The Digital Communications Specialist will be a key member of the FTC's Office of Public Affairs' Web and Digital Strategy Team and has a unique opportunity to influence the FTC's digital outreach. The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) devises and implements public affairs and communication campaigns that promote the FTC's dual mission of protecting consumers and ensuring competition across the economy.
Summary
The Digital Communications Specialist will be a key member of the FTC's Office of Public Affairs' Web and Digital Strategy Team and has a unique opportunity to influence the FTC's digital outreach. The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) devises and implements public affairs and communication campaigns that promote the FTC's dual mission of protecting consumers and ensuring competition across the economy.
Current Federal employees; former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility; well qualified displaced and surplus Federal employees in the local commuting area; individuals eligible for special hiring authorities and veterans who are eligible for special hiring authorities.
The Digital Communications Specialist will be a key member of the FTC's Office of Public Affairs' Web and Digital Strategy Team. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the digital content development, management and operational needs of agency bureaus and offices that rely on FTC.gov and other platforms for outreach. This includes publishing web content in the Drupal web content management system and supporting other FTC staff serving as content authors and contributors. The incumbent will perform testing and quality assurance to ensure content is accessible and support deployments of new features and functionality.
As a member of the digital team, the incumbent applies their digital expertise and experience to help the FTC innovate and evolve its approach to using digital platforms, technologies and content to reach and engage the public. The specialist will be expected to apply their expertise and analytical skills to assess the effectiveness of digital outreach and to make changes that improve the customer experience. The incumbent will be expected to be knowledgeable and stay abreast of best practices and federal requirements regarding website design, usability, and accessibility (including Section 508 and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and apply that knowledge to the work.
The incumbent will perform the following duties:
Develops and manages content for FTC.gov and other digital platforms as assigned on a daily basis in a timely, accurate manner. Identifies, resolves and communicates about issues in a timely manner and takes initiative to improve processes. Performs quality assurance and accessibility testing/remediation before putting any content into production.
Collaborates with and supports other members of the Web and Digital Strategy Team on daily content management, assignment of tasks, staff user training and support, development projects, usability testing, metrics collection and analysis, and other work related to digital communications. Creates and updates documentation.
Coordinates content development with FTC offices to ensure packaging and presentation of digital content is effective and supports customers' completion of their tasks. Gathers requirements and creates new web pages, new mini-sites, web/social media images and graphics, new functionality, and other new digital content. Communicates concepts in writing and visually via mockups and wireframes. Works with multiple content formats and delivery systems, such as email marketing, social media, and video/audio, to prepare and disseminate digital content and is adept with the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.
Performs regular quality review of critical content on FTC.gov to ensure accuracy. Supports annual audit and content review of FTC.gov content to ensure accuracy and comply with retention plan. Updates OPA section of FTC intranet as needed.
Develops and consults on web solutions arrived at independently by listening to internal and external feedback and creating solutions that will meet the functional requirements of users and meet industry best practices and standards. Provides input on the development of digital communications strategy, policies, governance, and other digital communications matters.
Stays abreast of trends in digital communications and federal requirements. Maintains and grows Drupal expertise. Works to ensure that web content and functionality complies with Section 508, federal and FTC requirements, and IT security requirements as defined by OCIO.
U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
This position is subject to a background investigation.
Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
You may serve a one-year probationary period under this appointment.
You must meet time-in-grade requirement by the closing date of this vacancy.
You must submit a copy of your performance appraisal with your application.
Due to COVID-19, the FTC is currently in a maximum telework posture through December 31, 2021. In addition, the agency is currently exploring the possibility of having a remote workforce for current and future employees beyond January 2022.
If selected, you will be permitted to temporarily telework from a location outside the local commuting area.
However, once employees are permitted to return to the office, you may be required to report to the duty station listed on this announcement within 60 days. At that time, you will be eligible to request telework in accordance with the FTC?s policy.
This position is in the bargaining unit.
Qualifications
To qualify for a Digital Communications Specialist at the GS-12 level, you must meet the following requirements:
You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: extensive experience using the Drupal web content management system (Drupal 8/9 preferred) to create and manage website content for a government agency or large organization on a daily basis. This experience must have been gained working on a web or digital team with responsibility for enterprise level web/digital communications for a government agency or large organization, either as an employee of the agency/organization or as a contractor supporting the agency/organization.
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 position does not have an education requirement.
Additional information
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, you must be a preference eligible or a Veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
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 Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
For more information visit: ICTAP/CTAP
As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination or before appointment or onboarding with the agency. FTC will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement.
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.
Once the announcement has closed, your résumé and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found qualified, your résumé and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
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 work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held (if applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service)
- Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
- DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities
- Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable
- 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.) - Schedule A- In order to receive consideration under the Schedule A authority, you must provide a certification of job readiness printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. For more information, please visit USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities/)
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.
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 the closing date of the announcement 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/.
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite H-723
Washington, DC 20580
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
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 work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held (if applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service)
- Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
- DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities
- Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable
- 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.) - Schedule A- In order to receive consideration under the Schedule A authority, you must provide a certification of job readiness printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. For more information, please visit USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities/)
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.
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 the closing date of the announcement 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/.
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite H-723
Washington, DC 20580
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
