Public Affairs Specialist-Senior (Colorado)
Aurora, CO
Full Time
Experienced
WE ARE THE NRO
For sixty years, the NRO has developed, acquired, launched and operated the satellites that are the foundation for America’s advantage and strength in space. Using a diversified architecture of spacecraft, NRO collects and delivers the best space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance content on the planet.
Learn more at NRO.gov.
Basic Eligibility For A Position With The NRO
Where You Will Work
This position serves as a Public Affairs Specialist in the Office of Strategic Communications (OSC) at the Aerospace Data Facility Colorado (ADF-C) on Buckley Space Force Base.
OSC is aligned with the Office of Congressional & Public Affairs (OCPA) within the Business Plans and Operations (BPO) directorate at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The incumbent will support the Director of OSC in leading a small team of contractors to execute three programs – 1. Internal Engagement/Strategic Communications 2. Public Engagement/Public Affairs/Community Outreach 3. External Engagement/ADF-C Joint Visit Bureau.
This position is crucial to providing management and leadership continuity, government oversight, and focused support to ADF-C mission operations. Success in this position relies upon strong collaborative and integrated partnerships among customers in a joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of War (DoW) environment. Considerable knowledge of a variety of communications strategies, techniques, and dissemination methods; sound communication skills; and knowledge and experience within the public affairs tradecraft is required. Using a variety of communication methods, the position develops media products that are disseminated to multiple audiences through various media. Position supports and oversees a joint organizational team of contractors, military, and government civilians. Additional responsibilities include being a Government Element Lead or Point of Contact supporting enterprise contracts at ADF-C.
Furthermore, the incumbent will oversee the site’s robust visitor program, through the ADF-C Joint Visit Bureau. This duty involves clear understanding of protocol customs and courtesies for Distinguished Visitors (DV), overseeing the day-to-day visitor process, expertise in understanding and explaining mission operations through briefing materials and presentations, and orchestrating operations tours to educate and advocate the joint missions at ADF-C. DV criteria is defined as Presidential appointees, members of Congress, Congressional Oversight Committees and professional staff members, Agency Directors/Deputy Directors, General Officers, senior members of the IC or Federal Government (Senior Executive Service), Foreign National Dignitaries, and Senior-Level Industry Partners.
The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for Non-Supervisor, Public Affairs Specialist, GG-14, occupational series 1035. More information on the occupational series can be viewed on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website.
Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match.
This is a full-time position that is open from 2026-07-30 to 2026-08-13. Resumes must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on 2026-08-13.
Who May Apply
What You Will Be Doing
As an experienced Public Affairs Specialist, the employee is expected to have considerable knowledge of a variety of communications strategies, techniques, and dissemination methods; sound communication skills; and knowledge and experience with public affairs tradecraft.
This position is responsible for developing and executing strategic communication and public affairs initiatives at the ADF-C, performing duties in a diverse range of public affairs functional areas, including internal and external communications, public and media relations, and social media engagement to promote awareness, understanding, and advocacy of the NRO ADF-C and its mission. Specifically:
What You Will Need
Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform and is typically in or directly related to the duties of the position as described above. Experience must be reflected in your resume.
Applicants submitting a resume that exceeds the two-page limit per OPM Memorandum, “Merit Hiring Plan,” dated May 29, 2025, https://www.opm.gov/chcoc/latest-memos/merit-hiring-plan.pdf will not be eligible for consideration. For more information regarding resume writing, see “Guidance for Applicants on 2-Page Resume” and visit the Resume Help Center.
Other Information
Location
Aurora, CO
Telework is not available and you must be able to work at the specified location(s).
Salary
2026 Salary Range for the Denver-Aurora, CO Area:
Hiring Incentives
The NRO may offer hiring incentives and other entitlements at management’s discretion.
Trial Period
All new DCIPS employees will be required to serve a 2-year trial period.
Veterans’ Preference
DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans’ Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Vol 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans’ preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 USC, you must submit documents verifying your eligibility upon request.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
Privacy Act Notice
Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): We use this information to determine qualifications for employment. This is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Read more about the Privacy Act of 1974.
For sixty years, the NRO has developed, acquired, launched and operated the satellites that are the foundation for America’s advantage and strength in space. Using a diversified architecture of spacecraft, NRO collects and delivers the best space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance content on the planet.
