The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission) is a great place to work, and we aren't the only ones who think so. We were rated "Most Improved Small Agency" in 2013 by the Partnership for Public Service and ranked 2nd overall in the 2017 Best Places to Work Index.
An independent Federal agency, the Commission provides the President and Congress with high-quality analysis and technical support on international trade, tariff and competitiveness issues; hears and decides import injury cases; and publishes the United States' tariff schedule. You will find a working environment throughout the Commission that is dedicated to the development of your technical skills and a commitment to provide balance between your work and personal life.
This position is located in the Office of External Relations. The Director of the Office of External Relations (ER) will provide leadership and direction to create and maintain an effective liaison program between the USITC and its varied external customers.
A successful candidate in this position will plan, manage, direct, prepare, and implement a multi-faceted communication program and lead or manage the Commission's relationship with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and other Federal agencies, Congress, State and local agencies, foreign governments, and international organizations. The Director will also initiate actions to enhance public awareness of the Commission, as well as internal and external communications.
This position is also announced through merit promotion procedures under MP-18-043-RJ. You must apply to both announcements if you wish to be considered under delegated examining and merit promotion procedures.
Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission) is a great place to work, and we aren't the only ones who think so. We were rated "Most Improved Small Agency" in 2013 by the Partnership for Public Service and ranked 2nd overall in the 2017 Best Places to Work Index.
An independent Federal agency, the Commission provides the President and Congress with high-quality analysis and technical support on international trade, tariff and competitiveness issues; hears and decides import injury cases; and publishes the United States' tariff schedule. You will find a working environment throughout the Commission that is dedicated to the development of your technical skills and a commitment to provide balance between your work and personal life.
This position is located in the Office of External Relations. The Director of the Office of External Relations (ER) will provide leadership and direction to create and maintain an effective liaison program between the USITC and its varied external customers.
A successful candidate in this position will plan, manage, direct, prepare, and implement a multi-faceted communication program and lead or manage the Commission's relationship with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and other Federal agencies, Congress, State and local agencies, foreign governments, and international organizations. The Director will also initiate actions to enhance public awareness of the Commission, as well as internal and external communications.
This position is also announced through merit promotion procedures under MP-18-043-RJ. You must apply to both announcements if you wish to be considered under delegated examining and merit promotion procedures.
As the Director, Office of External Relations, you will:
Develop, manage, and coordinate consistent and timely external communications policies, strategies, products, and services, and effectively utilize communications tools to enhance relations with Congress, the media, stakeholders, and the general public, in order to increase the awareness of the agency's major initiatives, policies, regulations, and goals;
Advise the Chairman, Commissioners, and senior management officials concerning requests from, and other communications with, external stakeholders regarding policy and other determinations of interest to the USITC and make recommendations accordingly;
Direct, supervise and monitor an office that works to build relationships with Congress, the news and information media, key officials, specialized groups, and stakeholders interested in or affected by agency mandates, investigations and programs, and the general public in order to create a meaningful exchange between them and the agency's officials;
Communicate and disseminate program information which results in an understanding of the USITC's mission and activities;
Coordinate USITC responses to requests for statutory investigations and other information from the President, USTR, other executive branch agencies, and Congress regarding the provision of information assistance from the USITC; represent the USITC at interagency meetings;
Supervise and monitor the Trade Remedy Assistance Office (TRAO) in order to provide assistance to eligible small businesses to enable them to prepare and file petitions and applications; and seek to obtain the remedies and benefits available under the trade laws, including by administrative review or appeal;
Evaluate external communications and outreach policies and activities, and recommend modification and adoption of policies and strategies to implement a proactive and responsive program that will ensure dissemination and use of coordinated themes and messages; and
Provide management and leadership to the Office of External Relations staff.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required.
You will be required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below by the closing date of this announcement. Education may only be substituted in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order to be credited towards qualifications. Applicants must have the general and specialized experience outlined below which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
Selective Placement Factor
This position requires a Selective Placement Factor for successful performance upon entering the job. Selective Placement Factors are knowledge, skills, and/or abilities that are essential for satisfactory performance on the job. You will be ineligible for further consideration if you do not possess it.
To be considered for this position you MUST have: Demonstrated knowledge of factors influencing trade policy and industry competitiveness in order to serve as a spokesperson and principal advisor to senior officials.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-14) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:
Senior-level experience in conceptualizing and implementing a multi-faceted communications program with demonstrated ability to successfully communicate sensitive and technically-complex industry, economic, and international trade policy and public affairs issues, activities, and objectives to support effective communication and outreach with key stakeholders, including Congress.
Demonstrated leadership in the execution of policies and strategies for messaging across the organization; experience conveying complex strategies, presenting persuasive arguments, and soliciting support of high-level officials to implement initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders, including US and foreign government officials; an established communications expert who thinks strategically, exercises discretion, and has excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to effectively lead, manage, motivate, and supervise a team of employees.
Senior-level public affairs experience to include planning and executing strategy, activities, and objectives to support effective communication and outreach with key internal and external stakeholders.
Education
This vacancy does not have an education requirement.
Additional information
1. Persons with Disabilities: Individuals with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities may apply for appointment through the Schedule A hiring authority. Certified verification of a disability from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal, state, or District of Columbia agency or U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits will be required.
