The Federal Housing Finance Agency's mission is to ensure that the housing Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) operate in a safe and sound manner so that they serve as a reliable source of liquidity and funding for housing finance and community investment.
Office of Congressional Affairs and Communication Overview
The Office of Congressional Affairs and Communications (OCAC) is responsible for coordinating contact and communication with all external parties, including members of the public, the media, Congress, trade associations and other regulators. The Office also maintains FHFA's public website and intranet.
Position Overview
The employee serves as the Manager of the Communications Branch within OCAC and supports the Senior Associate Director for Congressional Affairs and Communications. The employee serves as the subject matter expert on a wide range of Agency communications strategies pertaining to key stakeholders. The incumbent also supervises a staff responsible for developing plans, programs, and procedures relevant to the full spectrum of communications programs.
Summary
FHFA Overview
The Federal Housing Finance Agency's mission is to ensure that the housing Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) operate in a safe and sound manner so that they serve as a reliable source of liquidity and funding for housing finance and community investment.
Office of Congressional Affairs and Communication Overview
The Office of Congressional Affairs and Communications (OCAC) is responsible for coordinating contact and communication with all external parties, including members of the public, the media, Congress, trade associations and other regulators. The Office also maintains FHFA's public website and intranet.
Position Overview
The employee serves as the Manager of the Communications Branch within OCAC and supports the Senior Associate Director for Congressional Affairs and Communications. The employee serves as the subject matter expert on a wide range of Agency communications strategies pertaining to key stakeholders. The incumbent also supervises a staff responsible for developing plans, programs, and procedures relevant to the full spectrum of communications programs.
As a Supervisory Communications Specialist, EL 301-15, your typical work assignments may include the following:
Provides strategic and operational expertise to the Senior Associate Director for OCAC. Participates in major decisions and general management of the office.
Participates in major decisions and general management of the office.
Manages a staff of Communications Specialists and leads all day-to-day agency communications, internal and external.
Uses advanced technical knowledge of housing finance, banking and finance issues, including knowledge of both the primary and secondary mortgage markets as well as familiarity with laws and regulations affecting the secondary mortgage market to provide strategic guidance and direction to executives. Provides recommendations and advice on complex finance issues to employees conducting communications functions, some of which are of sensitive and confidential nature.
Oversees the management of the Communications Branch, directing and coordinating outreach and communications for Agency programs and policies. Analyzes the implications and impact of current and proposed policies, programs, and practices, with discretion to develop recommendations to approve courses of action and resolve concerns of major significance.
Recruits, leads, motivates, and develops a staff of employees. Evaluates performance in accordance with FHFA guidelines; has full authority to make a broad range of human resource decisions including hiring, promotion, adverse actions, performance evaluation/awards, and the development/training/mentoring of staff. Models innovation, creativity, and excellence and encourages the development of those competencies throughout FHFA. Performs these duties following and promoting equal employment opportunity principles.
Establishes objectives and goals in support of the office's mission and strategic/operating plans. Develops short and long term plans and establishes priorities. Plans and manages resources with accountability for achievement of organizational goals and objectives and for overall office results.
With respect to external communications, the incumbent: guides and coordinates the activities of the agency's Communication Specialists in working with the media and external stakeholders; provides advice to the Senior AD for OCAC and the Office of the Director with respect to media requests and interactions; directs and controls the agency's media activities, ensuring proper tracking of incoming media requests and issuance of timely, accurate, and appropriate responses; works with the Webmaster to ensure that the agency's website is kept up-to-date and complete, and assists Webmaster with an ongoing review program to ensure quality and accuracy of content. Also oversees the agency's social media presence and video and graphics production.
With respect to internal communications, the incumbent: directs an ongoing effort of providing agency staff with timely, complete, and accurate information regarding agency activities and policies; works with the Office of the Director to manage and promote strong internal communication with staff, utilizing an array of communication mechanisms, including Town hall meetings, TV monitors, agency intranet and agency newsletters; and oversees the editor of agency-wide newsletters. Also, prepares staff for media and public engagements, including tracking staff participation in external events.
Drafts and oversees the drafting of a variety of external and internal written communications. Ensures accuracy of content, clarity of message, completeness, usage, and adherence to agency style and format.
