The U.S. Small Business Administration seeks an experienced, talented public affairs and communications professional to report to
the Region II Administrator, and serve as Regional Communications Director. Stationed in New York City, New York, this position will
serve SBA's dynamic Region II, covering New York, Buffalo, Syracuse, New Jersey and Puerto Rico/VI. The Regional Communications Director acts as the agency's primary spokesperson for multiple states, and is responsible for marketing, brand expansion, media outreach, social media, speech writing, and coordination of high level events throughout the region. Creative self-starters who take initiative, and thrive in a fast moving, dynamic, high visibility environment are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. Some overnight travel is required, and the position will work occasional weekend and evening hours. Bilingual skills are a plus.
This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position.
This is not a (drug) testing designated position (TDP).
The full performance level of this position is: GS-13.
This position is located in the Small Business Administration, Office of Field Operations - Region II in New York City, New York.
As a Public Affairs Specialist (Regional Communications Director - RCD), in the Regional Office, the incumbent plans, directs,
coordinates, and executes the Small Business Administration's (SBA) marketing, communications, and public affairs functions for
internal and external communications throughout the assigned area.
Summary
The U.S. Small Business Administration seeks an experienced, talented public affairs and communications professional to report to
the Region II Administrator, and serve as Regional Communications Director. Stationed in New York City, New York, this position will
serve SBA's dynamic Region II, covering New York, Buffalo, Syracuse, New Jersey and Puerto Rico/VI. The Regional Communications Director acts as the agency's primary spokesperson for multiple states, and is responsible for marketing, brand expansion, media outreach, social media, speech writing, and coordination of high level events throughout the region. Creative self-starters who take initiative, and thrive in a fast moving, dynamic, high visibility environment are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. Some overnight travel is required, and the position will work occasional weekend and evening hours. Bilingual skills are a plus.
This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position.
This is not a (drug) testing designated position (TDP).
The full performance level of this position is: GS-13.
This position is located in the Small Business Administration, Office of Field Operations - Region II in New York City, New York.
As a Public Affairs Specialist (Regional Communications Director - RCD), in the Regional Office, the incumbent plans, directs,
coordinates, and executes the Small Business Administration's (SBA) marketing, communications, and public affairs functions for
internal and external communications throughout the assigned area.
Effectively strategizes, markets, and communicates about agency initiatives, programs, and events to diverse audience groups.
Working across the organization, effectively plans, develops, & supports high level events with agency leadership to promote organization's initiatives.
Develops & maintains wide, diverse networks of media contacts and opportunities in order to effectively respond to media and internal/external stakeholder requests for information in a timely manner.
Positions the organization for success by developing new opportunities, improving products or services, taking calculated risks to accomplish organizational objectives, identifying risks and problems, determining accuracy and relevance of information, and using sound judgment to evaluate alternatives, and make recommendations.
Develop standard operating procedures for the Region that recognize the internal and external politics that impact the organization's work, accurately evaluate organizational and political realities, and respond accordingly.
Creates a broad range of timely, high quality written materials that influence acceptance of, improve awareness about, and increase participation in agency activities and programs.
Creates and posts daily content onto verified Regional Twitter account and national Facebook account, develops strategies to increase number of followers, and monitors accounts for reactions, feedback, and engagement.
You must successfully complete a background investigation.
You may be required to serve on a one-year probationary period.
Qualifications
GS-1035-13:
One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or
public sector:
Preparing key messages, talking points and public a??airs guidance for issues that may generate external or media interest; AND
Leading the development and implementation of communications initiatives that reach a wide variety of audiences; AND
Advising and assisting senior leadership in implementing public relations strategies, planning projects and events; AND
Preparing and conducting relevant training for leadership and public affairs staff.
Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on OPM's Qualifications web site.
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.
All qualification requirements must be met by 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
Additional information
SUITABILITY, CLEARANCE & REQUIREMENTS: A background investigation may be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
CTAP/ICTAP APPLICANTS: If you are applying for a special selection priority under SBA's Career Transition Assistance Plan (open to surplus SBA employees only) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (open to surplus and displaced Federal employees), you must submit proof of eligibility. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at: CTAP/ICTAP.Those new to the federal government will typically be hired at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. For additional information visit www.sss.gov.
Consistent with work requirements and current SBA Policy, and all applicable provisions of the collective bargaining agreement with AFGE the SBA offers employees opportunities to perform work at an alternative location (e.g. home).
Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement if additional vacancies occur within 180 days of the date the certificates were issued.
OTHER EVALUATIONS: The Small Business Administration is committed to building a high-performing, 21st century workforce that possesses the following core attributes: cultural astuteness, technological proficiency, articulate, strong writing capabilities, superior conflict resolution skills, and exceptional presentation skills. Candidates should be prepared as they may be further evaluated on these attributes throughout the application and selection process.
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.
Responsibilities:
The Regional Communications Director is responsible for a broad range of duties that contribute to awareness, utilization, and
positive perception of the Small Business Administration's programs, products, and initiatives by the public, industry groups, small
businesses, trade organizations, and communities. Through the development of a variety of written materials including marketing
strategies, communications plans, speeches, press releases, editorials, and social media posts, the Regional Communications
Director influences usage and acceptance of agency resources that support small businesses and entrepreneurs. This position
works closely with staff in Headquarters and District Offices to develop high impact events which support and showcase national
initiatives, generate positive and extensive media coverage, and increase SBA market share. This position serves as a subject matter
expert for District staff on social media, press, communications, marketing and publicity, and provides regular training on these
topics to field staff.
