1 FAM 005.2
Bureau of Global Public Affairs (GPA)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
(Office of Origin: GPA)
1 FAM 005.2-1 Bureau of Global Public Affairs (GPA)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
1 FAM 005.2-1(A) Policy
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
a. The Bureau of Global Public Affairs (GPA) carries out the Secretary's mandate to articulate the foreign policy of the United States by communicating with and engaging U.S. and global audiences on the work of the Department. Led by its Assistant Secretary, the Bureau serves the American people by effectively communicating U.S. foreign policy to audiences around the world and informing domestic audiences about U.S. foreign policy priorities and the value of diplomacy, and by engaging foreign publics to enhance their understanding of and support for the United States, its people, and its policies.
b. The Bureau coordinates interagency communications strategies with Department leadership and regional and functional bureaus on behalf of the Department, and maintains liaison among the U.S. federal government interagency, state and local government offices, and major nongovernmental organizations concerned with the communication of foreign affairs.
c. The GPA Front Office works to ensure that the Bureau accomplishes its goals in a variety of ways, which include:
(1) Strategic and tactical planning to advance U.S. priority foreign policy goals with global audiences, to include media outreach, press briefings, foreign language engagement, and developing, publishing, and distributing content via social media and other digital platforms;
(2) Conducting research, analysis, and evaluation of global media narratives, and foreign audiences;
(3) Providing secure, stable, and scalable digital technology platforms for the Department and overseas posts, including 24-hour worldwide customer service in support of Embassy and consulate website operations;
(4) Managing the Department's primary public website, www.state.gov, as well as ShareAmerica and archive sites, and ensuring web content reflects current U.S. foreign policy;
(5) Engaging domestic audiences on U.S. foreign policy and how the Department serves the interests of the American people;
(6) Coordinating with the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy (R) as well as the Department's regional and functional bureaus on public affairs issues and initiatives;
(7) Creating and distributing employee communications for internal Department audiences; and
(8) Reviewing public communications and ensuring protected information is not disclosed.
1 FAM 005.2-1(B) Scope
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
GPA serves as the Department's central point for the development and dissemination of official information about the Department's foreign policy priorities, values, and programs to domestic and foreign public audiences. It informs domestic audiences about U.S. foreign policy priorities, the work of the Department, and the value of diplomacy, and it engages foreign publics to enhance their understanding of and support for the United States, its people, and its policies. It also fulfills liaison functions with other U.S. Government departments and agencies, state and local governments, nongovernmental organizations concerned with foreign affairs, and media. The Assistant Secretary oversees the strategy of the Bureau in line with Administration and Secretary priorities.
1 FAM 005.2-1(C) Authorities
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
Authorities include:
(1) 22 U.S.C. § 2651a and 22 U.S.C. § 2656, providing general authorities for the organization and operations of the Department and for the Secretary of State in the conduct of foreign relations and management of the Department;
(2) E.O. 13526 (2009), providing for a uniform system for classifying, declassifying, and safeguarding national security information;
(3) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, governing the release of U.S. Government records to the public;
(4) Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a, relating to the collection, maintenance, and use by agencies of certain information about individuals;
(5) OMB Circular A-130, relating to the management of Federal information resources;
(6) 39 U.S.C. § 3201 et seq., governing mailing articles and documents by penalty mail and franked mail;
(7) 44 U.S.C. § 17, concerning the distribution and sale of public documents;
(8) 36 CFR § 1237, concerning audiovisual records management;
(9) E.O. 13132 (1999), requiring that agencies take account of the effects of their programs on the states;
(10) Department Order 1301 (Dec. 20, 1944), establishing the position of Assistant Secretary for Public and Cultural Relations, later renamed the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs in 1945.;
(11) United States Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948, 22 U.S.C. § 1431 et seq., providing for the promotion of a better understanding of the United States, its people, and its policies in other countries through information dissemination; and
(12) Other authorities as applicable, including applicable authorities cited in 3 FAM 4170.
