The employee serves as a speechwriter in the Communications Branch within the Office of Congressional Affairs and Communications (OCAC). The employee is responsible for working with the Director of External Relations and OCAC leadership to develop and implement communications plans, programs, and procedures for external audiences and stakeholders, including written and public speaking materials for the Director of FHFA, such as speeches, talking points, and op-eds.
Summary
The employee serves as a speechwriter in the Communications Branch within the Office of Congressional Affairs and Communications (OCAC). The employee is responsible for working with the Director of External Relations and OCAC leadership to develop and implement communications plans, programs, and procedures for external audiences and stakeholders, including written and public speaking materials for the Director of FHFA, such as speeches, talking points, and op-eds.
The incumbent works in the Office of Congressional Affairs and Communication and supports the Director of External Relations by developing and implementing a wide range of communications strategies that impact the Agency and its regulated entities.
Identifies and meets communication needs by developing materials that inform appropriate internal and public audiences of the Agency's policies, programs, services, and activities. Plans, executes, and evaluates the effectiveness of information and communication programs in furthering Agency goals.
Conducts research for, writes, and edits speeches, congressional testimony and correspondence, Agency reports, press releases, editorials, talking points, fact sheets, and memoranda.
Reviews and edits speeches, briefings, and presentations written by and for FHFA leaders to ensure synchronization of message.
Develops written documents for internal and external audiences using the incumbent's ability to conduct independent research, collaborate with Agency subject matter experts (SMEs), explain the technical details of Agency policies to the general public, and master the Director's communication style and vision for our housing finance system.
Researches and stays abreast of topics necessary to perform the job, including, but not limited to, housing finance reform, pending legislation, and major issues affecting Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks.
Assists in designing and implementing the Agency's communications programs to develop and disseminate informational materials to the public, external stakeholder groups, and Agency employees.
Collaborates with OCAC leadership to inform the broad spectrum of individuals and groups affected by Agency programs of their benefits, services, and requirements. Anticipates the reaction of external audiences to proposed policies and implements and evaluates communication strategies accordingly.
Contributes written content for internal publications and new and emerging communication vehicles to ensure that key messages are available to staff and the general public.
Serves as a clearing house for the dissemination of all written material from FHFA staff to the public. Reviews and edits for clarity, style, and consistency of message correspondence with members of Congress, Federal and non-federal government officials, the Office of Management and Budget, and members from private-sector entities, including the Agency's regulated entities.
Uses a variety of communication methods to inform Agency staff and the public about a wide variety of Agency programs, policies, and services of interest.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
Qualifications
Qualifying experience for the EL/GS-12 level includes one year of specialized experience at the equivalent to EL/GS-11 which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Specialized experience required includes the following:
(1) Using independent research on legislative, regulatory, economic, or financial issues, combined with relevant subject-matter knowledge and professional experience, to develop and present recommendations on policy or messaging to elected/appointed public officeholders or senior private-sector executives.
(2) Editing for conceptual clarity, style, and persuasiveness written documents about legislative, regulatory, economic, or financial issues that were drafted by superiors or supervisors.
(3) Drafting, editing, soliciting and incorporating feedback on, and finalizing published written materials or public-speaking materials either under your own name or on behalf of elected/appointed public officeholders or senior private-sector executives; such materials were written for a wide variety of audiences and covered legislative, regulatory, economic, or financial issues, including matters related to housing or mortgage finance.
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
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
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: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.
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 90 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.
FHFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability (physical or mental), age (40 years of age or over), genetic information, parental status, marital status, prior protected EEO activity, political affiliation, or other non-merit factors.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
FHFA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, except when doing so would pose an undue hardship on the Agency. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify FHFA at (202) 649-3963. The Agency's decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Ethics: FHFA employees are subject to government-wide ethical standards of conduct, financial disclosure requirements, and post-employment prohibitions. In addition, certain FHFA employees are prohibited from accepting compensation from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a two-year period after terminating employment with FHFA. Furthermore, to avoid financial conflicts-of interest or the appearance of conflicts-of-interest, FHFA employees may need to divest or sell certain assets they, their spouse, or minor children own or control, including securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Home Loan Banks. Employees who work on Federal Home Loan Bank issues may need to sell or divest financial interests with any of the Federal Home Loan Bank members, which may include stock in bank holding companies, insurance companies, and other financial services firms. Questions regarding these requirements and prohibitions should be directed to the Office of General Counsel at (202) 649-3088.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
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.
All applicants will be rated on the following competencies for this announcement:
Minimum Qualifications
Research
Writing & Editing
Applicants may choose to apply through merit promotion or as US citizens, or both. Please select how you would like to be considered.
Status candidates will be rated based on your responses to the job specific questionnaire and assigned a score ranging from 70 to 100 points. The top ten candidates, and candidates tied for the tenth spot, will be referred for selection. All qualified non-competitive candidates will also be referred.
U.S citizens who meet the basic qualification requirements for this vacancy will be rated according to Category Rating Procedures. Based on your veteran's status and responses to the job specific questionnaire you will be assigned to a pre-defined quality category. There will be three quality categories: Highly Qualified (95), Well Qualified (85) and Qualified (70). Generally, only candidates in the top quality category will be referred to the hiring manager.
Candidates meeting the qualification requirements and selected for an interview will be asked to prepare and provide a writing sample on a topic of the Agency's choosing.
All of the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references or through other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible.
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 resume showing hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. If applying under status, it is strongly recommended that an SF 50 be submitted showing highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service.
3. Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
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.)
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 02/24/2020 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, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Janice Obeido at janice.obeido@fhfa.gov or (202) 649-3742 to obtain an alternative application.
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
400 7th Street
Washington, DC 20219
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your materials to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in his/her resume and the completed Occupational Questionnaire. Applicants deemed best-qualified may be contacted for an interview. We anticipate making a final job offer for this position within 45 days after the deadline for applications. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.
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 resume showing hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. If applying under status, it is strongly recommended that an SF 50 be submitted showing highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service.
3. Other supporting documents:
Cover Letter, optional
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.)
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 02/24/2020 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, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Janice Obeido at janice.obeido@fhfa.gov or (202) 649-3742 to obtain an alternative application.
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
400 7th Street
Washington, DC 20219
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your materials to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in his/her resume and the completed Occupational Questionnaire. Applicants deemed best-qualified may be contacted for an interview. We anticipate making a final job offer for this position within 45 days after the deadline for applications. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
