This position is in the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission), Office of External Relations. The mission of the Office of External Relations is to develop and maintain an effective liaison program between the USITC and its varied external customers and manage the public information activities for the agency. The office is the focal point for contacts with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and other executive branch agencies, Congress, foreign governments, international organizations, the public, and the international, national, and local news media.
The incumbent oversees the Commission's public affairs program. Accomplishes wide-ranging and special projects and initiatives related to public affairs and external communications with primary responsibility of researching, planning, executing, and evaluating complex public affairs operations, programs, policies, and strategies of significant importance and which affect functional areas and multiple organizational levels.
Serves as the primary media spokesperson for the Commission.
Publicizes Commission public hearings and performs public affairs activities in conjunction with out-of-town hearings, roundtables, and meetings by the Commissioners and senior staff.
Manages Commission official portraiture and photography of key events and activities.
Prepares news releases, public information/education materials, web content, and other informational materials pertaining to the Commission, Commissioners, personnel (when appropriate), and Commission determinations and activities.
Gathers and synthesizes information and produces informational materials concerning departmental policies, programs, and activities for dissemination to the news media, as appropriate.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all media, both foreign and domestic, and develop and disseminate informational materials to pertinent publics through the media.
Responsible for providing information to the public and for assisting them in their understanding of and participation in proceedings before the Commission. Produces Commission materials and public information sheets for publication to the Commission website and manages distribution on request.
Serves as a liaison with and responds to inquiries from news media (international, national, and local), stakeholders, and other U.S. Government agencies' public affairs offices that have an international trade mandate.
Assist public and stakeholders with questions regarding the organization's mission and operations; serve as the Office of External Relations POC/Liaison for various systems, programs and units; and perform the role of quality assurance manager, as needed.
Participates as the Office of External Relations' representative on the Information Technology Committee, as well as other Commission working groups related to information technology and public information platform development.
Counsels and provides training and guidance to Commissioners, senior management, and staff on public and media relations matters.
Investigates new tools as they emerge and recommends how and whether Commission should use them, including working with attorneys, information technology team, and contracting officials to manage legal, operational, and procurement issues.
You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period
You are required to register for Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/03/59
You will be required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check
Must be able to obtain/maintain a secret clearance.
Qualifications
You must meet all the requirements below by the closing date of the announcement and they must be clearly identified in your application, resume, or supporting documents. This includes any general and specialized experience, education, and/or selective placement factors mentioned. These are used to determine if you possess the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to successfully perform in this position.
BASIC REQUIREMENT
To qualify at the GS-14 level, you must have one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 obtained in the federal or private sector which demonstrates all of the following:
Designing and implementing proactive public affairs projects including strategic communications programs and other communication strategies; AND
Researching, writing, and editing news releases, publications, web and digital content, reports, brochures, presentations, announcements, speeches, visual data products and other informational materials for the media and other groups interested in or impacted by an organization; AND
Carrying out special projects to assess the effectiveness of various communication methods (i.e., web, social media, streaming/video, etc.)
To qualify at the GS-15 level, you must have one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 obtained in the federal or private sector which demonstrates all of the following:
Providing leadership in developing and implementing written and visual promotional and informational products that enhance an organization's public and media image; AND
Designing and implementing proactive public affairs projects including strategic communications programs and other communication strategies; AND
Researching, writing, and editing news releases, publications, web and digital content, reports, brochures, presentations, announcements, speeches, visual data products and other informational materials for the media and other groups interested in or impacted by an organization; AND
Carrying out special projects to assess the effectiveness of various communication methods (i.e., web, social media, streaming/video, etc.)
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
There is no education requirement for this position.
Additional information
Surplus or Displaced Federal Employees: The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Programs are available to federal employees that qualify. Those eligible for these programs are granted special priority selection rights. To be considered, you must be deemed well-qualified by receiving a score of 85 or higher. If you are a federal employee claiming CTAP/ICTAP, you must provide the documents listed under the Required Documents section to verify your eligibility. Also, you must indicate in your application that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible. For additional information regarding CTAP/ICTAP, please visit: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you are registered with the Selective Service or are exempt under Selective Service regulations. For additional information concerning Selective Service requirements, please visit http://www.sss.gov/.
Reasonable accommodations: This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact listed on the vacancy announcement. The decision to grant a reasonable accommodation is made on a case-by-case basis. Verification of information: Any information claimed on your resume and in application materials, such as education, credentials, employment history, etc., will be verified as part of the security clearance process.
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.
The self-assessment questions are related to the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies (KSA's). You do not have to respond to the KSA's.
Communications and Media
Written and Oral Communication
Customer Service and Problem Solving
Strategic Thinking, Data Gathering and Analysis
We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications and/or education on the information provided and evaluate your relevant education and/or work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) mentioned above. Based on the results of this evaluation, you will be placed in one of the following quality categories:
Best: Placement in this category indicates you have the type and quality of experience and/or education that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, including any selective placement factors and/or appropriate quality ranking factor(s).
Better: Placement in this category indicates you have the type and quality of experience and/or education that exceed the minimum qualifications of the position.