1 FAM 005.2-2 Assistant Secretary
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs (GPA) is responsible for:
(1) Directing communications strategy in the Department. The Assistant Secretary serves as a principal adviser to the Secretary, senior Department officials, and other U.S. Government agencies on all U.S. foreign policy communications including oversight of global media activities, media engagement, digital media, content creation, research, analytics, strategic planning, and public engagement;
(2) Serving as the principal adviser on the alignment and integration of communications strategies with foreign policy priorities;
(3) Setting priorities for the Bureau, including through the Functional Bureau Strategy (FBS); and
(4) The Assistant Secretary reports to the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy (R).
1 FAM 005.2-3 Positions Reporting Directly to the Assistant Secretary
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
1 FAM 005.2-3(A) Spokesperson (GPA/SPOX)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Department Spokesperson:
(1) Directs all engagement with the media, including routine queries, managing developing stories, and coordinating communications in a crisis;
(2) Speaks to the press as the official spokesperson of the Department;
(3) Advises the Secretary on all aspects of the Department's conduct of press relations;
(4) Supports the Secretary in preparation for and during public media engagements and interviews; and
(5) Has oversight responsibility for the Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Deputy Spokesperson, and others as determined in coordination with the Assistant Secretary.
1 FAM 005.2-3(B) The Principal Deputy Spokesperson and/or Deputy Spokesperson
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Principal Deputy Spokesperson and/or Deputy Spokesperson:
(1) Perform the duties of the Spokesperson in his or her absence;
(2) Under the general guidance of the Assistant Secretary, develop, oversee, and implement all Bureau policies and programs designed to fulfill the Department's broad press responsibilities;
(3) Identify and analyze media coverage of the top issues the United States faces abroad each day and disseminate concise message points for use by senior Department officials and other U.S. Government officials; and
(4) Coordinate with the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Press to ensure daily media operations and global media strategy are aligned.
1 FAM 005.2-3(C) Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary performs the duties of the Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs in the latter's absence, assists the Assistant Secretary in developing and executing policy, coordinates with the Under Secretariat-level Executive Office on the management and operational activities of the Bureau, and performs such other duties as may be assigned by the Assistant Secretary. See 1 FAM 005.2-4(A), Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (GPA/PDAS), for additional information on the duties of the PDAS.
1 FAM 005.2-3(D) Chief of Staff
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Chief of Staff:
(1) Assists the Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs and that officer's principal subordinates with policy coordination, directing the flow of action, and ensuring coordination and completion of action;
(2) Serves as the Assistant Secretary's liaison and representative with all Department offices and bureaus, relaying, interpreting, and offering guidance on issues relevant to the Assistant Secretary and GPA;
(3) Serves as advisor for the Assistant Secretary on issues ranging from strategic communications planning to Bureau resource management; and
(4) Performs the duties of the Senior Special Assistant, including supervising the Front Office Special and Staff Assistants, in his or her absence.
1 FAM 005.2-4 Deputy Assistant Secretaries
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Deputy Assistant Secretaries assist the Assistant Secretary in developing and executing policy and coordinating management and operational activities of the Bureau.
1 FAM 005.2-4(A) Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (GPA/PDAS)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (GPA/PDAS):
(1) Performs the duties of the Assistant Secretary in his or her absence;
(2) Oversees day-to-day Bureau operations and directs Bureau staff in supporting the communications activities of the Secretary and principal Department officials;
(3) Oversees policy execution for the Bureau in the areas of strategic, financial, physical, administrative, human resource management, and information technology;
(4) Ensures information regarding foreign policy matters is disseminated, for both government and non-government users; and
(5) Manages and provides oversight for the Deputy Assistant Secretaries, Crisis Communications Unit, Strategic Planning and Organizational Excellence Division, and the Front Office operations staff.
1 FAM 005.2-4(A)(1) Crisis Communications Unit (GPA/FO/CCU)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Crisis Communications Unit (GPA/FO/CCU) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the Bureau's real time messaging response in times of international crisis. Led by a Director reporting to the PDAS, the Crisis Communications Unit (CCU) also:
(1) Serves as the Department lead for coordinating interagency crisis communications;
(2) Organizes GPA assets to support Operations Center activity in response to crisis situations, including by staffing the Global Public Affairs chair during task forces convened by the Executive Secretary; and
(3) Conducts training and crisis response planning to increase the crisis communications capabilities of the Department. The CCU supports Posts in planning for and responding to crisis situations, including through training and deployment of the GPA Fly Away Communications Team.