Learn more at NRO.gov.
Basic Eligibility For A Position With The NRO
- You must be a U.S. Citizen
- You must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
- You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic drug testing
- You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic polygraph examinations
Where You Will Work
This position serves as a Public Affairs Specialist in the Office of Strategic Communications (OSC) at the Aerospace Data Facility Colorado (ADF-C) on Buckley Space Force Base.
OSC is aligned with the Office of Congressional & Public Affairs (OCPA) within the Business Plans and Operations (BPO) directorate at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The incumbent will support the Director of OSC in leading a small team of contractors to execute three programs – 1. Internal Engagement/Strategic Communications 2. Public Engagement/Public Affairs/Community Outreach 3. External Engagement/ADF-C Joint Visit Bureau.
This position is crucial to providing management and leadership continuity, government oversight, and focused support to ADF-C mission operations. Success in this position relies upon strong collaborative and integrated partnerships among customers in a joint Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of War (DoW) environment. Considerable knowledge of a variety of communications strategies, techniques, and dissemination methods; sound communication skills; and knowledge and experience within the public affairs tradecraft is required. Using a variety of communication methods, the position develops media products that are disseminated to multiple audiences through various media. Position supports and oversees a joint organizational team of contractors, military, and government civilians. Additional responsibilities include being a Government Element Lead or Point of Contact supporting enterprise contracts at ADF-C.
Furthermore, the incumbent will oversee the site’s robust visitor program, through the ADF-C Joint Visit Bureau. This duty involves clear understanding of protocol customs and courtesies for Distinguished Visitors (DV), overseeing the day-to-day visitor process, expertise in understanding and explaining mission operations through briefing materials and presentations, and orchestrating operations tours to educate and advocate the joint missions at ADF-C. DV criteria is defined as Presidential appointees, members of Congress, Congressional Oversight Committees and professional staff members, Agency Directors/Deputy Directors, General Officers, senior members of the IC or Federal Government (Senior Executive Service), Foreign National Dignitaries, and Senior-Level Industry Partners.
The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for Non-Supervisor, Public Affairs Specialist, GG-14, occupational series 1035. More information on the occupational series can be viewed on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website.
Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match.
This is a full-time position that is open from 2026-07-30 to 2026-08-13. Resumes must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on 2026-08-13.
Who May Apply
- This position is open to the public.
- Federal government employees MUST currently be at the grade level or higher as indicated in this announcement. This is NOT a promotion opportunity for current Federal government employees. If selected for the position, Federal government employees will transition laterally at their current grade level and step.
- Federal applicants who exceed the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade per IAW DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006.
- The NRO is only accepting external applicants for this job announcement. Current NRO Cadre employees should apply internally.
- This position MAY qualify for the appointment of a reemployed federal annuitant IAW DoDI 1400.25 Volume 300.
What You Will Be Doing
As an experienced Public Affairs Specialist, the employee is expected to have considerable knowledge of a variety of communications strategies, techniques, and dissemination methods; sound communication skills; and knowledge and experience with public affairs tradecraft.
This position is responsible for developing and executing strategic communication and public affairs initiatives at the ADF-C, performing duties in a diverse range of public affairs functional areas, including internal and external communications, public and media relations, and social media engagement to promote awareness, understanding, and advocacy of the NRO ADF-C and its mission. Specifically:
- Directs content strategy and production across all NRO platforms, including internal/external websites, social media, executive communications, Town Halls, news articles, and multimedia products.
- Advises senior directorate leadership on strategic communications initiatives, including communications plans, community relations outreach, event marketing, and organizational messaging.
- Provides expert guidance on military and government protocol, customs and courtesies, and precedence requirements. Develops executive-level materials including agendas, biographies, talking points, and briefing packages while ensuring compliance with logistical and security protocols.
- Collaborates with creative teams to develop high-impact information products and branded materials that advance organizational objectives.
- Drives innovation in communications programs through benchmarking, process improvement, and implementation of emerging tools and methodologies.
- Builds and maintains strategic relationships with IC and DoW stakeholders, media representatives, community leaders, and policy groups to advance NRO and ADF-C mission awareness.
- Using a variety of communication methods, the position develops strategic communication plans and media products that are disseminated to multiple audiences through various media.
