Clarification from the agency

US Citizens and National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)

Develops relationships and partnerships with assigned clients, serving as a liaison between clients and assigned Communication Specialist to provide strategic advice and direction regarding client's needs, to promote a client focused approach designed to integrate client initiatives and perspectives into communication projects, and to facilitate the development of communication solutions, options and recommendations to identify and implement satisfactory resolutions.  Leads and coordinates communications activities across teams, creating a comprehensive communications program for clients that includes a defined plan based on various audiences, and proactively managing communications strategy based on the comprehensive program and understanding of the business.  Responsible for the planning, developing, scheduling, and implementing internal and external campaigns, which includes the development an overall plan for events that can include site selection, providing budgetary figures to operating officials, selection of a facility, contracting, and other coordinating instructions and requirements.  Leads developing and coordinating special events such as agency Town Halls, and special recognition meetings, ensuring that all logistics and time frames are met, and that all necessary coordination among GSA stakeholders is accomplished, including organizing public forums and arranging for any publicity or employee notification in conjunction with these events.  Serves as a central researcher, writer, editor, proofreader, and production coordinator for a variety of multimedia communications deliverables, that articulate, interpret and explain highly complex and important agency and/or client policies, programs, surveys and research findings.  Serves as a consultant to assess and improve the effectiveness and management of GSA written communication initiatives, processes and systems.  Works closely with external communications/media affairs personnel to communicate on GSA programs and services, proactive and reactive in nature, includes researching and developing responses to members of the media and participating in public engagement outreach efforts.

Conditions of employment

• US Citizens and National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
• Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
• Register with Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
• Direct Deposit of salary check to financial organization required.

If selected, you must meet the following conditions:

• As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal executive branch 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 by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the agency (if later than November 22, 2021). The agency will provide additional information regarding which forms of documentation can be accepted and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement.  If selected and you are a current GSA employee (except in the OIG), you are not required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination if this requirement has already been met.
• Due to COVID-19, the agency is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement within 45 days. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days a pay period depending upon the terms of the agency’s telework policy.
• Receive authorization from OPM on any job offer you receive, if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch..
• Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
• Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
• Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee.  We will use the Department of Homeland Security’s e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.

Qualifications

For each job on your resume, provide:

• the exact dates you held  each job (from month/year to month/year)
• number of hours per week you worked (if part time).    

If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.

For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here. 

The GS-12 salary range starts at $87,614.00 per year.   

If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.  

To qualify, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in the Federal service.  Specialized experience is experience providing communications guidance and service to internal and external customers, through evaluating customers communication needs; developing and implementing communications strategies and plans; facilitating stakeholder meetings; creating and presenting briefing materials; authoring written materials for publication such as project fact sheets, position papers, website content, and establishing and maintaining working relationships with a wide range of customers.

How you will be evaluated

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

We will use a method called Category Rating to assess your application.  Here’s how it will work:

• You will be scored on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities:

1. Skill in applying interpersonal skills
   1a. Ability to apply client relationship management tools, initiatives and evolving software tools that aid in varied business assessments and client needs management.
2. Ability to apply a wide range of communications concepts, methods, principles and practices.
3. Ability to apply project management methods and techniques.
4. Ability to apply knowledge of organizational programs, projects, and business lines in order to publicize and promote programs.
5. Skill in written communications.
   5a. Skill in oral communications.
   5b. Ability to apply tools and technology, as well as established protocols required to prepare newsletters, webinars, client conferences, formal briefing papers, reports, etc.
   5c. Skill in applying qualitative and quantitative analytical methods to draw conclusions and make findings and recommendations.
6. Knowledge of business and industry policies and processes to develop and execute customer/audience appropriate communications, educational outreach and/or branding.

• Your answers to the questions will be used to place you in one of three categories:  Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified.
• We will verify your answers to the questions in your resume.  If your resume doesn’t support your answers, we may lower your score, which could place you in a lower category.
• Within each category, veterans will receive selection priority over non-veterans.

Additional assessments may be used, and, if so, you will be provided with further instructions.

If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.