1 FAM 005.2-4(A)(2) Strategic Planning and Organizational Excellence Unit (GPA/FO/SPOE)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Strategic Planning and Organizational Excellence division (GPA/SPOE) is responsible for aligning Bureau strategy, driving organizational effectiveness, and building a culture of excellence. Led by a Division Chief reporting directly to the PDAS, SPOE:
(1) Leads GPA's Functional Bureau Strategy (FBS) planning, implementation, performance monitoring, and regular updates to align Bureau activities with long-term goals;
(2) Fulfills Department evaluation requirements by conducting annual evaluations and overseeing the Annual Evaluation Plan to measure impact, identify lessons, and inform future programming;
(3) Partners with GPA offices to design and update program strategies that clarify priorities and align with Bureau goals;
(4) Facilitates two-way internal communication between leadership and staff to promote strategic alignment, recognize operational excellence, and incorporate workforce perspective in decision-making; and
(5) Supports Bureau efforts to enable an agile digital workforce by providing process improvement, change management, and other cross-bureau coordination assistance as needed in support of the GPA mission and goals.
1 FAM 005.2-4(A)(3) Special Assistants and Staff Assistants
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Special Assistants and Staff Assistants act as aides to the Assistant Secretary and that officer's principal subordinates, directing the flow of documents and information and ensuring coordination and completion of action. The Front Office staff serves as the operational backbone of the Bureau, managing the day-to-day workflow of the Assistant Secretary and principal officers and ensuring the Bureau accomplishes its goals in a timely and coordinated manner:
(1) The Senior Special Assistant supervises the Special Assistants and Staff Assistants in the Front Office to ensure the timely flow of information to the principal officers and offices of the Bureau;
(2) The Senior Special Assistant performs the duties of the GPA Chief of Staff in his or her absence; and
(3) The Special Assistants and Staff Assistants are responsible for:
(a) Managing and tracking the Bureau's internal clearance process, coordinating the routing of action documents, memoranda, and correspondence to and from the Assistant Secretary and principal officers, and ensuring timely completion of Front Office priorities;
(b) Serving as the primary point of contact between the GPA Front Office and other Department bureaus, offices, and external stakeholders on administrative, operational, and substantive matters requiring Front Office awareness or action;
(c) Working with GPA offices to compile and prepare briefing materials, talking points, and background packages for the Assistant Secretary and principal officers in advance of meetings, travel, and engagements;
(d) Coordinating scheduling requests and managing calendar priorities for the Assistant Secretary and principal officers in support of Bureau operational requirements; and
(e) Maintaining Front Office records, monitoring action items across Bureau offices, and supporting operational continuity of the Front Office.
1 FAM 005.2-4(B) Deputy Assistant Secretary for Global Media (GPA/GM)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Global Media:
(1) Focuses on and aligns foreign and domestic media engagement under the general guidance of the Assistant Secretary;
(2) Coordinates with the Department Spokesperson to ensure daily media operations and global media strategy are aligned;
(3) Informs GPA strategy discussions of trends and issues in media and identifies target media outlets and best approaches for communications;
(4) Enhances coordination among GPA's public diplomacy elements, and ensures that they serve posts' needs for effective engagement with foreign media; and
(5) Oversees the Office of International Media Engagement (GPA/GM/IME), the Foreign Press Centers (GPA/GM/FPC), the Office of Public Engagement (GPA/GM/PE), and the GPA Reviews function.
1 FAM 005.2-4(B)(1) Office of International Media Engagement (GPA/GM/IME)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Office of International Media Engagement (GPA/GM/IME) advances U.S. foreign policy messaging goals with international audiences by facilitating media interviews for senior U.S. Government officials with foreign media. Foreign-language spokespersons and IME's six regional Media Hubs amplify Department statements through traditional and social media, and provide strategic communications support, including digital content on regional topics through their Hub+ capabilities, to overseas posts. IME also translates Department press releases and other informational products for use by journalists and communicators. Responsibilities of this Office include:
(1) Directing and managing the regional Media Hubs in Bangkok, Brussels, Dubai, Johannesburg, London, and Miami, including overseeing the work of the Department's foreign-language spokespersons and facilitating regular press calls with senior USG officials on foreign policy topics;
(2) Ensuring that the Department's international media capabilities, including the Media Hubs, are integrated into interagency press and public affairs planning and execution;
(3) Working within GPA and with Department regional bureaus and other U.S. Government agencies to develop foreign media engagement strategies to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities;
(4) Planning and coordinating international media engagements by Department officials, in coordination with regional and functional bureaus;
(5) Providing assistance and training to Department communicators engaging with international media;
(6) Providing media narratives, spot reports, and other assessments of the media environment to support communications strategies;
(7) Coordinating timely translations of press releases, speeches, talking points, and other items used to inform and engage the international media; and
(8) Managing GPA's foreign-language social media accounts.