2. Male applicants born after 12/31/59 are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act. The Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience(s) and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. In order to fully evaluate your application and receive proper credit, your resume should include: (1) paid and non-paid experience, job title, dates held (month and year for qualifying purposes to receive credit), number of hours worked per week, and salary (2) knowledge of the subject matter and technical skills pertinent to this position; (3) specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work; and (4) names and phone numbers of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic/specialized experience requirements as stated in this job opportunity announcement for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of consideration.
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.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
Experience in a senior capacity in a Federal External Relations Office or equivalent experience.
Ability to analyze and interpret information in order to respond to external inquiries.
Experience serving as an advisor to high level management officials.
Superior skill in oral and written communication.
Knowledge of Congressional Rules and procedures, and dynamics of the legislative process.
Ability to manage and lead a team.
We will evaluate your relevant education and/or work experience as they relate to the competencies, knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) mentioned above. 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. Based on the results of this evaluation, you will be placed in one of the following categories:
Best: This category indicates you have the type and quality of experience and/or education that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, including any selective placement factors and/or appropriate quality ranking factor(s).
Better: This category indicates you have the type and quality of experience and/or education that exceed the minimum qualifications of the position.
Good: This category indicates you meet the minimum qualifications and/or education of the position and are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the position. You may require extensive training and/or orientation in order to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position.
Candidates in the Best category will be the first ones sent to the hiring manager for interview consideration.
Upon closing of this announcement, we will first review your application to ensure it is complete. If you fail to submit all the required documentation, you will be ineligible for further review or consideration. Completed applications are then evaluated for basic qualifications requirements, and for the skills needed to perform the duties of the position, as described in the vacancy announcement and identified by the Selecting Official for the position.
Due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR § 335.103(b)(3), during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager.
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.
1. Resume: Your resume may be in any written format you choose, and to be sufficient, should contain the required information as specified in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. Insufficient resumes, or resumes that contain inappropriate information, such as privacy information, detailed security clearance documents, copies of driver's licenses or passports, any photographs, etc., will result in an ineligible rating.
2. Occupational questionnaire: A completed job-specific occupational questionnaire, submitted through your Application Manager account, or faxed via the methods outlined in the How to Apply section.
3. Veterans' Preference: If claiming veterans' preference, you must indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume.
For 5-point veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge which must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. If you are currently on active duty, you must provide an official statement of service from your command/unit which states the date you entered active duty, expected discharge type and date, and campaign medals you have received OR other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm your discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not receive credit for the claimed active duty military service.
For 10-point veteran's preference, you must submit an SF-15 and any documentation required by this form to support your claim. If we cannot verify your 10-point preference status, you will receive 5-point preference if veterans' preference requirements have been met. To gain access to your DD-214 online, please visit: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/. The SF-15, which lists the type of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management website at: http://www.opm.gov.
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 occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/28/2018 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
3. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
4. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Office of External Relations
500 E St SW
Washington, DC 20436
US
Next steps
You will receive an auto-generated e-mail from USAJOBS informing you of the receipt of your application. After the closing date of the announcement, your application package will be reviewed by the Human Resources Office for completeness and satisfaction of the basic qualification requirements for this position. Applicants who have complete applications and meet the basic qualification requirement are referred to the hiring official in accordance with the process outlined in the How You Will Be Evaluated section of this announcement.
You will be notified on the status of your application on the following activities:
Receipt of your application;
Minimum qualification determination;
Whether or not your application was in the group for referral to the hiring official; and,
The final outcome of the vacancy.
These notices will be posted directly on your USAJOBS account.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. Resume: Your resume may be in any written format you choose, and to be sufficient, should contain the required information as specified in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. Insufficient resumes, or resumes that contain inappropriate information, such as privacy information, detailed security clearance documents, copies of driver's licenses or passports, any photographs, etc., will result in an ineligible rating.
2. Occupational questionnaire: A completed job-specific occupational questionnaire, submitted through your Application Manager account, or faxed via the methods outlined in the How to Apply section.
3. Veterans' Preference: If claiming veterans' preference, you must indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume.
For 5-point veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge which must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. If you are currently on active duty, you must provide an official statement of service from your command/unit which states the date you entered active duty, expected discharge type and date, and campaign medals you have received OR other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm your discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not receive credit for the claimed active duty military service.
For 10-point veteran's preference, you must submit an SF-15 and any documentation required by this form to support your claim. If we cannot verify your 10-point preference status, you will receive 5-point preference if veterans' preference requirements have been met. To gain access to your DD-214 online, please visit: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/. The SF-15, which lists the type of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management website at: http://www.opm.gov.
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 occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/28/2018 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
3. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
4. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Office of External Relations
500 E St SW
Washington, DC 20436
US
Next steps
You will receive an auto-generated e-mail from USAJOBS informing you of the receipt of your application. After the closing date of the announcement, your application package will be reviewed by the Human Resources Office for completeness and satisfaction of the basic qualification requirements for this position. Applicants who have complete applications and meet the basic qualification requirement are referred to the hiring official in accordance with the process outlined in the How You Will Be Evaluated section of this announcement.
You will be notified on the status of your application on the following activities:
Receipt of your application;
Minimum qualification determination;
Whether or not your application was in the group for referral to the hiring official; and,
The final outcome of the vacancy.
These notices will be posted directly on your USAJOBS account.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
