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Defense Media Activity Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Defense's overall mission. We offer a wide range of career opportunities, including jobs in childcare, recreation, hospitality, and more. Many employees have opportunities for professional ...

$54K - $64K/yr

Cyber Command - the National Security Agency, Defense Information Systems Agency/Joint Forces Headquarters for the Department of Defense Information Network, Defense Media Activity, and several non ...

Radiologist

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$362K - $452K/yr

Meade is a United States Army installation located in Maryland that includes the Defense Information School, the Defense Media Activity, the United States Army Field Band, and the headquarters of ...

Social Media Manager

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Position Summary Sightline Media Group (a leading publisher in defense, government, and technology ... activity, and audience feedback. Respond promptly and professionally to foster a healthy online ...

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Defense Media Activity information

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How much do defense media activity jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense media activity in the United States is $15.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Defense Media Activity?

Defense Media Activity (DMA) is a United States Department of Defense organization responsible for providing news, information, and multimedia content to service members, their families, and the public. DMA manages various media outlets, including the American Forces Network (AFN), Stars and Stripes newspaper, and Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS). Its mission is to inform and connect the military community, support operational readiness, and enhance public understanding of the military. DMA employs professionals in journalism, broadcasting, public affairs, and digital media. The organization plays a key role in ensuring accurate and timely communication for the Department of Defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at Defense Media Activity?

To thrive at the Defense Media Activity, you need a solid background in multimedia production, journalism, or communications, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in content creation or public affairs. Familiarity with video editing software, content management systems, and digital media tools like Adobe Creative Suite is typically required. Strong storytelling, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure that accurate, engaging, and timely information is effectively communicated to both military and public audiences.

What are the primary challenges faced by professionals working at Defense Media Activity, and how can new team members best navigate them?

Professionals at the Defense Media Activity often work in a fast-paced environment where they must balance accuracy, security, and timeliness in content production. New team members may find it challenging to adapt to strict protocols regarding sensitive information and the approval processes required for public release. Collaborating effectively with both military personnel and civilian colleagues is key, as is staying updated on Department of Defense policies. To succeed, newcomers should be proactive in seeking mentorship, maintain strong attention to detail, and communicate regularly with their team and stakeholders.

What is the difference between Defense Media Activity vs Public Affairs Specialist?

AspectDefense Media ActivityPublic Affairs Specialist
CredentialsMilitary clearance, communication certificationsPublic relations, communication degrees, certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, media production facilitiesGovernment agencies, military offices, media outlets
Employer & IndustryDepartment of Defense, military branchesGovernment agencies, military public affairs offices

Defense Media Activity focuses on producing and managing media content for the military, often involving media production, broadcasting, and internal communication. Public Affairs Specialists handle communication strategies, media relations, and public outreach for military or government entities. While both roles involve communication and media, Defense Media Activity emphasizes media production and dissemination, whereas Public Affairs Specialists focus on strategic communication and public engagement.

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Cities with the most Defense Media Activity job openings:

What states have the most Defense Media Activity jobs?

States with the most job openings for Defense Media Activity jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Defense Media Activity jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Media Activity jobs are:

Infographic showing various Defense Media Activity job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,254 per year, or $16 per hour.

Visual Information Specialist

Fort George G Meade, MD โ€ข On-site, Remote

Defense Media Activity
Education Programs Administrationย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Summary
This position is part of the Defense Media Activity. The incumbent serves as a Visual Information Specialist responsible for developing and executing comprehensive multimedia products and strategic communication initiatives in coordination with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs (OSWPA).
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a Visual Information Specialist at the GS-1084-12 some of your typical work assignments may include:
  • Responsible for developing and executing a wide range of multimedia products and strategic communication initiatives.
  • Creating multimedia content such as still photography, graphics, social media content, print products, videos, and podcasts.
  • Managing all phases of multimedia production, from pre-production (concept development, scripting) to post-production (editing, quality assurance).
  • Planning and executing multimedia projects, considering budget, time, and other constraints.
  • Ensuring all products align with DOW communication objectives and meet established standards.
  • Collaborating with clients, subject matter experts, and other team members.
  • Staying current with advancements in multimedia technology and communication standards.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Employee may be required to work overtime on an emergency basis.
  • Tour of Duty: Set Schedule
  • Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Not Required
  • Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible
  • The incumbent is required to maintain a SECRET security clearance.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. Incumbent must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test screening, and periodic testing thereafter is required.
  • The selected applicant must either possess an active DOD security clearance or have the ability to secure one upon entry into the position.
  • Employee may be required to travel away from normal duty station.
  • Employee must be willing and able to travel on military and commercial aircraft.
  • Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Employee may be required to work in hazardous work environments and in outdoors adverse weather conditions.
  • Position requires normal range of hearing and perception (aided or unaided).
  • Position requires ability to discern colors, contrast, and depth.

Qualifications
To qualify for a Visual Information Specialist, your resume and supporting documentation must support:
A. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly in or related to this position. To qualify at the GS-12 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including time-in-grade (General Schedule (GS) positions only), time-after-competitive appointment, minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement. Creditable specialized experience includes:
  • Planning, executing, and managing all phases of complex multimedia production-from concept development and scripting to post-production and final quality assurance.
  • Utilizing advanced industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, 3D rendering programs) to create a diverse range of visual communication products, including video, still photography, graphics, and social media content.
  • Translating abstract concepts and strategic communication objectives into comprehensive, large-scale visual media campaigns that align with organizational themes.
  • Responsible for developing and executing comprehensive multimedia products and strategic communication solutions for distribution across a wide range platforms, to include but not limited to video production, marketing, graphic design, animation, broadcast operations, planning, project management, and assessment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1084 series.
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position. Some positions may also require subject-matter knowledge of medicine, science, or technical equipment.
Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis.
OR
Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes planning the preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other art work, charts, diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays, and other kinds of visual material for use in communicating information through visual means.
*NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.
Education
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims.
All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
Foreign education may be qualifying if a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses.
Unofficial transcripts from U.S. Department of Education accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions listing your name, the name of the school, the date and degree awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned are acceptable for the application process. If selected, official transcripts are required before a firm job offer is made. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.
When relying on foreign education, submit transcripts and a copy of the equivalency evaluation results letter with a course-by-course listing. Documents must be in English or include an English translation. The hiring employer for this position does not evaluate degrees from foreign colleges or universities. For further information, visit: Foreign Education
Additional information
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
Persons with Disabilities - Schedule A
Special Hiring Authority for Veterans
Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
Other Special Appointment Authorities - Subpart F
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/register/)
The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.
Selective Service Requirement: Please visit http://www.sss.gov for more information.
For more information, please visit

https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d
Re-employed Annuitant: This position Does/Does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol300.PDF?ver=LQ7feWw-8-5DI2tceUpmgA%3d%3d
This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.
You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.
Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.