As a Lead Public Affairs Specialist, you will be responsible for a team to promote regional and agency-wide initiatives, programs, and successes to varied audiences within the region, including the media.
Location of position: GSA, Office of Strategic Communication, 1800 F Street, NW, Washington, DC
The Office of Strategic Communication is responsible for using communication to help the agency meet its mission and business goals.
Summary
As a Lead Public Affairs Specialist, you will be responsible for a team to promote regional and agency-wide initiatives, programs, and successes to varied audiences within the region, including the media.
Location of position: GSA, Office of Strategic Communication, 1800 F Street, NW, Washington, DC
The Office of Strategic Communication is responsible for using communication to help the agency meet its mission and business goals.
We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.
Serves as a public affairs expert for the region/agency, by formulating communication plans and procedures through knowledge of proactive outreach such as press pitching and target audience outreach; including providing key communications advice to regional management, including the Regional Administrator/Regional Commissioner; developing and authoring communication tools such as talking points, briefing books, speeches, and presentations; and presenting program information to other personnel within or outside the agency, with varied degrees of comprehension of agency programs and policies.
Responsible for analysis, development and implementation of a variety of traditional and non-traditional activities to ensure successful public affairs events/campaigns.
Responsible for expediting the progress of potential news items through the clearance process and serves as the main point of contact for media questions within the time sensitive framework of news releases, new products, and the 24/7 news cycle; including answering follow-up inquiries and researching relevant background information on any news issues that may be required.
Serves as the liaison between Central Office and regional management to coordinate national and regional level public relations events within the region; with consideration of a variety of complex factors and use of judgment in determining the best means of providing information concerning GSA, which are intended to enhance the understanding of the agency’s programs and policies among agency stakeholders including managers in GSA Services, Staff Offices, and regions, GSA employees, members of the media, federal agencies, and the administration, including working with project managers or other key parties to determine all logistical information including scheduling, location, media contacts, etc.
Serves as leader over a team responsible for the furtherance of both the regional and national communication program, including distributing and balancing tasks among employees, assuring timely accomplishment of the assigned tasks, and assuring that each employee has an integral role in developing the final product
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-13 salary range starts at $106,823.00 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-12 level or higher in the Federal service. Specialized experience is extensive public affairs experience directly responding to news media inquiries or experience as a journalist reporting general news or reporting on the activities of a government agency. Such experience must include experience writing news releases and other similar news materials; producing service pieces, feature articles, documentaries or breaking-news reports.
Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.
Travel expenses associated with interviews may be approved. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:
Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government
Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior non-Federal work experience or uniformed service experience.
We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area, as needed; through other means; or not at all.
If you are eligible under Merit Promotion, you may also apply under Vacancy Announcement #22STFB106TRMP. You must apply separately to each announcement to be considered for both.
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.
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:
Skill in applying communication practices, principles, techniques, and strategies to carry out all aspects of local, regional and major nationwide public affairs programs.
Ability to compose and format written communication that is clear, concise, grammatically correct and error free.
Ability to plan, publicize and handle the logistics and scheduling for events and campaigns which have high visibility.
Ability to measure and evaluate program effectiveness.
Skill in analyzing programs and identifying the characteristics of target audiences.
Ability to select and effectively use media tools.
Ability to apply events management process sufficient to evaluate the logistics of a planned event from a quality assurance standpoint and recommend changes as appropriate.
Ability to apply leadership skills.
Your answers to the questions will be used to place you in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified [If the use of 4 categories is justified, adjust verbiage].
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.
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.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
If you are claiming veterans’ preference: (a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows the dates of your active duty service. If selected, a DD-214 showing your type of discharge (member 4 copy) will be required prior to appointment. (b) If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military - Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
You must submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the Announcement. Errors or omissions may result in your not being considered for this vacancy. You can modify/complete your application any time before the vacancy date/time deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, read the Apply for a GSA Job on the GSA website.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this vacancy.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer); USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process) or FAX (read the “Fax instructions” provided prior to printing the Fax Cover Sheet and faxing your information).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
GSA, Office of Strategic Communication
General Services Administration
1800 F Street
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant eligibility and qualifications are reviewed.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: Eligible/Qualified applicants are referred to management for review and possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If a selection is made, a Tentative Offer is extended to the selectee and suitability and/or security background investigation is conducted.
FINAL JOB OFFER: A final job offer is made (typically within 40 days after the closing date/deadline for applications).
FINAL COMMUNICATION TO APPLICANTS: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
If you are claiming veterans’ preference: (a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows the dates of your active duty service. If selected, a DD-214 showing your type of discharge (member 4 copy) will be required prior to appointment. (b) If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military - Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
You must submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the Announcement. Errors or omissions may result in your not being considered for this vacancy. You can modify/complete your application any time before the vacancy date/time deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, read the Apply for a GSA Job on the GSA website.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this vacancy.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer); USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process) or FAX (read the “Fax instructions” provided prior to printing the Fax Cover Sheet and faxing your information).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
GSA, Office of Strategic Communication
General Services Administration
1800 F Street
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant eligibility and qualifications are reviewed.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: Eligible/Qualified applicants are referred to management for review and possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If a selection is made, a Tentative Offer is extended to the selectee and suitability and/or security background investigation is conducted.
FINAL JOB OFFER: A final job offer is made (typically within 40 days after the closing date/deadline for applications).
FINAL COMMUNICATION TO APPLICANTS: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