1 FAM 005.2-4(B)(2) Foreign Press Centers (GPA/GM/FPC)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Foreign Press Centers (GPA/GM/FPC) advance the United States' global influence by fostering a deeper understanding of U.S. policy, society, culture, and values through engagement with foreign journalists. With centers located in Washington, D.C., and New York City, and a presence on the West Coast, the Foreign Press Centers build relationships with international media representatives through direct engagements, programs, and services. The Foreign Press Centers provide access to authoritative and accurate U.S. sources of information by:
(1) Serving as an initial and principal point of contact at the Department for U.S.-based foreign journalists. This includes reviewing, processing, approving, and distributing FPC media credentials to foreign journalists working in the United States and to those attending high level summits and other high-profile events in the United States;
(2) Hosting press briefings on priority issues by U.S. Government and non-U.S. Government experts;
(3) Organizing reporting tours to locations across the United States to shape international media reporting on key policy themes, and serving as the Department's subject matter experts for developing and executing foreign policy-focused reporting tours in the United States for international journalists;
(4) Working within GPA and with Department bureaus and other U.S. Government agencies to incorporate global media engagement into communication strategies in furtherance of U.S. foreign policy priorities;
(5) Disseminating information including press releases, transcripts, and reports to foreign journalists through the FPC website, email, and social media;
(6) Supporting interviews for visiting foreign media with U.S. Government officials, in collaboration with posts;
(7) Working closely with the National Security Council Press Office to arrange media engagements with senior members of the Executive Branch and with other agencies and departments to ensure that their principals have the best counsel and venues possible for sharing their messages with global audiences; and
(8) Assisting foreign journalists in making contacts across the U.S. interagency, as appropriate.
1 FAM 005.2-4(B)(3) Office of Public Engagement (GPA/GM/PE)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Office of Public Engagement (GPA/GM/PE) connects the Department to domestic audiences through people-to-people outreach that explains the Department's role and the value of U.S. foreign policy to Americans. GPA/PE hosts public events, including briefings, meetings, roundtables, and conferences in Washington, D.C. and across the United States where the American public can engage Department officials on U.S. foreign policy issues and priorities. The Office provides strategic guidance and coordination on domestic outreach planning for other Department bureaus and connects the American public to various bureaus at the State Department. The work of the Office includes:
(1) Developing and maintaining relationships with national organizations, think tanks, civic and community organizations, educational institutions, NGOs, and private sector associations to inform and facilitate strategic engagement on policy priorities;
(2) Building relationships with city and state officials and local government organizations to create platforms for Department officials to engage local leaders on Administration priorities;
(3) Hosting foreign policy briefings and educational programs for students from high school to postgraduate levels;
(4) Supporting Department employees' travel to their hometowns to speak with local audiences through the Hometown Diplomat Program;
(5) Managing and routing public inquiries received through State.gov, email, and physical mail; and
(6) Coordinating domestic outreach across the Department to align strategic engagements with the Department's overall messaging priorities.