Applicants meeting basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on the information provided in the Occupational Questionnaire. To preview this questionnaire, click on the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10185792. You will be rated based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire. The occupational questions relate to the following Competencies required to do the work of this position:
Communication
Flexibility
Media
Sales and Marketing
Social Media
Strategic Thinking
Teamwork
Your application will be evaluated under the Category Rating method based on your responses to the assessment questions. You will receive a score based on the responses to the assessment questions. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience your score can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities. If you meet basic requirements for the position, your application will be evaluated and placed into one of three categories:
1. Best-Qualified: highly proficient with an overall comprehensive level of knowledge, skills and abilities related to the job based on a complete review of experience, education, and training as described in an applicant's responses to the assessment questions and resume. 2. Well-Qualified: competent in the position with an overall accomplished level of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the job based on a complete review of experience, training, and education as applicable, as described in an applicant's responses to the assessment questions and resume. 3. Qualified: an overall basic level of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the job based on a complete review of experience, education, and training, as described in an applicant's responses to the assessment questions and resume.
Candidates eligible for veterans' preference will be placed ahead of other candidates in the appropriate category for which they have been rated. Additionally, preference eligibles who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent and who meet Minimum Qualification Requirements will automatically be placed in the Best Qualified Category.
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. Your Resume - must contain the following information:
Name, address, telephone number, email address;
Supervisor's contact information, if available (indicate if you would prefer to be notified before your supervisor is contacted);
Job Title (if Federal Service, provide series and grade; if not in GS plan, provide GS equivalent grade);
If qualifying based on related unpaid (e.g. volunteer service) experience, you must provide hours worked per week and beginning/ending dates (mm/dd/yyyy to mm/dd/yyyy);
If other than full time you must provide hours worked per week.
An integral part of our selection process includes the completion of reference checks. Please provide the names and telephone numbers of three professional references (e.g., current and/or former supervisors, college or university professors, managers or coordinators of volunteer activities, etc.) who know your qualifications relative to this position and who we can contact to verify your credentials. Do not list personal friends or relatives.
PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination.
Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates (mm/dd/yyyy - mm/dd/yyyy) of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level.
Should you submit multiple resumes, only the latest uploaded resume will be reviewed.
2. A complete Occupational Questionnaire
3. In addition to the online application (resume and responses to the occupational questionnaire), you are required to submit the following forms, if applicable. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all documents are legible.
If you are using education as a substitution for experience (the announcement will state whether this is allowed), or if there is an educational requirement for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcripts (unofficial or official) that clearly describes your qualifying education. If selected, official transcripts will be required;
If you are claiming Veteran status, you must submit a copy of all required documents to support your claim (to include member 4 copy of your DD-214 showing character of service)--see VetGuide;
Veterans who are still in the service may be granted tentative preference on the basis of information contained in their applications, but they must produce a DD-214 (showing the character of service) or other proof of service to receive consideration for veterans' preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit FedsHireVets.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.
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions will affect your rating. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience your rating may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities.
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 04/26/2018 to receive consideration.
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.
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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, 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.
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 Field Operations - Region II
26 Federal Plaza
Suite 3108
New York, NY 10278
US
Next steps
Once your responses to the occupational questionnaire are received by our system, you will be sent an acknowledgement email stating that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. During the evaluation and interview process you may be asked to provide written responses to questions or writing samples. You may track the status of the application process through USAJOBS and you will be notified of the outcome.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. Your Resume - must contain the following information:
Name, address, telephone number, email address;
Supervisor's contact information, if available (indicate if you would prefer to be notified before your supervisor is contacted);
Job Title (if Federal Service, provide series and grade; if not in GS plan, provide GS equivalent grade);
If qualifying based on related unpaid (e.g. volunteer service) experience, you must provide hours worked per week and beginning/ending dates (mm/dd/yyyy to mm/dd/yyyy);
If other than full time you must provide hours worked per week.
An integral part of our selection process includes the completion of reference checks. Please provide the names and telephone numbers of three professional references (e.g., current and/or former supervisors, college or university professors, managers or coordinators of volunteer activities, etc.) who know your qualifications relative to this position and who we can contact to verify your credentials. Do not list personal friends or relatives.
PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume/application does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
Your resume must contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make a qualification determination.
Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates (mm/dd/yyyy - mm/dd/yyyy) of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level.
Should you submit multiple resumes, only the latest uploaded resume will be reviewed.
2. A complete Occupational Questionnaire
3. In addition to the online application (resume and responses to the occupational questionnaire), you are required to submit the following forms, if applicable. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all documents are legible.
If you are using education as a substitution for experience (the announcement will state whether this is allowed), or if there is an educational requirement for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcripts (unofficial or official) that clearly describes your qualifying education. If selected, official transcripts will be required;
If you are claiming Veteran status, you must submit a copy of all required documents to support your claim (to include member 4 copy of your DD-214 showing character of service)--see VetGuide;
Veterans who are still in the service may be granted tentative preference on the basis of information contained in their applications, but they must produce a DD-214 (showing the character of service) or other proof of service to receive consideration for veterans' preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit FedsHireVets.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.
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions will affect your rating. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience your rating may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities.
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 04/26/2018 to receive consideration.
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.
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.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, 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.
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 Field Operations - Region II
26 Federal Plaza
Suite 3108
New York, NY 10278
US
Next steps
Once your responses to the occupational questionnaire are received by our system, you will be sent an acknowledgement email stating that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. During the evaluation and interview process you may be asked to provide written responses to questions or writing samples. You may track the status of the application process through USAJOBS and you will be notified of the outcome.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
