This position is located in the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG), Office of Legislative Affairs and Communications (OLAC), which has direct reporting to the Inspector General, the Principal Deputy Inspector General, and the Chief of Staff. OLAC facilitates connections and conversations between the OIG leadership, managers, and employees, and other stakeholders to build a relationship based on trust and credibility.
As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will collect information through research to develop and implement communications plans and projects to promote stakeholder engagement and improve the line-of-sight between DoD OIG leadership and employees; develop, maintain, tailor, and deliver agency-wide communication messages and work products using a variety of communications channels and tactics that support overall communication goals; and assess the effectiveness of communications plans, programs, and tactics, with a view to improve future communications efforts.
Summary
This position is located in the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG), Office of Legislative Affairs and Communications (OLAC), which has direct reporting to the Inspector General, the Principal Deputy Inspector General, and the Chief of Staff. OLAC facilitates connections and conversations between the OIG leadership, managers, and employees, and other stakeholders to build a relationship based on trust and credibility.
As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will collect information through research to develop and implement communications plans and projects to promote stakeholder engagement and improve the line-of-sight between DoD OIG leadership and employees; develop, maintain, tailor, and deliver agency-wide communication messages and work products using a variety of communications channels and tactics that support overall communication goals; and assess the effectiveness of communications plans, programs, and tactics, with a view to improve future communications efforts.
As a Public Affairs Specialist GS-1035-12/13, your typical work assignments may include the following:
Develops and manages communications plans, strategies, and tactics to inform and educate audiences about the DoD OIG's complex oversight mission and values and how the agency supports the Department of Defense's mission. Analyzes trends to determine communication needs, develops tactics to meet those needs, and assesses impact of proposed and/or ongoing activities on the OIG's brand.
Responsible for writing and editing articles for internal and external web content. Written articles may be original products developed from interviews and research.
Establishes and maintains close working relationships with key staff members from the DoD OIG Component and Office leadership staff to accomplish agency-wide projects, often balancing multiple projects under time critical situations.
Coordinates the release of information on DoD OIG Intranet (workforce) sites and DoD OIG Internet (public web) sites to ensure content meets communication goals and messages.
Interacts with members of the news media and the public to inform and educate audiences about the DoD OIG's complex oversight mission and values and how the agency supports the Department of Defense's mission.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
Suitability for Federal employment - a 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.
Position has been designated as Non-critical sensitive. Incumbent is required to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
Incumbent is required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and is subject to random drug testing for the duration of service with Department of Defense (DoD) OIG. Organizational entities with the DoD are not required to conduct drug testing for DoD civilian employees moving by transfer or reassignment from one DoD Testing Designated Position (TDP) to another TDP with no break in service within the DoD, unless deemed appropriate on a case-by-case basis by the gaining Component.
U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.
Permanent Change of Duty (PCS-Relocation) expenses MAY BE paid.
Recruitment incentives MAY BE authorized.
If you have not previously successfully completed a probationary period with the federal government in a similar position, you will be required to serve a two-year probationary period.
Qualifications
You may qualify at the GS-12 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability to:
1) Demonstrated ability to write in a variety of styles for a variety of formats to present information that is accurate, grammatically correct, timely, appropriate for the medium, and is engaging. 2) Demonstrated ability to interact with members of the news media and the public to respond to inquiries and engage in proactive communication. 3) Experience in employee communications/command information, and knowledge of publications software and processes and graphic design. 4) Demonstrated ability to use computer graphic software to enhance, crop or otherwise manipulate schematic drawings, illustrations, maps, charts, and photographs to be used in agency publications. 5) Demonstrated proofreading and copy editing skills; knowledge of AP Stylebook.
You may qualify at the GS-13 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability to:
1) Mastery of written communication styles to prepare content for delivery in a variety of formats. Information is accurate, grammatically correct, timely, appropriate for the medium, and engaging. 2) Expert ability to interact with members of the news media and the public to respond to inquiries and engage in proactive communication. 3) Mastery of communication methods and techniques to present information clearly and at an appropriate level for the intended audience. 4) Expert ability to use computer graphic software to enhance, crop or otherwise manipulate schematic drawings, illustrations, maps, charts, and photographs to be used in agency publications. 5) Expert proofreading and copy editing skills; knowledge of AP Stylebook.
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.
Education
Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.
Additional information
Military retirees seeking to enter civil service in the Department of Defense now require a waiver if they are within 180 days following their official date of retirement (5 United States Code 3326.)
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, you must be a preference eligible or a Veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
Position(s) may be filled by displaced Department of Defense (DoD) employees through the Priority Placement Program.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within 90 calendar days of the initial issue date of the referral list.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): Provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. Applicants must be well-qualified, which is defined as meeting all of the minimum qualification standards and eligibility requirements as well as possessing skills that clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position established by the Best Qualified category definition. You must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for this program: a separation notice, a SF-50 documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. Section 8337(h) or Section 8456. Information about ICTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-careertransition/
Any additional documentation that would provide proof of your eligibility category for which you are applying. Required documents are listed next to the eligibility category in the "Other Information" section below.
Submission of a resume alone is NOT a complete application. This position may require the completion of additional form/s and/or supplemental materials. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your application not being considered for employment.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
Persons with Disabilities-Schedule A
Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans
Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
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.
Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified 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):
Mastery of proofreading and copy editing skills; expert knowledge of Associated Press Stylebook
Experience in employee communications/command information, and knowledge of publications software and processes and graphic design
Expert experience producing written material for internal and external web sites and other delivery methods to achieve understanding among audiences with varying comprehension levels
Proficiency with computer graphic software, methods, techniques, and materials used in design, production and reproduction of visual products
Expert skill in interacting with members of the news media
Mastery of communication methods and techniques, including knowledge of correct grammar usage, punctuation, and spelling
Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various internal and external audiences
Ability to analyze, categorize and prioritize large volumes of complex and technical information in order to develop clear, concise and effective communication products
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 work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
College transcript(s), if the position has an education requirement
Most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held (if applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service)
Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities
Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable
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 the closing date of the announcement 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 Angela Grimes at angela.grimes@dodig.mil or (703) 602-4544 to obtain an alternative application.
DODIG - FRONT OFFICE
4800 MARK CENTER DRIVE
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22350
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
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 work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
College transcript(s), if the position has an education requirement
Most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held (if applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service)
Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities
Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable
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 the closing date of the announcement 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 Angela Grimes at angela.grimes@dodig.mil or (703) 602-4544 to obtain an alternative application.
DODIG - FRONT OFFICE
4800 MARK CENTER DRIVE
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22350
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
