This position is assigned to the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), National Science Foundation and is located in Alexandria, VA. The mission of OPP is to support research in all areas of fundamental science and engineering in the Polar Regions, through research grants and awards to universities and other research organizations and through the provision of logistics support and infrastructure in the remote Polar Regions.
Summary
This position is assigned to the Office of Polar Programs (OPP), Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), National Science Foundation and is located in Alexandria, VA. The mission of OPP is to support research in all areas of fundamental science and engineering in the Polar Regions, through research grants and awards to universities and other research organizations and through the provision of logistics support and infrastructure in the remote Polar Regions.
Any U.S. citizen and ICTAP/CTAP eligible employees. This opportunity is also open to current/former competitive service employees or those with status only under announcement OPP-2020-0010.
The employee serves as a member of the Office of Polar Programs (OPP) communications team and works with the OPP communications lead to ensure that contributions are well coordinated within OPP.
Develops well-researched, accurate, and well-written materials to include news features, copy for printed and electronically posted materials, and talking points and speeches for internal and external audiences as an expert in the field. Prepares talking points, speeches, and presentations for management using NSF reports, data, and graphical elements. Ensures coordination of messaging and objectives with the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA).
Assists the Executive Officer in short-term and long-term planning and implementation and participates in all phases of the planning process. Participates in OPP planning meetings to provide cohesive communication strategies. Advises management on potential planning conflicts or resource constraints. Interacts with other higher-level officials to help realize cohesive and collaborative communication plans for OPP. Represents OPP’s perspective in internal and external meetings with scientists, educators, and the media. Develops professional relationships and partnerships necessary to ensure consistent OPP messages are delivered in a clear manner. Establishes rapport with continuously changing stakeholders and seeks opportunities to enhance awareness of OPP and the resources and expertise it offers.
Manages OPP’s social media and communication tools per established NSF policy and in collaboration with OLPA and other external offices, as necessary. Regularly posts to these accounts to share information and engage the public in two-way communications and moderate comments, as necessary. Creates new content and repurposes content in a format appropriate to each tool. Develops standard metrics or other systems for evaluating OPP’s media efforts including social media channels for effectiveness, reach, and impact.
Edits documents to ensure accuracy and clarity and correct formatting, grammar, and spelling for select important OPP written products such as those destined for the Office of the Director, National Science Board, Congress, and others. Develops and executes targeted strategies and processes to expand and refresh OPP products and messaging that highlights OPP programs for dissemination on OPP websites and other venues, reaching specific audiences including at the state/local/international levels, intergovernmental fora, private sector, universities/researchers and students/teachers. Proactively identifies and capitalizes on critical opportunities to publicize OPP activities.
Contributes to development and assists with organized outreach events as needed. Participates in identifying and escorting media participants for purposes of their reporting from and/or about field-based research and operations in both polar regions. Tracks status and performs research as needed to keep OPP management informed of progress, milestones, and other activities that warrant attention.
COMPETENCIES:
Written communication
Oral communication
Computer technologies and web-based applications
Knowledge of social media and other communication outlets
Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
US citizenship.
It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions
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.
You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire.
All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
This position is in the bargaining unit.
Qualifications
To qualify at the GS-12 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience includes a combination of the following areas: interpreting government policies, scientific materials, and related facts in order to convey information to varied audiences using a wide range of resources; developing and implementing communication strategies and products for an organization; writing and editing articles and other written communication materials; writing talking points for public events and other such appearances; and experience writing for and using the Internet, social media, and web pages to communicate information to the public, media, and internal audience.
To qualify at the GS-13 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience will include a majority of the following areas: interpreting government policies, scientific materials, and related facts in order to convey information to varied audiences using a wide range of resources; developing and implementing communication strategies, plans, and products for an organization; writing and editing articles and other written communication materials; writing talking points for public events and other such appearances; and experience writing for and using the Internet, social media, and web pages to communicate information to the public, media, and internal audience; working and interacting with various stakeholders, both independently and as part of a team.
