This position is part of the Director, Bureau of Indian Education, Bureau of Indian Education. As a Communications Specialist you will be responsible for responsible for creating and maintaining a positive public image for BIE, maintaining liaisons with the Indian Affairs Public Affairs Office, media, the public, and other Federal and state agencies to provide information on BIE's programs and activities.
Summary
This position is part of the Director, Bureau of Indian Education, Bureau of Indian Education. As a Communications Specialist you will be responsible for responsible for creating and maintaining a positive public image for BIE, maintaining liaisons with the Indian Affairs Public Affairs Office, media, the public, and other Federal and state agencies to provide information on BIE's programs and activities.
As a Communications Specialist GS-1001-14, your typical work assignments may include the following under supervision:
Responsible for creating and maintaining a positive public image for BIE.
Maintaining liaisons with the Indian Affairs Public Affairs Office, media, the public, and other Federal and state agencies to provide information on BIE's programs and activities.
Participates in actively with the executive managers and staff of the BIE to prepare or assist on speeches and articles for key officials in the Bureau.
Develops and implements internal and external communications plans, news releases on major developments, general publications and audio-visual materials.
Coordinates the development of briefs and work plans, the release of newsworthy information, press releases, and updates to the website and social media platforms, and newsletters and coordinates media events with the public.
Evaluates and refines the effectiveness of short and long range communication goals.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
GS-14: One (1) year of specialized experience that equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position. This experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service that includes planning, developing, executing, and administering and coordinating an integrated strategic communications plan; creating and maintaining a positive public image for an organization, maintaining liaisons with public affairs offices, media, the public, and other Federal and state agencies to provide information on organizational programs and activities; preparing or assisting on speeches and articles for key officials, news releases on major developments, general publications and audio-visual materials; making determinations on what information is suitable for release and dissemination; develop and implement new, sound solutions to difficult and complex public affairs concerns.
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTORS: In addition to the specialized experience applicant must possess the additional knowledge, skills, and abilities requirements.
Must possess one year experience in the Federal service or its equivalent that includes recent operational (hands on) experience as a senior communications leader in a national organization engaging stakeholders at the local, state, federal and tribal levels; awareness and adaptability managing dynamic and multi-faceted media inquiries and public relations work; experience resolving public opinion issues while creating or directing process improvement functions, including near and long term communications planning. (Make sure your resume supports your responses) AND
Must possess at a Journeyman level knowledge (at the GS-13 in the Federal Civilian Service or its equivalent) of at least four of the following communication functional areas: proactive communications planning, developing newsletters and articles, internal and external communications best practices implementation, website development and enhancement, public speaking, development of opinion editorials, speech, script and testimony development, developing communications protocols and policies; with documented training and/or demonstrated experience in these functional areas showing you can perform the functions. (Make sure your resume supports your responses) AND
Documented training and/or experience that shows the ability to provide expert advice in at least four of the following Federal program areas: public interface, proactive communications planning, developing newsletters and articles, internal and external communications best practices implementation, website development and enhancement, public speaking, development of opinion editorials, speech, script and testimony development, developing communications protocols and polices; serving as a communications advisor to the executive management team. (Make sure your resume supports your responses)
Only experience obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year (52 weeks) of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service.
Education
EDUCATION: There is no education requirement for this position.
Additional information
CTAP/ICTAP: Department of the Interior (DOI) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) procedures apply in filling this vacancy. 5 CFR 330, Career Transition Assistance for Surplus and Displaced Federal Employees requires the following order of selection for this position:
a) At Bureau option, personnel actions listed in 5 CFR 330.606(b);
b) Any well-qualified SSP candidate who applies within the local commuting area (Surplus and displaced employees will be given equal consideration);
c) At Bureau option, personnel actions not subject to RPL;
d) Qualified RPL candidates in the local commuting area;
e) At Bureau discretion, any other former displaced well-qualified DOI employee, e.g. a well-qualified RPL candidate who applies from outside the local commuting area;
f) Well-qualified ICTAP applicants in the local commuting area;
g) Other outside applicants (other agencies, nonstatus, etc.);
h) To be considered well-qualified, a CTAP/ICTAP applicant must meet the basic qualification requirements with a minimum score of 85 on the Assessment Questionnaire.
If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
The Bureau of Indian Education has determined that the duties of this position are suitable scheduled, situational and for emergency telework.