1 FAM 005.2-4(B)(4) Global Media's GPA Reviews
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
a. GPA Reviews serves as the final reviewer for all domestically assigned employees of the Department speaking in their official capacity, as well as for certain chiefs of missions' official capacity engagements. GPA Reviews serves as the final reviewer for all employees' personal capacity engagements on matters of Departmental concern. The mission of GPA Reviews is to support public messaging coordination across the Department, to safeguard against the public release of sensitive or classified information, and to alert GPA leadership to planned public communications of Departmental concern.
b. GPA Reviews:
(1) Reviews submissions to GPA in accordance with 3 FAM 4170 et seq.;
(2) Coordinates with the GPA Front Office on GPA's efforts to respond to investigations by DS and OIG, and to suitability reviews by the Bureau of Human Resources;
(3) GPA Reviews also prepares documentation and coordinates clearances with L and other relevant bureaus should the proposed publication of a personal capacity communication be found likely to result in adverse consequences to the efficiency or mission of the Department, such that preventing those consequences outweighs the employee's presumptively high interest in communicating and the public's interest in receiving the communication. Clears submissions to the GPA Reviews database that are employees' public communications in their personal capacity on a matter of Departmental concern;
(4) Coordinates and prioritizes all requests for development, enhancement, and optimization of the GPA Reviews portal and database. Ensures proper functioning with R/EX/IT, establishes timely procedures for routing and review, tracks clearances, and manages reports to support the Department’s digital modernization agenda.
(5) Provides periodic training on GPA Reviews for users in GPA and other Bureaus of the Department, including by collaborating with other departments to update existing training modules and information components throughout the Department and leading all other engagement modalities throughout the Department that raise awareness and knowledge of the GPA Reviews requirement per 3 FAM 4170;
(6) Proposes and coordinates updates and revisions to 3 FAM 4170 et seq.; and
(7) Responds to FOIA requests impacting GPA Reviews, coordinates with R/EX/IT on record searches, and assembles the results for the GPA FOIA officer.
1 FAM 005.2-4(C) Deputy Assistant Secretary for Digital (GPA/DIG)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Digital harnesses the Department's digital outreach to communicate to domestic and foreign audiences on U.S. foreign policy priorities. Digital's flagship public-facing properties include State.gov, mission websites, and the Department's social media accounts across multiple platforms. Digital also supports Department communicators worldwide by providing trainings and reference materials on applicable topics and maintaining a repository of Department-produced content resources. The Digital DAS:
(1) Oversees the global digital channel strategy to engage foreign and domestic audiences and advance American foreign policy and communications priorities;
(2) Advances digital communications capabilities for the Department; and
(3) Oversees three offices: Office of Content Strategy (GPA/DIG/CNS), Office of Platforms (GPA/DIG/PLT), and Office of Video (GPA/DIG/VID). These offices collaborate closely with each other, other GPA Bureau teams, and digital practitioners across the Department.
1 FAM 005.2-4(C)(1) Office of Content Strategy (GPA/DIG/CNS)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Office of Content Strategy advances Department digital communications efforts by overseeing the Department's flagship social media accounts, leading digital engagement strategies, shaping social media operations and policy, and creating visual content. The Office:
(1) Manages content, operations, and governance for flagship social media accounts and develops content on priority issues for use across the Department's social media properties worldwide;
(2) Cultivates the Department's social media community of practice and provides day-to-day coordination among account owners (account approval, standards, policy, training, best practices, lessons learned), collaborating with regional and functional bureau social media coordinators;
(3) Maintains and updates Department branding templates and standards;
(4) Amplifies foreign policy messaging by directly reaching new and targeted audiences through partnerships with digital content creators, marketing campaigns, the Department's flagship email newsletters, and emerging platforms; and
(5) Delivers high-quality visual content including infographics, graphics, illustrations, and the Secretary's official photo archive to support Bureau priority projects.
1 FAM 005.2-4(C)(2) Office of Platforms (GPA/DIG/PLT)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Office of Platforms (GPA/DIG/PLT) oversees the Department's use of web communications. The Office:
(1) Oversees content, operations, and governance for flagship web properties including State.gov, mission websites, ShareAmerica, and archives from past administrations;
(2) Advises the Department's content teams on distribution strategy across web platforms, informed by analytics and behavior trends;
(3) Supports website managers across the Department by establishing and sharing standards and best practices;
(4) Leads public-facing website governance within the Department and represents the Department on public-facing web issues to interagency stakeholders; and
(5) Manages certain digital platforms to support public diplomacy practitioners.