The person selected to fill this position must pass the physical examination and medical screening required for travel to the Polar Regions.
Education
Education may enhance skills required for this position; however, no substitution of education for specialized experience may be made at this level.
Additional information
Relocation Expenses may be paid, contingent upon availability of funds.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): ICTAP and CTAP provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP or CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP or CTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified you must meet the following: OPM qualification requirements for the position, all selective factors, where applicable; special OPM approved qualifying conditions for the position; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receives a rating of at least “Very Good” on the questionnaire. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP or CTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information regarding ICTAP or CTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources
Veteran's Preference: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. For 5-point veterans' preference, please provide your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation as specified on the SF-15.
NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for telework. Work suitable for telework depends on job duties; therefore, employees must receive approval from their supervisor for telework and have a telework agreement in place. Entering into a telework agreement is voluntary.
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.
A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation Headquarters is conveniently located across the street from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, right in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away. Employees receive the Federal benefits package and NSF offers:
Pre-tax parking Public transportation subsidy Child care subsidy Flexible working hours Telecommuting Physical Fitness Facility on site Health Services Unit on site Employee Assistance Program
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.
Category rating procedures will be used to rank and select eligibles. Based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire, you will be assigned a score. Your score will determine in which of three categories you will be placed: Excellent, Very Good, or Good. Under this process, veterans will be assigned to the appropriate category (without additional preference points) and then placed at the top of their category. Veterans with service-connected disability of 10% or more will be placed at the top of the highest quality category. In some cases, additional assessment processes may be used.
The information contained in your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you meet the competencies required of this position. Please ensure you answer all questions accurately. Your responses are subject to verification. In support of your responses provided in the Occupational Questionnaire, your resume should include verbiage that describes your experience relative to the position for which you are applying and provide examples that show the depth of knowledge, level of skill, or degree of ability you possess. If your application does not support your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire or your application is not complete, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration. In some cases, additional assessment processes may be used.
Applicants eligible for selection preference under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) or CTAP must meet the agency definition of "well qualified." In NSF categories, this means at least “Very Good.”
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.
A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation Headquarters is conveniently located across the street from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station, right in Alexandria, VA, a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance, as well as historic Old Town Alexandria a short trip away. Employees receive the Federal benefits package and NSF offers:
Pre-tax parking Public transportation subsidy Child care subsidy Flexible working hours Telecommuting Physical Fitness Facility on site Health Services Unit on site Employee Assistance Program
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.
All applicants should submit a resume/CV of their choice, and may also submit a cover letter.
Additional Documents, if applicable, may include:
Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214 and SF-15): If you are eligible and claiming 5-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214, SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" and the documentation required by the SF-15. (Please note: An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing veterans' preference will not be accepted as proof of entitlement.)
CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Performance appraisals and awards may be considered during the evaluation process if voluntarily submitted.
We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey. This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.
All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
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.
Your application should be submitted online and must be completed and all required documents successfully uploaded before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date. You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position. For more detailed information, please review our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.
If you are unable to apply electronically, please use the Contact Information below for special instructions on how to submit your application materials. Hearing impaired individuals may call TDD (703) 292-8044 for assistance.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
All applicants should submit a resume/CV of their choice, and may also submit a cover letter.
Additional Documents, if applicable, may include:
Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214 and SF-15): If you are eligible and claiming 5-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214, SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" and the documentation required by the SF-15. (Please note: An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing veterans' preference will not be accepted as proof of entitlement.)
CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.
Performance appraisals and awards may be considered during the evaluation process if voluntarily submitted.
We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey. This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.
All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
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.
Your application should be submitted online and must be completed and all required documents successfully uploaded before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date. You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position. For more detailed information, please review our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.
If you are unable to apply electronically, please use the Contact Information below for special instructions on how to submit your application materials. Hearing impaired individuals may call TDD (703) 292-8044 for assistance.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
