As a Client Communication Specialist, you will assist higher level Client Managers on select portions of tasks and projects. The incumbent works under close supervision and guidance and assists in planning, developing and executing a variety of communications projects, which are mostly procedural, smaller scale or limited in scope and complexity. The assignments consist of learning the scope and foundation of GSA communications, program activities, policies, procedures, objectives, and processes.
This position is located in the Office of Strategic Communication (OSC), in Washington, D.C.
The Office of Strategic Communicationsis responsible for being a strategic partner to GSA's organizations and help to achieve the agency's highest priorities through effective and continuously improved communication; and uses unique and fully integrated tactics to meet specific business needs.
GSA has been repeatedly named as one of the 'Best Places to Work' in the Federal Government'. LEARN MORE about why you should choose GSA.
Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
Life insurance coverage with several options
Sick leave and vacation time, including 10 paid holidays per year
Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
Flexible work schedules and telework
Transit and child care subsidies
Training and development
Flexible spending accounts
Long-term care insurance
Training and development
Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area.
This is not a virtual position. The selectee is expected to report to work in the duty station location listed in this vacancy announcement.
If you are eligible under Merit Promotion, you may also apply under Vacancy Announcement #1800236SOMP. You must apply separately to each announcement to be considered for both.
Summary
As a Client Communication Specialist, you will assist higher level Client Managers on select portions of tasks and projects. The incumbent works under close supervision and guidance and assists in planning, developing and executing a variety of communications projects, which are mostly procedural, smaller scale or limited in scope and complexity. The assignments consist of learning the scope and foundation of GSA communications, program activities, policies, procedures, objectives, and processes.
This position is located in the Office of Strategic Communication (OSC), in Washington, D.C.
The Office of Strategic Communicationsis responsible for being a strategic partner to GSA's organizations and help to achieve the agency's highest priorities through effective and continuously improved communication; and uses unique and fully integrated tactics to meet specific business needs.
GSA has been repeatedly named as one of the 'Best Places to Work' in the Federal Government'. LEARN MORE about why you should choose GSA.
Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
Life insurance coverage with several options
Sick leave and vacation time, including 10 paid holidays per year
Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
Flexible work schedules and telework
Transit and child care subsidies
Training and development
Flexible spending accounts
Long-term care insurance
Training and development
Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area.
This is not a virtual position. The selectee is expected to report to work in the duty station location listed in this vacancy announcement.
If you are eligible under Merit Promotion, you may also apply under Vacancy Announcement #1800236SOMP. You must apply separately to each announcement to be considered for both.
As a Client Communications Specialist, you will perform the following duties:
Develops relationships and partnerships with assigned clients. Serves as a liaison between the client and Office of Strategic Communication to provide strategic advice and direction regarding the client's communications needs. Establishes and maintains a close effective working relationship with designated OSC clients, including attending senior meetings, staffing principles. Coordinates communications activities, across the Office of Strategic Communication teams for assigned client(s); develops an understanding of the clients’ business and business needs; creates a comprehensive communications program for clients that includes a defined plan. Applies qualitative and/or quantitative methods to assess and improve the effectiveness and management of GSA written communication initiatives, processes and systems. Serves as a consultant to OSC management and administrative staff on matters relating to the preparation, review, transmittal of communications material; establishes and monitors products to ensure consistency in format and adherence to the applicable writing style and tone. Writes scripts, speeches, talking points and other formal presentation material on behalf of clients. Writes, edits and distributes written materials covering GSA and/or client programs, meetings and scheduled events; drafts, prepares, edits and/or consolidates written material and supporting visual presentation materials, etc, required for meetings and conferences; prepares or edits informational and educational material such as newsletters, handbooks, brochures, web content and other publications; researches background data and interviews sources to write material for newsletters and websites.
US Citizens and National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
Meet time-in-grade within 30 days of the closing date, if applicable
Register with Selective Service, if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
If selected, you must meet the following conditions:
Receive authorization from OPM on any job offer you receive, if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a Schedule A, Schedule C, or non-career SES political appointee
Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security’s e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
Qualifications
For each job on your resume, provide:
the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
number of hours per week you worked (if part time).
If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.
For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.
The GS-09 salary range starts at $56,233per year. The GS-11 salary range starts at $68,036per year. If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.
To qualify at the GS-09 level:
You must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is researching and writing articles for employee or community communications; developing web-based articles and website content in a corporate, government or organizational environment; working with desktop publishing and creative software to create computer-based training modules; preparing various communication materials such as: publication articles, facts, position papers, and information on websites; assisting in delivering select portions of immediate, short- and long-range communications projects;OR
You must have a master's or equivalent level degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or JD, if related; OR
You must possess a combination of graduate level education and appropriate experience that together meet the qualification requirements of this position.
