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The position is located within the Office of the Assistant Director (OAD) in the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE).
Learn more about this agency11/03/2020 to 11/18/2020
$102,663 - $157,709 per year
GS 13 - 14
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Not required
No
Permanent
Full-Time
Competitive
14
No
No
CISE-2021-0001
583538600
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Any U.S. Citizen and ICTAP/CTAP eligible employee. This opportunity is also open to current/former competitive service employees or those with status only under announcement CISE-2021-0002.
Advances in information technology (IT) over the past two decades have proven to be key drivers of the American economy. Essentially all practical applications of today’s IT are based on ideas and concepts that emerged from investments in fundamental computing and information science research, many of them funded by the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE). Fundamental ideas and concepts advanced through computing and information science research have enabled innovative products and applications that now permeate many aspects of daily life, including personal communication, energy, transportation, health care, advanced manufacturing, national and homeland security, disaster preparedness and response, education and workforce development, public and private organizational effectiveness and efficiency, and discovery and innovation at the frontiers of all areas of scientific and engineering research. CISE’s mission is to enable the U.S. to uphold its leadership in computing, communications, and information science and engineering; promote understanding of the principles and uses of advanced computing, communications, and information systems in service to society; support advanced cyberinfrastructure that enables and accelerates discovery and innovation across all science and engineering disciplines; and contribute to universal, transparent, and affordable participation in an information-based society.
The Communications Specialist works with members of the CISE leadership team to develop and execute an overall science communications strategy and specific campaigns for CISE’s investments and impacts, taking into account key audiences; communications objectives; and a range of communication mechanisms. The incumbent must be proactive and creative about communications and messaging in these cases, coordinating with counterparts in other NSF directorates and offices for cross-directorate and NSF-wide efforts and current events. In addition, the Communications Specialist develops program plans and budgets for CISE communications initiatives and ensures the broadest possible distribution of communications materials to NSF staff and stakeholders including the extramural scientific and technical community, members of the public, and other interested parties.
The incumbent designs and develops, including serving as the primary author and/or reviewer of, a wide variety of written and online communications, including but not limited to website announcements, news articles, editorials, blogs, presentations/speeches/remarks, web presence, social media, and reports responsive to the communications goals and target audiences described above. Together with the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA) Public Affairs Specialists, they staff interviews and support press interactions involving CISE staff. They develop materials that capture and creatively present factual information about various areas of CISE research, education, and research infrastructure. They develop and execute strategy and processes for expanding and refreshing communications through the CISE website, other NSF online media and outreach, including but not limited to NSF-funded conferences, media events, and road shows. They generate and track relevant scientific and/or administrative data, including about the overall science communications strategy, in order to drive future decisions about communications and messaging. In addition, the incumbent will use data to prepare analytical and interpretative reports and guides.
The Communications Specialist, as a recognized technical authority, coordinates with all pertinent functional groups to include CISE leadership and staff, OLPA, other NSF directorates, and the broader community that CISE serve. They develop relationships and partnerships necessary to ensure a consistent message regarding CISE activities and establish rapport and work in close collaboration with a broad set of stakeholders and associates, including, but not limited to, relevant professional societies, scientific organizations, industry representatives, and public and private institutions of higher education.
The Communications Specialist fully utilizes contemporary computer technologies, web-based applications, and social media techniques and tools to disseminate information and communications on CISE programs and activities.
Competencies:
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.
Specialized Experience Statement for the GS-13 level: I have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 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 electronic resources; developing and implementing communication strategies for an organization; writing and editing articles and other written communication materials; editing press releases; writing talking points for public events, press conferences and other such appearances; providing authoritative advice to senior management for improving the delivery of program information to the public; and experience using the Internet, social media, and web pages to communicate information to the public, media and internal audience.
Specialized Experience Statement for the GS-14 level: I have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes a combination of the following areas: developing communication strategies and products for an organization; writing and editing speeches, talking points, press releases, articles and other written communication materials concerning subjects related to computer and information science and engineering; leading organization’s programs for public events, press conferences and other such appearances; providing authoritative advice to senior management for improving the delivery of program information to the public; and experience using the Internet, social media, and web pages to communicate information to the public, media and internal audience.
Education may enhance skills required for this position; however, no substitution of education for specialized experience may be made at this level.
Relocation Expenses will not be paid.
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.
For additional information on the NSF eRecruit system, please visit our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.
This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the National Science Foundation.
The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.
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.
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.”
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.
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 faxing/uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date. If you are faxing your information, please use extreme care in dialing the fax number to assure we receive your information. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt of your faxed/uploaded document(s).
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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 faxed (or 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 do not have internet access or if you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Representative listed in the vacancy announcement.
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.
You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website
We highly recommend that all candidates opt to receive email notifications for job status updates.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/583538600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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