages the department’s website
® Answers questions from the public⁵ _{http://www.state.gov/r/pa/}

Strategic Goals and Priorities

[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration]

Requirements and Competencies

Requirements

® Subject-matter expertise, in social media more than ever
® Strong management experience
® Strong relationships or ability to form relationships with relevant stakeholders

Competencies

® Ability to communicate complex matters simply and accurately
® Strong communication and interpersonal skills
® Leadership skills
® Ability to work under high pressure
® Ability to handle sensitive matters
® Excellent negotiation skills
® Ability to work in a matrixed structure
® Ability to communicate across partisan line
® Imagination

Past Appointees

Kevin Griffis (HHS): Senior Advisor in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, HHS; Communications Director for Sen. Cory Booker; Communications Director and Senior Advisor for Sen. Booker’s 2013 special election⁶ _{https://www.hhs.gov/about/leadership/kevin-griffis/index.html}
Eben W. Burnham-Snyder (Department of Energy): Deputy Director, Office of Public Affairs, Department of Energy; Director of Strategic Communications, Office of Sen. Ed Markey; Deputy Staff Director for Communications, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives⁷ _{Leadership Directories}
Natalie Wyeth Earnest (Department of the Treasury): Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of the Treasury; Spokeswoman for International Affairs, Department of the Treasury; Spokeswoman for the Presidential Inaugural Committee of then-Sen. Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign in Colorado⁸ _{https://www.treasury.gov/about/organizational-structure/Pages/natalie-e.aspx}
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