This position is located in the Division of Consumer and Business Education (DCBE), within BCP, Federal Trade Commission (FTC). DCBE is a dynamic communications shop responsible for developing and marketing educational materials so consumers know their rights in the marketplace and to help businesses comply with the FTC laws and regulations.
Summary
This position is located in the Division of Consumer and Business Education (DCBE), within BCP, Federal Trade Commission (FTC). DCBE is a dynamic communications shop responsible for developing and marketing educational materials so consumers know their rights in the marketplace and to help businesses comply with the FTC laws and regulations.
The Visual Information Specialist in DCBE helps create online and print materials for use in national and regional campaigns on consumer protection topics. The employee must demonstrate proficiency in design and illustration using a variety of software applications, including Adobe Creative Suite (particularly Bridge, InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite, and works in HTML/CSS. Duties include:
Designs, lays out, and produces a range of consumer and business materials in digital and print formats, including websites and pages, infographics, short animations, brochures, fact sheets, bookmarks, , reports, email campaigns, logos, signs and posters, event materials, electronic presentations. Works closely with DCBE and Bureau staff to develop conceptual approaches for design of digital and print materials. Creates designs that accurately interpret and effectively communicate the subject in ways that clarify the topic in print, online, and across multiple social media platforms. Uses a variety of sources to research subjects, and uses a variety of graphics and design software to design and produce visual material. Often works under tight deadlines. Must be proficient in design and illustration using a variety of software applications, including Adobe Creative Suite (particularly InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of After Effects or other motion graphics software a plus.
Serves as a Drupal CMS editor for content websites, including loading and editing content, loading images, and troubleshooting formatting. Contributes to development and implementation of the FTC's digital strategy. Knowledge of UX principles and human centered design a plus.
Applies section 508 principles to all deliverables.
Provides printing support, which includes working with the Government Printing Office, GPO-approved printers and fellow designers to prepare print-ready design files, review and approve proofs, maintain and update internal systems and records, follow up on job quality and completion, and suggest alternate printing techniques for common products.
Revises existing and develops new print and online materials in a collaborative environment. Works with content owners throughout the design process.
Establishes and maintains effective working relations with a variety of personnel inside the agency. When needed, helps clients define goals and requirements. Works under tight deadlines.
Uses oral communication skills to develop and maintain effective relationships with diverse points of contact inside the Commission. Must be detail-oriented, highly organized, and a team player. Gives constructive feedback to fellow designers. Represents the division in discussions of design topics with expert audiences and the public.
U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
Position is subject to a background investigation.
Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
You may serve a one-year probationary period under this appointment.
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
This is a bargaining unit position.
Qualifications
To qualify for a Visual Information Specialist, you must meet the following requirements:
You must meet the following Basic Requirements:
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position. Some positions may also require subject-matter knowledge of medicine, science, or technical equipment.
Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis.
OR
Specialized Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes planning the preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other artwork, charts, diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays, and other kinds of visual material for use in communicating information through visual means.
At the GS-09 level:
You must have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or equivalent graduate degree in the fields of commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position;
Or you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: experience using Adobe Creative Suite to design print and online materials to reach consumers; experience working with HTML/CSS; applying Section 508 principles to design; and working collaboratively with a variety of people; working with printers to prepare print-ready design files, review and approve proofs, maintain and update internal systems and records, and follow up on job quality and completion; interest in/knowledge of motion graphics or usability a plus.
OR have 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree;
Or have a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.
You must provide evidence of your experience in creating design and illustration using Adobe Creative Suite (particularly InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite. Please provide a link to or attach samples of your work (print and digital designs, and other projects).
At the GS-11 level:
You must have completed a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree in the fields of commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position;
Or must have 1 year f specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the federal service performing the following duties: using Adobe Creative Suite to design and develop a range of visual materials for publication, exhibits, and/or presentations; using HTML/CSS and content management systems; applying Section 508 principles to design; working collaboratively with a variety of people; knowledge of motion graphics or usability a plus; using Government Printing Office and GPO-approved printers to prepare print-ready design files, review and approve proofs, maintain and update internal systems and records, and follow up on job quality and completion.
OR have 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree;
Or have a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.
You must provide evidence of your experience in creating design and illustration using Adobe Creative Suite (particularly InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite. Please provide a link to or attach samples of your work (print and digital designs, and other projects).
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.
Education
If you qualify on the basis of education in lieu of experience, you must submit a copy of your transcripts . Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: FOREIGN EDUCATION
Additional information
If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 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. For more information on veterans' preference visit: VETERANS GUIDE
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see SELECTIVE SERVICE).
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of [[INSERT WELL QUALIFIED SCORE]] or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: CAREER TRANSITION.
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, a review of your résumé and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your résumé and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your résumé and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category.
Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies.
Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies.
Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies.
Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.
The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. 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. Your résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Applications must have a portfolio (link or attachment) must be submitted with your supporting documentation.
3. Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
- 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.)
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 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 résumé 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/.
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite H-723
Washington, DC 20580
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
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. Your résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Applications must have a portfolio (link or attachment) must be submitted with your supporting documentation.
3. Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
- 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.)
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 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 résumé 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/.
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite H-723
Washington, DC 20580
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
