As a Lead Public Affairs Specialist, you will be responsible for planning, developing and carrying out programs to disseminate information about the agency, its programs and policies to the general public and/or specific audiences through the news media and other communications channels internally and externally.
This position is located in the Office of Strategic Communication (OSC) in Philadelphia, PA.
Summary
As a Lead Public Affairs Specialist, you will be responsible for planning, developing and carrying out programs to disseminate information about the agency, its programs and policies to the general public and/or specific audiences through the news media and other communications channels internally and externally.
This position is located in the Office of Strategic Communication (OSC) in Philadelphia, PA.
As a Lead Public Affairs Specialist, you will perform the following duties:
Formulate communication plans and procedures through knowledge of proactive outreach such as press pitching and target audience outreach. Provides key communications advice to regional management, including the Regional Administrator/Regional Commissioner, after researching and evaluating program and/or organizational knowledge to determine effective media outlets. The incumbent should consistently stay abreast of current affairs concerning General Services Administration (GSA) business and agency position.
Serve as a team leader over a team of Communication and Public Affairs Specialists (government and contract employees) performing work at the constructive grade level of GS-13 or lower. The work performed by the team is performed in furtherance of both the regional and national Communication Program.
Serve as the liaison between Central Office and regional management to coordinate national and regional level public relations events within the region with consideration of a variety of complex factors and use of judgment in determining the best means of providing information concerning General Services Administration (GSA).
Expedite the progress of potential news items through the clearance process and serves as the main point of contact for media questions within the time sensitive framework of news releases, news products and the 24/7 news cycle. This includes answering follow-up inquiries and researching relevant background information on any news issues that may be required.
US Citizens and National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
Register with Selective Service, if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
Direct Deposit of salary check to financial organization required.
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 political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch.
Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 3 investigation level).
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-13 salary range starts at $94,225 per 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, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level or higher in the Federal service. Specialized experience is extensive public affairs experience directly responding to news media inquiries or experience as a journalist reporting general news or reporting on the activities of a government agency. Such experience must include experience writing news releases and other similar news materials, producing service pieces, feature articles, documentaries or breaking-news reports.
Additional information
Bargaining Unit status: Non-Bargaining Unit
Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.
We are currently filling one vacancy, but 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.
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.
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
Transit and child care subsidies
Flexible spending accounts
Long-term care insurance
Training and development
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:
Skill in analyzing programs and identifying the characteristics of target audiences and determining the most effective communication techniques to use in reaching the public.
Ability to effectively communicate the agency's mission and purpose with internal and external customers.
Knowledge of the events management process sufficient to evaluate the logistics of a planned event from a quality assurance standpoint and recommend changes as appropriate.
Knowledge of communication practices, principles, techniques, and strategies to carry out all aspects of local, regional and major nationwide public affairs programs.
Your answers to the questions will be used to place you in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified
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.
Additional assessments may be used, and, if so, you will be provided with further instructions.
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.
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
Transit and child care subsidies
Flexible spending accounts
Long-term care insurance
Training and development
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.
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 in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
GSA, Office of Strategic Communication
General Services Administration
Washington Service Center (WASC)
1800 F Street NW
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.
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 in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
GSA, Office of Strategic Communication
General Services Administration
Washington Service Center (WASC)
1800 F Street NW
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.
