Clarification from the agency

THIS JOB IS A TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

As a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST, GS-1035-13, duties include:

(1) Serves as the JFHQ-State Public Affairs Officer, reporting to the Chief of the Joint Staff. Responsible for planning, budgeting, designing, and executing public affairs communications strategies to inform and educate the public, both general and specialized, about the Army and Air National Guard programs, activities, and services and the vital role they play as components of the U.S. armed forces as well as being an invaluable asset for homeland defense and homeland security. The state National Guard's various organizations range upward in size from several hundreds to thousands of Soldiers and Airmen, comprised of state and federal employees. Each state includes a large number of National Guard armories, along with flight facilities, maintenance facilities, air installations, training sites and ranges. Geographical area encompasses the state along with any areas the MPADs are assigned which include regional, CONUS (national) and OCONUS (international); each with varied audiences. In any case, with the potential impacts of public affairs actions, the PAO's responsibilities and duties are as encompassing as the Guard as a whole. The JFHQ-State PAO must provide the full range of effective public information, command/internal information, and community relations services to support the National Guard's large and complex organization statewide. The JFHQ-State PAO plans, directs, and executes command/internal information, media and community relations campaigns to convey sensitive and complex information concerning the National Guard's state and federal programs, responsibilities, and activities. The PAO exhibits a mastery of communication principals and techniques along with continuously developing and applying new approaches to the most difficult and complex issues by developing or evaluating information programs that enhance understanding among publics opposed to or indifferent to National Guard mission or programs. The PAO analyzes public reaction to NG programs and policies then adjusts accordingly by developing recommendations that may impact or significantly modify NG major programs or policies. The JFHQ-State PAO must include diverse points of view in communications plan that establish and maintain mutual understanding with various publics in local communities, in the state, the region, and which may impact the NG nationally. The scope, effect and implications of the JFHQ-State PAO's duties are wide; affecting the NG locally, state-wide, nationally and internationally. Throughout the communications process the JFHQ-State PAO analyzes and re-analyzes the clarity and effectiveness of public affairs initiatives and adjusts them as needed.

The JFHQ-State PAO is guided by general policies that cannot encompass the huge variety of specifics that apply to public affairs. Frequently, there are no precedents applicable to unusual or sensitive public issues or problems encountered by the PAO and the PAO exercises considerable professional judgment in interpreting and adapting existing guidelines and precedents and using them as a basis for developing new approaches that coordinate and integrate various aspects of the mission to help create a unified public affairs strategy or plan. The public affairs specialist serves as an NG authority in the development and interpretation of guidelines in the public affairs arena. The PAO is responsible for interpreting applicable general policy and statutory mandates (state, NG, DA, DAF and DOD) and applying these to unusual or sensitive public affairs issues or problems found at the agency level.

FOR FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION, PLEASE CONTACT THE POC FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT

Conditions of employment

• Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Obtain/maintain the level of security clearance/background check required
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Direct Deposit is mandatory
• Individuals with military incentive bonuses may be subject to recoupment.

Qualifications

Security Clearance/Background Check requirements:
In order to comply with US DOD requirements and ensure the safety and security of the missions, programs, property and personnel of the Nebraska Military Department, employees must obtain the appropriate background investigation and maintain the level of security clearance assigned to their respective work.

Failure to obtain, within one year of appointment, and maintain the designated type of security clearance/background check required for the respective work may result in a job offer being rescinded, separations of employment, or other actions as may be deemed in the best interest of the agency.

Prior to appointment individuals must meet the security clearance requirements for the position or submit the required documents of the Nebraska National Guard, Personnel Security Manager for processing the appropriate investigation. Required forms: SF86, PSIP Initiation Form, Fingerprints, OF306 and Application/Resume.

Nebraska National Guard Personnel Security Manager - kalee.m.boden.mil@army.mil; 402-309-8319.

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience, education, or training in administrative, professional, investigative and/or technical work. Experience evaluating information and/or utilizing analytical skills to disseminate effective communication. Experience using computers and automation systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
GS-13 - at least 1 year at the previous lower grade or equilavent experience and education, or training involving a thorough knowledge of writing and communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to public affairs of the military. Experience developing new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, brochures, booklets, broadcast spots, etc., that increase communication with the agency's audiences. Experience making on-the-spot presentations to audiences with opposing points of view or erroneous understanding of agency positions. Experience responding timely and appropriately to requests for information concerning agency programs and services. Experience in managing the function of the work to be performed. Experience which includes leading, directing and assigning work of personnel.

How you will be evaluated

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

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. Your answers to the assessment questionnaire will be verified against information provided in your resume and other supporting documentation. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position.

In describing your experience, please be clear and specific, we will not make assumptions regarding your experience. If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experiences, your rating will be adjusted or you may be excluded from consideration for this position.

NUMERIC CATEGORY: Applicants who meet the basic qualification requirements will be placed in a numeric group based upon ranking factors such as knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors as reflected in their application package. Refer to NE TPR 335 dated 4 April 2018.

Numeric category ratings are:
Highly Qualified: 90-100 points. To be highly qualified, an applicant substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, including all selective placement factors and are fully competent to effectively perform all the job requirements in the position almost immediately with minimum training or orientation;

Qualified: 70-89 points. To be qualified, an applicant meets the minimum qualifications of the position and is proficient in some, but not all, of the position's requirements. Will require extensive training or orientation to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position.

Veterans' Preference: Assessed applicants are placed in the appropriate numeric category and ranked according to preference eligibility and non-preference eligibility. All qualified preference eligibles are placed ahead of non-preference eligibles within their numeric category.
Read about Veterans' Preference here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals/#2

Your qualifications will be evaluated against general and specialized experience under the "Qualifications" section and against the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

Communication Counsel, Communications and Media, Oral Communication, and Public Affairs Policies and Procedures

To preview the assessment questionnaire, please use the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12437808