Good: Placement in this category, it indicates you meet the minimum qualifications and/or education of the position and are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the position. You may require extensive training and/or orientation in order to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position.
Names of the candidates in the Best category will be sent first to the hiring manager for employment consideration. Within these categories, candidates eligible for veterans preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Applicants in other categories will be referred in accordance with category rating procedures.
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 receive consideration, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified below by 10/05/2023
1. Resume.: Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience(s) and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. In order to fully evaluate your application and receive proper credit, your resume should include: (1) paid and non-paid experience, job title, dates held (month and year for qualifying purposes to receive credit), number of hours worked per week, and salary (2) knowledge of the subject matter and technical skills pertinent to this position; (3) specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work; and (4) names and phone numbers of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic/specialized experience requirements as stated in this job opportunity announcement for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.
2. Occupational questionnaire: A completed job-specific occupational questionnaire should be submitted through your Application Manager account.
3. Veterans' Preference: If claiming veterans' preference, you must indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume.
A. For 5-point veterans' preference, you must provide:
a copy of your DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge which shows the type of discharge and dates of active duty (Member 4 copy preferred).
B. If you are currently on active duty, to receive 5-point preference you must provide an official statement of service from your command/unit which states:
- your branch of service;
- period(s) of service;
- campaign medals or expeditionary medals earned;
- expected discharge type and date; and
- date you will be separated or be on approved terminal leave
If you supply a statement of service at this stage, your preference/eligibility will be verified by a DD 214 prior to your appointment with our agency.
C. To receive 10-point veterans' preference, you must provide: -any documentation required by this form to support your claim.
If we cannot verify your 10-point preference status, you will receive 5-point preference if you meet the requirements. You can obtain an SF-15 through this link: http://www.opm.gov/forms/standard-forms/.
4. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles.
You must submit the following documents:
a copy of your agency notice;
a copy of your most recent performance rating; and
a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
5. Education Documentation: Transcripts. (for Individual Occupational Requirements and/or Substitution of Education for specialized experience): You MUST submit copies of your college transcripts for verification of the education requirements. Unofficial copies are acceptable, however, if selected you will be required to furnish official transcripts. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above educational requirements. Inadequate or illegible information could result in non-qualification and loss of consideration.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - US Department of Education. Another listing of services that an perform this evaluation is available at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration. https://myiee.org/naces.php All jobs that have an education requirement but list transcripts as a requirement.
6. Cover Letter. This is optional.
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 occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/05/2023 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
3. To verify that your application is complete, 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 Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
4. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Office of External Relations
500 E St SW
Washington, DC 20436
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.
You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:Upon receipt of your application
Upon receipt of your application
Upon minimum qualifications determination
After candidates have been referred to the hiring official
Once a selection has been made
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To receive consideration, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified below by 10/05/2023
1. Resume.: Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience(s) and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. In order to fully evaluate your application and receive proper credit, your resume should include: (1) paid and non-paid experience, job title, dates held (month and year for qualifying purposes to receive credit), number of hours worked per week, and salary (2) knowledge of the subject matter and technical skills pertinent to this position; (3) specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work; and (4) names and phone numbers of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic/specialized experience requirements as stated in this job opportunity announcement for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.
2. Occupational questionnaire: A completed job-specific occupational questionnaire should be submitted through your Application Manager account.
3. Veterans' Preference: If claiming veterans' preference, you must indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume.
A. For 5-point veterans' preference, you must provide:
a copy of your DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge which shows the type of discharge and dates of active duty (Member 4 copy preferred).
B. If you are currently on active duty, to receive 5-point preference you must provide an official statement of service from your command/unit which states:
- your branch of service;
- period(s) of service;
- campaign medals or expeditionary medals earned;
- expected discharge type and date; and
- date you will be separated or be on approved terminal leave
If you supply a statement of service at this stage, your preference/eligibility will be verified by a DD 214 prior to your appointment with our agency.
C. To receive 10-point veterans' preference, you must provide: -any documentation required by this form to support your claim.
If we cannot verify your 10-point preference status, you will receive 5-point preference if you meet the requirements. You can obtain an SF-15 through this link: http://www.opm.gov/forms/standard-forms/.
4. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles.
You must submit the following documents:
a copy of your agency notice;
a copy of your most recent performance rating; and
a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
5. Education Documentation: Transcripts. (for Individual Occupational Requirements and/or Substitution of Education for specialized experience): You MUST submit copies of your college transcripts for verification of the education requirements. Unofficial copies are acceptable, however, if selected you will be required to furnish official transcripts. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above educational requirements. Inadequate or illegible information could result in non-qualification and loss of consideration.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - US Department of Education. Another listing of services that an perform this evaluation is available at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration. https://myiee.org/naces.php All jobs that have an education requirement but list transcripts as a requirement.
6. Cover Letter. This is optional.
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 occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/05/2023 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
3. To verify that your application is complete, 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 Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
4. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Office of External Relations
500 E St SW
Washington, DC 20436
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.
You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:Upon receipt of your application
Upon receipt of your application
Upon minimum qualifications determination
After candidates have been referred to the hiring official
Once a selection has been made
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