- Researches topics, conducting interviews, writing news, feature and explanatory articles for NRO publications, websites and blogs to facilitate understanding of the agency’s mission, goals, and strategies to the NRO workforce and other key audiences.
- Serves as a communications consultant to NRO senior leadership to provide substantive advice and counsel on communications development.
- Identifying opportunities for leadership to speak either virtually or in-person for events internally and externally across the IC and DoW.
- Preparing read-ahead materials such as agendas, bios, and talking points.
- Cultivating and maintaining productive working relationships with staff in other organizations in the IC, DoW, and, as appropriate, members of the media, community leaders, policy groups, and concerned constituencies to provide information about the NRO mission, programs, and activities.
- Maintains strict compliance with classified information handling requirements per E.O. 13426.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.
What You Will Need
- Considerable knowledge of the principles of public affairs/public relations and the role of the public affairs function in a government organization.
- Expert written communication skills, including drafting complex, sensitive, and Congressional-level materials with appropriate tone, format, and technical terminology. Proficiency with AP Style Guide and content management systems (WordPress, SharePoint).
- Excellent verbal communication and public speaking abilities, with capacity to tailor presentations and messaging for diverse audiences at all organizational levels.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and strategic planning skills to identify requirements and develop effective solutions.
- Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in fast-paced environments, managing competing priorities while building and sustaining professional networks with senior officials.
- Understanding of NRO programs, missions, policies, and analytical techniques for program assessment; familiarity with IC/DoW organizations, intelligence satellite systems, and NRO management processes.
- Proven ability to work with senior officials, to build and sustain professional networks in a diverse, fast-paced, multi-task environment, and to manage competing priorities.
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Experience in public affairs operations with full understanding of public affairs concepts, event planning, matrix management, and broad intelligence community interests and issues.
- Demonstrated exceptional strong writing skills, including the ability to proofread, research, write articles, and often rewrite or extensively edit articles submitted by others.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work requirements by continuously evaluating the needs of the organization's mission against on-going work; planning/scheduling own and unit's work.
- Working knowledge of the laws and regulations regarding the release of information.
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement innovative communication strategies for initiatives and programs.
- Ability to advise senior leadership on communication strategies, establish organizational standards, and evaluate outreach activities for NRO and ADF-C programs.
- Ability to work with and lead teams of public affairs/multimedia/protocol specialists.
- Working knowledge of protocol business practices.
Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform and is typically in or directly related to the duties of the position as described above. Experience must be reflected in your resume.
Applicants submitting a resume that exceeds the two-page limit per OPM Memorandum, “Merit Hiring Plan,” dated May 29, 2025, https://www.opm.gov/chcoc/latest-memos/merit-hiring-plan.pdf will not be eligible for consideration. For more information regarding resume writing, see “Guidance for Applicants on 2-Page Resume” and visit the Resume Help Center.
Other Information
- Overtime Statement: MAY be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
- Travel Statement: MAY be required to travel in military or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
- Financial Disclosure: MAY be required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.
- Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) coded positions: If selected for a DAWIA coded position, the incumbent must meet appropriate certification requirements IAW the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) no later than 24 months after accepting this position. Individual shall maintain, at a minimum 80 continuous Learning Points every 24 months via the services acquisition management system. DAWIA requirements may be located at the Defense Acquisition University website.
- Geographic Mobility Agreement: MAY be subject to directed reassignment as required to address mission effectiveness, and/or career development.
- Information Assurance (IA): Must achieve the appropriate IA certification within six months of assignment.
- Emergency Essential: Certain positions MAY be deemed emergency essential and incumbents must be willing to meet all position requirements.
Location
Aurora, CO
Telework is not available and you must be able to work at the specified location(s).
Salary
2026 Salary Range for the Denver-Aurora, CO Area:
- GG-13: $118,675 - $154,280
- GG-14: $140,239 - $182,316
Hiring Incentives
The NRO may offer hiring incentives and other entitlements at management’s discretion.
Trial Period
All new DCIPS employees will be required to serve a 2-year trial period.
Veterans’ Preference
DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans’ Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Vol 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans’ preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 USC, you must submit documents verifying your eligibility upon request.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
- An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
Privacy Act Notice
Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): We use this information to determine qualifications for employment. This is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Read more about the Privacy Act of 1974.
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