Coordinates external communications with the regulated entities on key initiatives. Manages oversight of external communications by the Enterprises, while in conservatorship, which includes review and approval of press releases, statements and public engagements, as well as ensuring consistent applications of conservatorship communication standards and establishing and maintaining regular engagements with the Enterprises.
Assists with speechwriting, editing of public reports, and public correspondence activities.
Assists with the agency's day-to-day industry relations activities and outreach.
Coordinates with the AD for Congressional Affairs, the Senior AD for OCAC, and the Office of the Director in developing and communicating the agency's message.
Assists the Senior AD for OCAC with special programs and events.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
It is strongly recommended that candidates with status include an SF 50 showing competitive status and highest grade held on a permanent basis.
Qualifications
Qualifying experience for the EL-15 level includes one year of specialized experience at the equivalent to EL-14 which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience include the following:
Managed and led all day-to-day agency communications, internal and external through a staff of communication professionals.
Guided and coordinated the activities of an agency's Communication Specialists in working with the media and external stakeholders;
Directed ongoing efforts of providing the media and external stakeholders with timely, complete, and accurate information regarding agency activities and policies;
Experience with advanced and complex analytical theories using technical knowledge of housing finance, banking and finance issues, including both the primary and secondary mortgage markets, as well as familiarity with laws and regulations affecting the secondary mortgage market to guide staff under supervision.
Experience working with and knowledge of the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008, Protecting American Taxpayers and Homeowners Act, Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act, or other housing finance reform related legislation.
Experience in a communication position that encompass housing finance policy and/or the secondary mortgage market or financial institutions.
Experience with speechwriting, editing of public reports, and public correspondence activities that relate to the housing.
Experience dealing with matters that encompass housing finance policy and/or the secondary mortgage market or financial institutions, preferably while at a trade association, in the legislative branch or at a federal agency.
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.
Additional information
If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply 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 CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 95 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.
Reasonable Accommodations: This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, except when doing so would pose an undue hardship on the employing agency. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency at (202) 649-3675. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Ethics: FHFA employees are subject to government-wide ethical standards of conduct, financial disclosure requirements, and post-employment prohibitions. In addition, certain FHFA employees are prohibited from accepting compensation from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a two-year period after terminating employment with FHFA. Furthermore, to avoid financial conflicts-of interest or the appearance of conflicts-of-interest, FHFA employees may need to divest or sell certain assets they, their spouse, or minor children own or control, including securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Home Loan Banks. Employees who work on Federal Home Loan Bank issues may need to sell or divest financial interests with any of the Federal Home Loan Bank members, which may include stock in bank holding companies, insurance companies, and other financial services firms. Questions regarding these requirements and prohibitions should be directed to the Office of General Counsel at (202) 649-3088.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Status candidates will be rated based on your responses to the job specific questionnaire and assigned a score ranging from 70 to 100 points. The top ten candidates, and candidates tied for the tenth spot, will be referred for selection.
All other candidates who meet the basic qualification requirements for this vacancy will be rated according to Category Rating Procedures. Based on your veteran's status and responses to the job specific questioner you will be assigned to a pre-defined quality category. There will be three quality categories: Highly Qualified, Well Qualified and Qualified. Generally, only candidates in the top quality category will be referred to the hiring manager.
All of the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references or through other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. It is highly recommended that current or former Federal government employees with status submit an SF 50 showing status, career tenure, and highest grade held on a permanent appointment.
3. Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/15/2017 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Janice Obeido at janice.obeido@fhfa.gov or (202) 649-3742 to obtain an alternative application.
OFC OF CONGRESSIONAL AFFAIRS and CO
400 7th Street
Washington, DC 20219
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your materials to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in his/her resume and the completed Occupational Questionnaire. Applicants deemed best-qualified may be contacted for an interview. We anticipate making a final job offer for this position within 45 days after the deadline for applications. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. It is highly recommended that current or former Federal government employees with status submit an SF 50 showing status, career tenure, and highest grade held on a permanent appointment.
3. Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/15/2017 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Janice Obeido at janice.obeido@fhfa.gov or (202) 649-3742 to obtain an alternative application.
OFC OF CONGRESSIONAL AFFAIRS and CO
400 7th Street
Washington, DC 20219
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your materials to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in his/her resume and the completed Occupational Questionnaire. Applicants deemed best-qualified may be contacted for an interview. We anticipate making a final job offer for this position within 45 days after the deadline for applications. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