To qualify at the GS-11 level:
You must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is providing advice and guidance on an organization's communications to both external and internal customers; assisting in developing and implementing communication strategies; assisting in facilitating stakeholder meetings; creating and presenting briefing materials; developing various communication materials such as: publication articles, fact sheets, position papers, and information on websites; OR
You must possess 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or PhD or equivalent doctoral degree; OR
You must have a combination of graduate level education beyond the first 2 years of graduate study and appropriate experience that together meet the qualification requirements for this position.
Additional information
Bargaining Unit status: NFFE
If you are selected at a grade lower than the full performance level, you may be promoted up to that grade level without having to re-apply or compete against other applicants.
Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.
Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement as needed; through other means; or not at all.
All 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 and through other means, such as the interview process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work.
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.
We will use a method called Category Rating to assess your application. Here’s how it will work:
You will be scored on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities:
GS-09
Knowledge of customer relationship management tools, initiatives and evolving software tools to aid in varied business assessments and customer needs management.
Knowledge of established communications concepts, methods, principles and practices.
Ability to manage projects, priorities and requirements; with competing deadlines.
Skill in written communications to develop and prepare communication documents.
GS-11
Knowledge of client relationship management tools, initiatives and evolving software tools that aid in varied business assessments and client needs management.
Knowledge of a wide range of communications concepts, methods, principles and practices.
Knowledge of project management techniques and the ability to manage project, priorites and requirements; with competing deadlines.
Knowledge of writing and editing methods and techniques as well as established protocols required to prepare newsletters, webinars, client conferences, formal briefing papers, reports.
Your answers to the questions will be used to place you in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified [If the use of 4 categories is justified, adjust verbiage]. We will verify your answers to the questions in your resume. If your resume doesn’t support your answers, we may lower your score, which could place you in a lower category. Within each category, veterans will receive selection priority over non-veterans.
If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan(ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.
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.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
If you are claiming veterans’ preference:
Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows the dates of your active duty service. If selected, a DD-214 showing your type of discharge (member 4 copy) will be required prior to appointment.
If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (a) completed SF-15 form; and (b) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military - Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, youmust submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
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.
You must submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the Announcement. Errors or omissions may result in your not being considered for this vacancy. You can modify/complete your application any time before the vacancy date/time deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, read the Apply for a GSA Job on the GSA website.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this vacancy.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer); USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process) or FAX (read the “Fax instructions” provided prior to printing the Fax Cover Sheet and faxing your information).
Need Assistance? If you cannot complete any part of the application process listed above, contact the Human Resources Office/representative listed on the announcement prior to the announcement deadline for instructions on how to proceed. Be sure to receive prior HR approval to deviate from these instructions so that your application will be considered.
GSA, Office of Strategic Communication
General Services Administration
1800 F Street NW
Washington Area Service Center (WASC)
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant eligibility and qualifications are reviewed.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: Eligible/Qualified applicants are referred to management for review and possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If a selection is made, a Tentative Offer is extended to the selectee and suitability and/or security background investigation is conducted.
FINAL JOB OFFER: A final job offer is made (typically within 40 days after the closing date/deadline for applications).
FINAL COMMUNICATION TO APPLICANTS: Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status. You may check your status by logging into USAJOBS. Go to My USAJOBS and then to Applications.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
If you are claiming veterans’ preference:
Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows the dates of your active duty service. If selected, a DD-214 showing your type of discharge (member 4 copy) will be required prior to appointment.
If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (a) completed SF-15 form; and (b) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military - Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, youmust submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
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.
You must submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the Announcement. Errors or omissions may result in your not being considered for this vacancy. You can modify/complete your application any time before the vacancy date/time deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, read the Apply for a GSA Job on the GSA website.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this vacancy.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer); USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process) or FAX (read the “Fax instructions” provided prior to printing the Fax Cover Sheet and faxing your information).
Need Assistance? If you cannot complete any part of the application process listed above, contact the Human Resources Office/representative listed on the announcement prior to the announcement deadline for instructions on how to proceed. Be sure to receive prior HR approval to deviate from these instructions so that your application will be considered.
GSA, Office of Strategic Communication
General Services Administration
1800 F Street NW
Washington Area Service Center (WASC)
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant eligibility and qualifications are reviewed.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: Eligible/Qualified applicants are referred to management for review and possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If a selection is made, a Tentative Offer is extended to the selectee and suitability and/or security background investigation is conducted.
FINAL JOB OFFER: A final job offer is made (typically within 40 days after the closing date/deadline for applications).
FINAL COMMUNICATION TO APPLICANTS: Once the position is filled, we will notify all applicants of their final status. You may check your status by logging into USAJOBS. Go to My USAJOBS and then to Applications.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.