This position serves as Public Affairs Specialist in the Office of Public Relations of the Voice of America with responsibility for planning, developing, and communicating the organization's programs, policies, and activities to the public, with a particular focus on workforce communications and programs.
Summary
This position serves as Public Affairs Specialist in the Office of Public Relations of the Voice of America with responsibility for planning, developing, and communicating the organization's programs, policies, and activities to the public, with a particular focus on workforce communications and programs.
All U.S. Citizens, Veterans, (CTAP,ICTAP,RPL). Career transition federal employees are those who meet the definition of a surplus or displaced employee.
Develops, manages, writes and edits targeted informational and clearly branded traditional and new media communications tools and material for various internal and external stakeholder groups to promote major programming accomplishments andenhance the understanding of the agency's impact around the world. Provides critical input on collateral content and "look and feel" across all platforms.
Identifies opportunities to continually improve workforce communications, developing and supporting a range of events, avenues and outlets to encourage robust, two-way information exchanges.
Solicits and delivers relevant information about VOA's accomplishments, initiatives and operational performance to agency personnel, providing feedback on methods and strategies to ensure effectiveness and usefulness.
Maintains effective working relationships with representatives of the print and broadcast media, as well as other government agencies, non-profit organizations and the public. Maintains effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, keeping constantly informed of any changes that can affect the agency's communications' flow.
Responds to written and oral information requests from the news media and the public often requiring detailed explanations of VOA's activities, performance, mission or responses to criticisms, often under severe time constraints and during off duty hours.
As needed, supports Public Relations colleagues and other VOA and USAGM offices in organizing and facilitating events, such as panel discussions and other forums on a variety of topics at VOA headquarters and other venues to explain and educate stakeholders about the agency and its mission.
Participates in the development, coordination and monitoring of VOA Public Relations communications policies, goals and procedures.
If you are a male applicant, born after 12/31/59, you are required to register under the Military Service Act. The Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
This is a non-critical sensitive position. If selected, this position requires the completion of the SF-86.
Suitability Determination: If selected, you will be subject to a background investigation to establish your suitability for federal employment. The background investigation will include, among other aspects, a review of your credit and legal history.
This position is covered by a union agreement.
This vacancy is advertised under Delegated Examining (DE) procedures and is open to all U.S. citizens.
Your application to this DE announcement will only allow consideration for this announcement. We cannot electronically or manually move your application to corresponding NC announcement.
The full performance grade level for this position is GS-13.
Qualifications
To qualify for GS-13: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility comparable to the GS-12 or comparable pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector, designing, planning, and managing communication and outreach activities for an organization. Examples of specialized experience includes:
Serving as program authority and technical expert managing all phases of a comprehensive internal communication program while demonstrating an understanding of internal strategic communication strategies, making recommendations based on input from different sources and implementing best practices in program delivery;
Developing long and short range plans to achieve program goals and objectives while keeping abreast of current and effective communication methods and techniques;
Researching, developing, writing and editing articles, digital content, news releases and fact sheets, as well as using these materials for oral presentations to various audiences;
Responding to information and interview requests from news media and/or general public organizations, including coaching, preparing and/or training executives for media interviews; and
Establishing and maintaining working relationships with various internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the organizations.
Please Note: All experience statements (i.e. duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
Education
Applicant cannot substitute education for experience at this grade level.
Additional information
If you are an eligible Inter agency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant, you may apply for special selection over other candidates for this position. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 80 or above on the rating criteria for this position. ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
Applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit a DD-214 (copy # 2 or 4 - member copy); veterans who are claiming disabled veteran preference must also submit a VA disability letter and a SF-15; AND, applicants seeking widow or other special veterans preference must submit a SF-15 and all documents indicated for their specific form of preference.
If you are still on active duty, you may submit a statement of service from your Personnel Command which states the date you entered active duty, the date you are separating, and the campaign medals you have received.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across USAGM.
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.
CATEGORY RATING: Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The category assignment is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the competencies required for this position
Competencies:
Attention to Detail
Communications and Media
Flexibility
Influencing/Negotiating
Information Management
Project Management/Customer Service
Possession of competencies may be addressed in a cover letter and/or resume. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the occupational questionnaire. The numeric rating you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your qualifications. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. You will then be placed in one of three rating categories:
Best Qualified Category - Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position.
Well Qualified Category - Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position.
Qualified Category - Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position.
Application of Veterans' Preference: Category Rating does not add veterans' preference points, but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more will be placed at the top of the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher). Preference eligibles who do not have a service-connected disability of 10 percent or more will be assigned to the appropriate quality category based upon the job-related assessment and will be listed ahead of nonpreference eligibles within the appropriate quality category.
