The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) is responsible for providing news media and the general public with accurate and timely information about GAO and its activities. The OPA also oversees the production of several written and digital products, manages GAO's digital and social media presence, and coordinates the logistics for television and radio interviews. To learn more about OPA, please visit: OPA
Summary
The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) is responsible for providing news media and the general public with accurate and timely information about GAO and its activities. The OPA also oversees the production of several written and digital products, manages GAO's digital and social media presence, and coordinates the logistics for television and radio interviews. To learn more about OPA, please visit: OPA
The OPA is seeking an experienced professional to serve as a Public Affairs Specialist, responsible for participating in the implementation of a segment of GAO's communications and public affairs operations for electronic and new media efforts. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Evaluating information focused on new media efforts and assisting with implementing initiatives designed to utilize new and existing technologies to better communicate with various audiences and thereby enhance the service GAO provides to Congress and the public.
- Assuring that the delivery or provision of work products or services is coordinated with relevant customers, colleagues and consultants.
- Evaluates the impact and effectiveness of GAO’s digital communication and publication efforts and advising management if efforts are effectively utilized to enhance GAO’s new media/social networking capabilities.
- Assist with the production of GAO’s Watchdog Report podcasts, including planning, scheduling, recording, editing, posting, and publicizing episodes.
- Collaborating with the Public Affairs Specialist on the production of Facebook Live and Facebook Videos, including planning, scheduling, recording, editing, posting, and publicizing episodes.
- Participating in the development of production of GAO’s Watchblog, including planning, scheduling, recording, editing, posting, and publicizing episodes.
- Assisting with the production of GAO’s Plugged In, including planning, scheduling, recording, editing, posting, and publicizing episodes.
- Implementing web analytics programs and usability testing and then implementing website improvements based on metrics and usability results.
- Managing the GAO’s Facebook page and agency Internet website in coordination with GAO Management and support staff as well as ensuring that GAO external web pages provide an up-to-date and comprehensive body of information to support PA’s policies, procedures, schedules, and other information.
- Providing input on the development of GAO’s social media and networking tools, such as blogs, Twitter and video sites, such as YouTube and web chats. Monitors sites for feedback such as comments, posted links and questions, and helps to provide necessary information in return.
- Tracking social media trends and technologies to keep GAO information relevant. Supports the efforts of internal groups focused on specific new media initiatives.
- Teaching internal courses on Writing for Social Media and Fast Facts.
Must be a current GAO employee on a permanent appointment.
Must be able to meet/maintain suitability & security requirements.
Qualifications
You must have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower band or level equivalent to the GS-11 in the federal service, which has equipped you with the skills and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience applying principles and methods used in implementing a public affairs program to convey information on agency operations, programs and activities to specialized audiences and general public; experience developing communications products on a variety of topics for use in responding to media queries and/or as briefing materials; and knowledge of and experience in the implementation and evaluation of new and existing technologies for media efforts including web analytics and social networking.
All requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Education
There is no education requirement for this position.
Additional information
This is a bargaining unit position.
Based on the staffing needs, additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.
Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid for by the GAO.
GAO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request accommodation, please email ReasonableAccommodation@gao.gov.
GAO's policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
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.
Your current benefits will continue.
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.
If you meet the qualification requirements stated, you will be further rated based on your responses to the assessment questions. Please make sure that your responses to the assessment questions are supported in your resume.
Please follow all instructions carefully. If you provide incomplete answers, fail to provide a narrative response to any assessment question(s) that requires further explanation, or if your response to an assessment question is "see resume”, your rating may be affected or you may be determined ineligible.
All applicants will be rated based on their responses to the assessment questions, in conjunction with the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):
• Knowledge of principles, methods, practices, and techniques of communication procedures to carry out regular and recurring or special assignments in the areas of public affairs including web analytics, new media and social networking.
• Knowledge of research analysis and communication methodologies to develop new and innovative approaches to communicate with external audiences and to improve program effectiveness.
• In-depth knowledge and demonstrated experience using new media and social networking in Public Affairs and teaching GAO staff how to use such tools.
• Ability to apply, interpret and use web analytics programs, and teach the use of analytical tools to GAO staff.
• Knowledge of usability testing techniques and skill in implementing website improvements based on usability results.
• Skill in developing written materials to convey and organize information concerning agency programs and have a diverse level of understanding to reach the intended audience.
• Skill in oral communication to present ideas in ways appealing to a wide range of people including experience recording podcasting and facilitating web chats.