1 FAM 005.2-4(C)(3) Office of Video (GPA/DIG/VID)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Office of Video (GPA/DIG/VID):
(1) Produces strategic video products designed to advance foreign policy objectives and the Secretary's initiatives, in collaboration with Department stakeholders;
(2) Provides important and timely information via video to the press and global publics distributed on Department social properties and websites;
(3) Provides live, global video coverage of the Secretary, Spokesperson, and key senior State Department officials, and the transmission infrastructure to reach broadcasters, cable news networks, the Department's web and social media platforms; and
(4) Operates the HST-based and SA-5 media studios designed for live TV engagements, media interviews, video recordings, and live virtual events.
1 FAM 005.2-4(D) Deputy Assistant Secretary for Press (GPA/PR)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Press leads the Department's press operations and the planning and execution of the Secretary's press and public engagements. The DAS oversees two offices that collaborate closely with each other, with other GPA Bureau offices, and with public diplomacy practitioners across the Department. The two offices are the Office of Press Operations (GPA/PR/OPS) and the Office of Events and Travel (GPA/PR/ET).
1 FAM 005.2-4(D)(1) Office of Press Operations (GPA/PR/OPS)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Office of Press Operations (GPA/PR/OPS) supports the Secretary of State by explaining and advancing U.S. foreign policy to domestic and foreign media. GPA/PR/OPS interacts with the media by preparing the Department Spokesperson for Department Press Briefings, electronically releasing statements, transcripts, and other items to the media, facilitating substantive responses to press inquiries in a timely fashion and facilitating interviews with Department officials and U.S.-based media outlets. Office responsibilities include:
(1) Serving as the initial and principal media and press point of contact at the Department;
(2) Executing the Department's media policy, plans, engagements, and programs, in coordination with the GPA Front Office and Spokesperson and advising regional and functional bureau public affairs offices on all aspects of the Department's conduct of press relations;
(3) Producing and releasing official transcripts of public remarks by the Secretary of State and of press briefings and other statements by the Secretary or Spokesperson, notices to the press, fact sheets, and media notes;
(4) Monitoring and disseminating press clips from domestic and international print, broadcast, and wire services on relevant foreign policy news of the day to inform Department leadership in a timely manner;
(5) Serving as expert advisors and staffing press needs and operations at State Department-hosted mega events and summits held in the United States;
(6) Proactively engaging with U.S. national, local, and specialty media through interviews and written contributions (i.e., op-eds and letters), and overseeing logistical aspects of targeted press engagements with U.S.-based media with Department officials at HST; and
(7) Serving as primary liaison with the State Department Correspondents' Association (Bullpen press) for its access to and office space in HST, and in consultation with DS, receiving and processing temporary and longer-term access requests for journalists and technicians assigned to cover the State Department.
1 FAM 005.2-4(D)(2) Press Operations Unit (GPA/PR/OPS/PO)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
Responsible for direct communication with foreign and domestic media on issues of Departmental concern; coordinates Spokesperson briefing preparation; receives and routes press inquiries; releases transcripts and statements.
1 FAM 005.2-4(D)(3) National Media Strategy Unit (GPA/PR/OPS/NMS)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
Responsible for proactive engagement with national, local, and specialty media; fields interview requests; pitches stories and interviews; coordinates domestic media engagement of Department principals.
1 FAM 005.2-4(D)(4) Media Support Unit (GPA/PR/OPS/MSU)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
Monitors headline coverage of Department and U.S. foreign policy in domestic and international media; supports virtual press briefings and mega events.
1 FAM 005.2-4(E) Office of Events and Travel (GPA/PR/ET)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Office of Events and Travel (GPA/PR/ET) is responsible for coordinating the planning, execution, and amplification of the Secretary's public engagements. GPA/PR/ET facilitates press and media components of the Secretary's foreign and domestic travel and events, coordinates press logistics and messaging, tracks press-related paper across the Department and is the primary liaison with the State Department Correspondents' Association (Bullpen press) coverage of the Secretary's public events. The office works in close coordination with the Office of Global Communications Strategy, Office of Public Engagement, all divisions of the Office of Press Operations, the Content Strategy Office, the GPA Front Office, the Spokesperson's Office, the Executive Secretariat, the S Scheduling team, and bureaus and offices throughout the Department. The office directly supports Administration policy and messaging goals by:
(1) Ensuring logistical and messaging components of the Secretary's press and public diplomacy engagements, including while on travel, reflect the Administration’s priorities;
(2) Coordinating with regional and functional bureaus to facilitate media coverage of the Secretary's travel, engaging with Public Diplomacy teams at Embassies to establish overseas support, and ensuring events are planned and executed in a well-organized manner;
(3) Arranging the Secretary's photo opportunities and press briefings and managing the logistical requirements associated with those events and with the Secretary's public remarks;
(4) Maintaining the Department's Daily Public Schedule and Week Ahead Schedule;
(5) Serving as the media point of contact for issues related to coverage of all of the Secretary's travel and events; and
(6) When delegated, coordinating and facilitating media coverage of the Deputy Secretaries' public engagements.
