Communications and Outreach Specialist- Junior

Position Overview

The Communications and Outreach Specialist plays a vital role in the VA Privacy Service, providing exceptional customer support services to Veterans, their families, employees, contractors, Federal agencies, Congressional members, private companies, and members of the public. The role addresses questions, concerns, and complaints related to VA privacy practices, policies, and identity theft while ensuring all inquiries are handled professionally and efficiently. In addition, the specialist supports outreach programs by developing and maintaining an enterprise-wide Privacy Awareness and Outreach Plan and Schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Communication Responsibilities:
  • Assist in preparing privacy senior leadership and Privacy Service staff for public speaking engagements external to VA, including developing Speaking Engagement Packages with aligned presentations, talking points, and support materials.
  • Establish and manage a database on the VA SharePoint website to organize and store communication and speaking engagement materials efficiently.
  • Develop and maintain various communication materials – including presentations, talking points, email messages, factsheets, and brochures – to enhance departmental awareness of privacy program initiatives.
  • Provide communication support for internal and external requests, including inquiries from Congressional and Federal partners (e.g., Office of Inspector General and Government Accountability Office), and draft reports, white papers, executive memoranda, presentations, and talking points.
  • Collaborate and coordinate with Privacy and OIT staff to ensure consistent messaging in support of privacy strategic goals.
• Outreach Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain an enterprise-wide Privacy Awareness and Outreach Plan and Schedule that addresses common privacy concerns, emerging topics, policy requirements, and audit findings.
  • Collaborate on the planning, execution, and evaluation of approximately 12 privacy awareness campaigns per year, including Identity Theft and Awareness Week, Information Security and Privacy Awareness Week, Women in Privacy (Women's History Month), and National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
  • Create campaign materials – including branding, logos, posters, presentations, fact sheets, event kits, brochures, and schedules – ensuring accuracy and alignment with campaign objectives.
  • Publish monthly blog posts on VA Privacy Service blog sites and distribute quarterly e-bulletins to the VA Privacy Workforce and internal stakeholders.
  • Assist in the development and execution of the Annual VA Privacy Matters Symposium and Privacy Day events, coordinating logistics, content creation, promotions, and evaluations.
  • Ensure that all materials and activities meet VA and IT Strategic Communications standards and obtain necessary approvals.
  • Evaluate the success of campaigns and events, documenting results and lessons learned to improve future initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 2 years' relevant experience
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field
• Experience with MS SharePoint, MS Applications, help desk software, and remote support tools
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong ability to convey complex information clearly
• Proficiency in developing and delivering presentations and speeches
• Previous experience in privacy communications or program coordination is preferred
• Familiarity with VA privacy practices, policies, and procedures is a plus
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with VA privacy practices, policies, and procedures is a plus