STATUS CANDIDATES: Consideration will be given to Non-Indian applicants (Status or Reinstatement eligibles) in the absence of a qualified Indian Preference eligible. Applicants not entitled to Indian or Veteran's Preference must be Federal civilian employees with competitive status or former Federal civilian employees with reinstatement eligibility and must submit latest Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50B, as proof.
VETERANS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACT (VEOA): Preference eligibles may apply for permanent positions (career or career-conditional appointments) under merit promotion procedures for VEOA appointments; however, veteran's preference is not a factor in these appointments. To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, a veteran must be a preference eligible OR veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. Applicants must submit a copy of their DD-214 (Member Copy 4) for verification of eligibility. For more information about this program and to determine whether you are eligible, click here.
FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: Former Federal Employees are required to indicate whether they received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) buyout in their previous employment with the Federal government, and are required to submit a copy of the applicable Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) regarding the VSIP. The majority of individuals, who accept reemployment with the Federal government within 5 years of receiving the VSIP amount, must repay the gross amount of the separation pay prior to reemployment.
NOTE: Additional selections may be made from this announcement if identical vacancies occur within 90 days from the closing date.
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):
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. Yourresume (must be current/updated and include the following):
Work Experience:
Position title
Dates of employment (include month/year)
Hours worked per week
Salary
Current supervisor's name and telephone number
Duties (Please be specific and include any accomplishments)
Education
References (include complete name and telephone number)
Employer - must be within the past 5 years
Personal - three (3)
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)
DD-214 (member copy 4), 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.)?
Form BIA 4432, Verification of Indian Preference for Employment (required for claiming Indian Preference). The form must be completed by the appropriate official with the federally-recognized tribe where the applicant is enrolled as a member. No other form will be accepted.
College transcript(s), if the position has an education requirement.
Cover Letter, optional
NOTE: Persons submitting incomplete applications will be given credit only for the information they provide. The applicant is responsible for submitting all required documentation in support of their application in order to receive full credit for their Indian preference, veteran preference, experience, training, and/or education. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL NOT BE SOLICITED FROM THIS OFFICE.
DRIVING REQUIREMENT (Required only at time of appointment): Incumbent may be required, as an incidental duty, to operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle, in the performance of duties, therefore, a valid driver's license is required. Incumbent must have a safe driving record within the three-year period immediately preceding submittal of GSA Form 3607 and be able to meet the safe driving requirements of the Bureau of Indian Education.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS (Required only at time of appointment): The candidate selected for this position must meet conflict of interest requirements of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (Standard Form 450, Executive Branch Confidential Financial Disclosure Report).
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, require reasonable accommodation in the application process, or an applicant with a disability, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Director, Bureau of Indian Education
1849 C Street NW/MS-3609 MIB
Washington, DC 20240
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified by email of your rating and or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.
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. Yourresume (must be current/updated and include the following):
Work Experience:
Position title
Dates of employment (include month/year)
Hours worked per week
Salary
Current supervisor's name and telephone number
Duties (Please be specific and include any accomplishments)
Education
References (include complete name and telephone number)
Employer - must be within the past 5 years
Personal - three (3)
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)
DD-214 (member copy 4), 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.)?
Form BIA 4432, Verification of Indian Preference for Employment (required for claiming Indian Preference). The form must be completed by the appropriate official with the federally-recognized tribe where the applicant is enrolled as a member. No other form will be accepted.
College transcript(s), if the position has an education requirement.
Cover Letter, optional
NOTE: Persons submitting incomplete applications will be given credit only for the information they provide. The applicant is responsible for submitting all required documentation in support of their application in order to receive full credit for their Indian preference, veteran preference, experience, training, and/or education. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL NOT BE SOLICITED FROM THIS OFFICE.
DRIVING REQUIREMENT (Required only at time of appointment): Incumbent may be required, as an incidental duty, to operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle, in the performance of duties, therefore, a valid driver's license is required. Incumbent must have a safe driving record within the three-year period immediately preceding submittal of GSA Form 3607 and be able to meet the safe driving requirements of the Bureau of Indian Education.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS (Required only at time of appointment): The candidate selected for this position must meet conflict of interest requirements of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (Standard Form 450, Executive Branch Confidential Financial Disclosure Report).
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, require reasonable accommodation in the application process, or an applicant with a disability, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Director, Bureau of Indian Education
1849 C Street NW/MS-3609 MIB
Washington, DC 20240
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified by email of your rating and or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