A Subject Matter Expert will be used in reviewing qualifications for this vacancy announcement.
If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, your application will be referred to the selecting official for employment 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.
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 applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):
Resume
Writing Sample
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s), which may not be required for all applicants:
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
Writing Sample #2
Writing Sample #3
Performance Appraisal
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Writing Sample
Although the required documents listed in this announcement only indicates that a resume is required, other documents may be required in specific circumstances, as indicated in application requirements in Other Information above.
If you wish to receive consideration for veteran's preference you must submit a copy of your veteran's documentation including a DD-214 (member 4 copy preferred, however, the documentation provided must contain dates and character of service) along with a VA letter, SF-15, etc., if applicable. If you are a current active duty service member, please submit an official statement of service from your command.
If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and is claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, the character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by, or by the direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders or higher headquarters.
CTAP/ICTAP - Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof of their eligibility:
Copy of agency notice;
Most recent performance rating; and
SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location or Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction In Force separation notice.
To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above on the rating criteria for this position. For additional information, click CTAP.
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.
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you cannot complete the Application Package online, please contact the Human Resource office.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents and any appropriate Accepted Documents.
To begin, click Apply in the announcement; then, choose to create a new USAJOBS account or Sign-in into your existing account.
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 submitting it. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
Click the following link to pre-view and print the occupational questionnaire.
After completing the questionnaire and uploading appropriate documents, click the Submit Application to submit your application package.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume, veteran's documentation, completed assessment questionnaire, and SF-50's) are accurate and were submitted before 11:59 PM (EST) on of the announcement to receive consideration.
Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not in legible format, applicant will not be able to view it in Application Manager which means applicant must again upload or fax the documentation by the closing date of this announcement.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account. The page will display the positions for which you've applied as well as the status of each application.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click on the plus sign (+) next to the job title to expand information about the job. Next click on Update Application to complete the application process.
Note: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described previously. Please carefully review the complete job announcement, including the Required Documents, Other Information, and How to Apply sections of the announcement.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail or e-mail. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.
Once your online application is successfully submitted you will receive an email notification from the system confirming receipt. Your application will then be evaluated, and you will receive further notification(s) as the status of your application is updated. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking on your application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the "Application Status" link and then select the "More Information" link for this position. The "Application Status" page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):
Resume
Writing Sample
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s), which may not be required for all applicants:
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
Writing Sample #2
Writing Sample #3
Performance Appraisal
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Writing Sample
Although the required documents listed in this announcement only indicates that a resume is required, other documents may be required in specific circumstances, as indicated in application requirements in Other Information above.
If you wish to receive consideration for veteran's preference you must submit a copy of your veteran's documentation including a DD-214 (member 4 copy preferred, however, the documentation provided must contain dates and character of service) along with a VA letter, SF-15, etc., if applicable. If you are a current active duty service member, please submit an official statement of service from your command.
If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and is claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, the character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by, or by the direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders or higher headquarters.
CTAP/ICTAP - Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof of their eligibility:
Copy of agency notice;
Most recent performance rating; and
SF-50 noting current position, grade level and duty location or Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction In Force separation notice.
To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced federal employees must be rated well-qualified or above on the rating criteria for this position. For additional information, click CTAP.
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.
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you cannot complete the Application Package online, please contact the Human Resource office.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents and any appropriate Accepted Documents.
To begin, click Apply in the announcement; then, choose to create a new USAJOBS account or Sign-in into your existing account.
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 submitting it. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
Click the following link to pre-view and print the occupational questionnaire.
After completing the questionnaire and uploading appropriate documents, click the Submit Application to submit your application package.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume, veteran's documentation, completed assessment questionnaire, and SF-50's) are accurate and were submitted before 11:59 PM (EST) on of the announcement to receive consideration.
Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not in legible format, applicant will not be able to view it in Application Manager which means applicant must again upload or fax the documentation by the closing date of this announcement.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account. The page will display the positions for which you've applied as well as the status of each application.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click on the plus sign (+) next to the job title to expand information about the job. Next click on Update Application to complete the application process.
Note: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described previously. Please carefully review the complete job announcement, including the Required Documents, Other Information, and How to Apply sections of the announcement.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail or e-mail. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.
Once your online application is successfully submitted you will receive an email notification from the system confirming receipt. Your application will then be evaluated, and you will receive further notification(s) as the status of your application is updated. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking on your application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the "Application Status" link and then select the "More Information" link for this position. The "Application Status" page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
