Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals.

Media Relations 

• Plans, develops, strategizes, and executes full-scale media relations strategies and communication plans concerning the organization's research and discoveries. Determines topics to emphasize and targets top-tier media to reach key audiences. Develops and distributes original media pitch ideas for relevant, newsworthy science and feature stories that highlight the CfA’s work.
• Writes, edits and disseminates news releases to local, regional, national and international media representatives. This includes meeting regularly with CfA scientists to gather information and news items as soon as they develop, conducting background research and interviewing subject matter experts, and assimilating collected information into a written product aimed at reaching target audiences. Identifies other opportunities for media coverage and pitches stories or outside commenters to media contacts. 
• Plans for and manages crisis communications. Advises CfA Director and senior leadership on handling problems and incidents related to the organization's programs and research. Coordinates closely with Smithsonian Central Offices at times of heightened media attention. Protects the CfA brand and external reputation.

Content Development

• Writes and creates original content in addition to/conjunction with press releases that are scientifically accurate and compelling for use across owned and earned channels. Works with scientists to develop, approve and finalize all written content for the CfA to be used on the CfA’s website, social media channels, proposals and correspondence, and elsewhere. Serves as the final edit for all CfA content reviewing for accuracy of science, style, grammar, etc.  
• Works with outside contractors and CfA staff to evaluate, create and expand organizational web and video presence. This includes developing web and social-based media relations strategies and content and creating new video/web-based media projects and sites aimed at a variety of target audiences while ensuring that all work is both visually compelling and scientifically accurate.
• Oversees outsourcing of artwork/illustration and video production services. This includes selecting vendors, managing business relationships, and monitoring quality of services provided while ensuring that all work is visually attractive as well as scientifically accurate.

Community Outreach

• Oversees the preparation and distribution of information in response to inquiries from the general public concerning CfA programs, astronomy and astrophysics. This includes distributing materials as well as responding orally or in writing, as appropriate, to mail, e-mail, and telephone inquiries from the general public.

Conditions of employment

• Direct Deposit/Elect Funds Transfer required for salary payment.
• A pre- and post-employment background investigation may be required.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Requires working at unusual times, e.g., evenings and weekends.
• U.S. citizenship
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

You must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: experience developing and implementing a comprehensive public affairs program that involves public information, internal information, media relations and community relations communication strategies for internal audiences that required a wide range of knowledge of communication requirements. This knowledge is generally demonstrated by assignments where you analyzed a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of the public affairs program including exploring the target audience and creating messages to reach them using the appropriate channel(s). 

Qualifications

Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:  Coordinating and implementing strategic communications, developing communication plans, assigning and proactively seeking out media coverage; preparing speeches and briefings, writing and disseminating articles and press releases; identifying and resolving a variety of complex public affairs issues and providing advice and guidance to senior leadership on all public affairs and communication issues.

NOTE: Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors by the closing date of this announcement. 

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above.  The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:

• Skill in establishing and maintaining communication channels with organizations involved in scientific communities. (SCREEN-OUT)
• Demonstrated knowledge of written and oral communication principles, methods, and techniques.
• Knowledge and experience in science journalism with specialization in astrophysics sufficient to communicate with diverse audiences including scientific and technical staff.
• Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative work relationships with representatives of the local, regional, national and international media. 
• Demonstrated ability in presenting information, both orally and in writing, in a logical and clear manner to increase communication with and stimulate interest on the part of internal and external audiences concerning research, activities, programs, and events. 
• Knowledge of and skill in techniques of modern electronic communication.

Applicants who meet or exceed minimum qualifications will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria:

Best Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and excels in most of the job related competencies above.

Better Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and satisfies most of the job related competencies above.

Good Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements, but does not satisfy most of the job related competencies above to a substantive degree.  

This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category.  A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied.

Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.

Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the vacancy questions will not be considered for this position.  

Important Note:

The review of your resume will determine your final rating and should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.