1 FAM 005.2-4(F) Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategy (GPA/ST)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategy leads the development and execution of the Bureau's communications strategy, audience research, and analytics. The DAS oversees three offices that collaborate closely with each other, with other GPA Bureau offices, and with public diplomacy practitioners across the Department to coordinate and execute communications content for internal, domestic, and international audiences. The three offices are the Office of Global Communications Strategy (GPA/ST/GCS), the Office of Analytics (GPA/ST/AN), and the Office of Audience Insights and Measurement (GPA/ST/AIM).
1 FAM 005.2-4(F)(1) Office of Global Communications Strategy (GPA/ST/GCS)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Office of Global Communications Strategy (GPA/GCS) is responsible for the development and oversight of the implementation of communication strategies, campaigns, and plans as determined by the Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategy, including cross-cutting issues and events that require a sustained use of the GPA Bureau's human, financial, and programmatic resources. The Office leads and coordinates Department messaging efforts for internal and external audiences, to include domestic and international, promoting key foreign policy priorities. The Office collaborates with bureaus throughout the Department, overseas posts, the White House, and other U.S. Government agencies. GPA/ST/GCS engages in short-, medium- and long-range strategic planning to:
(1) Advance the Administration's priority foreign policies and shape effective messages related to those policies for global media and audiences;
(2) Ensure that communications planning reflects the strategic policy priorities of the Administration and the Secretary, and the long-range goals of the Department;
(3) Create strategic communications plans in alignment with foreign policy priorities and in concert with Bureau, Department, and interagency public affairs and policy experts;
(4) Manage collaboration and cohesion among Department and interagency communications and policy experts regarding public messaging and communications tools around major initiatives and large-scale events;
(5) Convene offices within the GPA Bureau, the Department, and the interagency as planning evolves into implementation;
(6) Advise bureaus and key stakeholders on internal communication strategies and keep the workforce informed of Department-wide foreign policy activities and employee-related programs; and
(7) In partnership with other GPA Bureau and Department offices, track implementation of communications strategies and evaluate outcomes.
1 FAM 005.2-4(F)(2) Office of Analytics (GPA/ST/AN)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Office of Analytics (GPA/ST/AN) supports Department strategic communications by providing analysis on global media content of importance to the Department and its key target audiences, and by maintaining the underlying technological infrastructure for analytics, media monitoring, and research. The Office conducts these activities in consultation with the Office of the Legal Adviser and in compliance with applicable legal authorities and restrictions. Using advanced technical platforms, the Office:
(1) Examines both current and developing stories featured in traditional and social media, including daily coverage, special events, and narrative reports;
(2) Builds and maintains an enterprise-wide platform to surface data and enable expert analysis of global media sources and Department-owned messaging; and
(3) Provides training, consultations, and user support for the Department and interagency on the use of advanced analytical capabilities and methodologies.
1 FAM 005.2-4(F)(3) Office of Audience Insights and Measurement (GPA/ST/AIM)
(CT:ORG-1; 10-09-2026)
The Office of Audience Insights and Measurement (GPA/ST/AIM):
(1) Supports strategic planning and performance measurement to ensure priority GPA communications efforts targeting foreign audiences are designed and managed to achieve measurable strategic objectives and are research-driven;
(2) Conducts research, including surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews, to understand which audiences to target and how to reach them;
(3) Tests content to help Department communicators better engage and persuade target audiences; and
(4) Generates data-driven communications insights based on statistical modeling and Super Intelligence/Machine Learning methods.