As a Public Affairs Specialist at the GS-1035-7/9/11, some of your typical work assignments may include under supervision:

• Collects, assembles, prepares, and disseminates information in support of communications and public awareness programs. Responds to public inquiries for information and support materials.
• Oversees the implementation of the national exhibits program, registration record keeping, and distribution of exhibit inventory. Assists with agency advertising and outreach programs.
• Assists with budget and contract management, inputting data, budget planning, and participation in financial audits.
• Authors written information, such as news releases, articles, speeches, fact sheets, background papers, web content, social media content, and public service announcement copy, so that an intended audience understands the material. Information for communication and media materials must support Agency programs and communication goals with publics with diverse levels of understanding or disagreement with materials presented.
• Briefs information orally or in writing on Agency issues to audiences with differing levels of comprehension and interest. Deals effectively with diverse customers through email, written, faxed, and telephone contacts.
• Establishes the need for information materials to support Agency programs; uses a variety of methods and techniques in achieving communication goals; and provides news releases, feature articles, speeches, fact sheets, background papers, public services announcements, website content, etc., to Region Headquarters and National Headquarters offices.
  
  Writes, edits, and contributes to the Agency's newsletters, materials, and publications, including planning and writing many of the articles/narratives, editing and organizing submissions, and providing appropriate photography/visuals. In coordination with senior staff members and a graphic designer, finalizes editing and prepares materials for publication.
  
  Responsible for production elements of the Agency's Annual Report to Congress. Monitors staff coordination and edits agency-wide submissions. Works with graphic designer to lay-out the report, choosing graphics, typography, and photography for the report. Assists in the oversight of aspects of the production process.
  
  Serves as an Agency point of contact for the public. Deals effectively with media contacts. Communicates with the public on Agency issues. Prepares articles and information for public dissemination.

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

Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). You must include an SF-50 (you may need to submit more than one) that supports meeting this requirement with your application package.

All qualification requirements must be met by midnight (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Qualifications

Qualifications

For GS- 07 - I have completed one (1) year of work experience equivalent to a GS-05 applying knowledge and skill in public awareness and communication methods and adaptation of approaches in developing new information materials and formats aimed at enhancing the public's understanding of significant agency programs and issues. Skill working with standard office automated applications such as photo composition, technical competence with miscellaneous equipment. OR

I have completed one (1) full academic year of graduate education or superior academic achievement.

For GS- 09 - I have completed one (1) full years or more equivalent to a GS-07 of specialized experience utilizing methods and techniques to the solution of complex public affairs problems such as developing and presenting informational material to achieve understanding of various points of view or concepts from publics with varying levels of understanding and different interests and perspectives on the subjects; employing a number of information gathering techniques in collecting and analyzing public reaction to information programs; and developing recommendations for management in improving the agency's communication with the general public and specialized groups. OR

I possess a master's degree OR I have completed 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D.

For GS-11 - I have completed one (1) full years or more equivalent to a GS-09 in establishing the need for information materials to support Agency programs; uses a variety of methods and techniques in achieving communication goals; and provides news releases, feature articles, speeches, fact sheets, background papers, public services announcements, website content, etc., to Region Headquarters and National Headquarters offices. OR

I possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or I have completed 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M.,

OPM's Group Coverage Qualification Standards for Administrative and Management Positions. One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Group-Standards.

The qualification requirements listed below must be met within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

http://www.opm.gov/retire/retire_jobseekers.asp.Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

1. Communication and Media: Knowledge of the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
2. Information Management: Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
3. Oral Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
4. Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material that is appropriate for the intended audience.
5. External Awareness: Identifies and understands economic, political, and social trends that affect the organization.
6. Influencing/Negotiating: Persuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior; works with others towards an agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions.