Joining the Secret Service, Office of Communication and Media Relations will allow you to prepare, write, and edit high-profile speeches and other authoritative written information for senior-level officials. This Writer-Editor position starts at a salary of $126,233 (GS-14 step 1), with promotion potential to $164,102 (GS-14 step 10). For more information on the Secret Service click here.
Summary
Joining the Secret Service, Office of Communication and Media Relations will allow you to prepare, write, and edit high-profile speeches and other authoritative written information for senior-level officials. This Writer-Editor position starts at a salary of $126,233 (GS-14 step 1), with promotion potential to $164,102 (GS-14 step 10). For more information on the Secret Service click here.
The selectee will serve as a Writer-Editor in the Office of Communication and Media Relations. Typical work assignments include:
Coordinating and implementing reviews for executive-level leaders’ remarks, talking points, and congressional testimonies
Performing research and analysis to interpret and explain policies, programs, and requirements
Writing and editing content, including website material, on various topics; ensuring accuracy in speeches and other authoritative, written information; preparing columns, editorials, and Op-Eds to address highly complex and diverse issues
Serving as a consultant and advisor to senior leadership on best practices for speech delivery and training
Preparing talking points on initiatives involving the public and the workforce
Assisting with oral testimony in support of legislative and government affairs hearings
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
You must successfully pass a background investigation.
Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment.
Submit to random drug testing while you occupy the position.
Conditions of Employment:
If selected for this position, you will be required to:
Obtain and maintain a top secret Tier 5 clearance. For more information visit OPM Mythbuster Page.
The person selected for this position may be subject to a one-year probationary period.
Qualifications
GS-14: You qualify for the GS-14 level (starting salary $126,233) if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level performing duties such as:
Writing and editing technical speeches and other in-depth documents and written materials for executive level personnel in a large and diverse state, local or national law enforcement agency
Preparing columns and editorials to address highly complex and diverse issues using the Associated Press (AP) writing style
Developing written content for social and news media outlets
Providing advice to senior-level executives on best practices for speech delivery
Researching and developing authoritative information regarding agency policy and programs
The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
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.
Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. This position is NOT considered scientific/professional. Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans’ preference.
Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the Federal government, you are not ICTAP/CTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP or CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp . To be considered eligible under ICTAP or CTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Education
This position does not have an educational requirement.
Additional information
Building on a Tradition of Excellence and Meeting the Challenges of the Future The Secret Service is a premier law enforcement organization with two critical national security missions: protect our nation's leaders and to conduct criminal investigations. Our team members continue a tradition of excellence - whether investigating financial crime or protecting national and visiting foreign leaders. In the Secret Service, we serve the country with duty, loyalty, justice, integrity and courage.
In the Secret Service, we:
Protect the President, the Vice President, and other leaders; investigate threats against them; and safeguard their residences and other facilities
Plan and implement security designs for National Special Security Events
Investigate financial crimes including fraud, identity theft and computer-based attacks on banking or telecommunications infrastructure
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
This position will require a credit check after initial job qualifications have been determined.
If you are selected for an interview and as part of the interview, you will be requested to produce a writing sample that will be submitted during the interview process. The criteria will include how well you clearly and concisely convey the message as well as how it articulates, when appropriate, empathy, perspective and action.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
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.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.
Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
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.
Your application will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the duties of the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, a score will automatically be calculated based on your answers to the vacancy specific questions to place you in one of three categories. All answers provided in the online process must be substantiated by your resume. Upon review, your resume and/or supporting documents need to support your answer choices and reflect the one year of specialized experience requirement, in order to be considered. If the one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level cannot be identified in your resume, you will be considered not qualified. The competencies or knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform this job are:
Skill in writing and editing highly complex and technical speeches and other authoritative written information suitable for specialized audiences
Ability to effectively communicate alternative approaches, controversial and complex issues and explain techniques to compose effective speeches
Knowledge of laws, regulations, programs and policies pertaining to the protection and release of public information
If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the below categories:
1. Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF), and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.
2. Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPF’s and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
3. Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration.
An interview may be required for this position. If an interview is required, failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.
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.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.
Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
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.
In addition to addressing the vacancy specific questions, you must also submit the following documentation:
Resume - In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history should show work experience in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week. Click here for what to include in your resume.
Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. The member 4 copy of your DD214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10 point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans’ information.
Special Priority Selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) or Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP): Submit a copy of your agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating),and a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
Current or Former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee: Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee) Agency, Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
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.
This position is being advertised via SecretServiceHire which is an automated staffing system. To begin your online application, click Apply Online and log in to your existing USAJOBS account or follow the prompts to create a USAJOBS account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the Required Documents section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. Instructions outlining the application process can be found at http://www.secretservice.gov/join/apply/. If you cannot apply online, you may contact the Talent and Employee Acquisition Management Division, Administrative, Professional and Technical Staffing Branch at hrsupport@secretservice.gov OR by calling (202) 406-6420 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm EST (excluding Federal holidays) prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance. The Secret Service provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.
United States Secret Service (DHS-USSS)
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, District of Columbia 20223
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. Best-qualified applicants will be referred for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. For more information on applying for Federal employment, please click here.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
In addition to addressing the vacancy specific questions, you must also submit the following documentation:
Resume - In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history should show work experience in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week. Click here for what to include in your resume.
Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. The member 4 copy of your DD214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10 point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans’ information.
Special Priority Selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) or Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP): Submit a copy of your agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating),and a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
Current or Former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee: Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee) Agency, Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
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.
This position is being advertised via SecretServiceHire which is an automated staffing system. To begin your online application, click Apply Online and log in to your existing USAJOBS account or follow the prompts to create a USAJOBS account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the Required Documents section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. Instructions outlining the application process can be found at http://www.secretservice.gov/join/apply/. If you cannot apply online, you may contact the Talent and Employee Acquisition Management Division, Administrative, Professional and Technical Staffing Branch at hrsupport@secretservice.gov OR by calling (202) 406-6420 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm EST (excluding Federal holidays) prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance. The Secret Service provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.
United States Secret Service (DHS-USSS)
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, District of Columbia 20223
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. Best-qualified applicants will be referred for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. For more information on applying for Federal employment, please click here.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