• Skill in establishing effective working relationships and partnerships, and the ability to meet and deal with a wide range of technical and non-technical staff throughout GAO.
• Ability to plan, organize and direct efforts to persuade GAO management to accept and implement communications recommendations that may have long-term implications.
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.
Your current benefits will continue.
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.
You must provide a complete application package which includes:
- Resume: must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder and show relevant work experience.
- SF-50: GAO employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) showing your position, band level, tenure, and type of service (competitive/excepted). The SF-50 must show that you are currently a GAO employee.
If you fail to submit any of the above mentioned required documents your application will be considered incomplete and will result in loss of consideration. It is your responsibility to ensure all applicable required documents have been submitted.
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 are required to apply online for this announcement.
1. To apply on-line, you must create a resume using the USAJOBS resume builder and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. Follow the prompts to begin the application process.
2. You will be redirected to the Career Connector website to complete the application process.
3. Click on "Submit" to transmit your complete application package to GAO.
Can I send my application package documents to the agency point-of-contact via email or mail?
Your application package must be submitted online through Career Connector. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents.
What is a complete application package?
1. Your resume. This must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder. Resumes created outside USAJOBS (e.g., uploaded resumes) will not be accepted.
2. The assessment questionnaire.
3. The documentation listed in the Required Documents section. You only need to submit the documents listed.
When is the application package due?
It must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure all the documents are received and the information is readable. Your application may not be considered if it doesn't meet the criteria. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at (866) 656-6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
1. Sign into your USAJOBS account.
2. If your application package was successfully transmitted, you will see "Received" beside the position title. Keep in mind, this may take a couple hours because your documents undergo a virus scan.
3. To view your documents or the complete application package received by GAO, select "Application Status." The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.
If you have questions about: • The vacancy announcement or the position: The agency contact is listed at the bottom of the announcement. • Technical issues with USAJOBS: Please refer to the USAJOBS Help page. • Technical issues with Career Connector: Please contact CareerConnectorHelp@do.treas.gov.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
441 G Street NW
Room 1157
Washington, District of Columbia 20548
United States
Next steps
After the closing date of this announcement, GAO's Human Capital Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications by reviewing your assessment questionnaire and resume. Please be as complete and thorough as possible. If your application is rated "best-qualified," your name will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. At this point you may be contacted for an interview.
If you do not meet the key requirements and/or basic qualifications or you fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must provide a complete application package which includes:
- Resume: must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder and show relevant work experience.
- SF-50: GAO employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) showing your position, band level, tenure, and type of service (competitive/excepted). The SF-50 must show that you are currently a GAO employee.
If you fail to submit any of the above mentioned required documents your application will be considered incomplete and will result in loss of consideration. It is your responsibility to ensure all applicable required documents have been submitted.
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 are required to apply online for this announcement.
1. To apply on-line, you must create a resume using the USAJOBS resume builder and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. Follow the prompts to begin the application process.
2. You will be redirected to the Career Connector website to complete the application process.
3. Click on "Submit" to transmit your complete application package to GAO.
Can I send my application package documents to the agency point-of-contact via email or mail?
Your application package must be submitted online through Career Connector. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents.
What is a complete application package?
1. Your resume. This must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder. Resumes created outside USAJOBS (e.g., uploaded resumes) will not be accepted.
2. The assessment questionnaire.
3. The documentation listed in the Required Documents section. You only need to submit the documents listed.
When is the application package due?
It must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure all the documents are received and the information is readable. Your application may not be considered if it doesn't meet the criteria. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at (866) 656-6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
1. Sign into your USAJOBS account.
2. If your application package was successfully transmitted, you will see "Received" beside the position title. Keep in mind, this may take a couple hours because your documents undergo a virus scan.
3. To view your documents or the complete application package received by GAO, select "Application Status." The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.
If you have questions about: • The vacancy announcement or the position: The agency contact is listed at the bottom of the announcement. • Technical issues with USAJOBS: Please refer to the USAJOBS Help page. • Technical issues with Career Connector: Please contact CareerConnectorHelp@do.treas.gov.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
441 G Street NW
Room 1157
Washington, District of Columbia 20548
United States
Next steps
After the closing date of this announcement, GAO's Human Capital Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications by reviewing your assessment questionnaire and resume. Please be as complete and thorough as possible. If your application is rated "best-qualified," your name will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. At this point you may be contacted for an interview.
If you do not meet the key requirements and/or basic qualifications or you fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
