Clarification from the agency

Area I: All current On-board Permanent and Indefinite Dual Status 32 and Title 5 Only those Vermont National Guard members who are in permanent or indefinite technician status. Area II: All Members of the Vermont Air National Guard.

This position is located at the Wing Public Affairs Office. This is an National Guard dual status technician position that requires military membership, compatible military skill assignment and classification. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Public Affairs Specialist responsible for all public, community and media relations (including international media) programs for the unit. The incumbent performs the following duties:

MAJOR DUTIES:

1. Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates a diverse and strategic Public Affairs (PA) program through media and audience analysis, determines PA program needs and organizational direction to achieve unit goals. Formulates long range plans, and develops policies to enhance public understanding, support, and acceptance of unit programs and activities at local, state, national and international levels, which includes the international training and remotely piloted aircraft missions. Advises the Wing Commander and Wing leadership on sensitive or controversial PA matters, to include international affairs related to the training of international students from multiple foreign countries and remotely piloted aircraft foreign and domestic operations. Advises the state Public Affairs Officer, and potentially The Adjutant General (TAG) and Air Component Commander, Air Force and National Guard Bureau Public and representatives on substantive issues related to the Wings flying mission.

2. Develops and writes information materials designed to reach domestic and international audiences through various media such as wire service, radio, television, magazines, newspaper online and social media. Prepares materials specifically to explain or describe the unit mission, international training program, requirements, capabilities, accomplishments, policies and programs. Written materials include news releases, radio spot and television announcements, fact sheets, feature stories, background statements, special reports, etc. for both local and international media sources. Establishes and implements short and long range plans for print and electronic media programs. Coordinates, supervises, and evaluates media servicing activities.

3. Targets and services state and national media markets with print, photographic and electronic materials in support of publicizing the mission of the Wing. Responds to media requests for information of both a routine and controversial nature. Prepares or assembles information kits, edits and rewrites informational material, releases photographs, video and/or other stories of interest stories to news media, studies current issues, coordinates news interviews, and prepares questions to be addressed, arranges photographic and electronic media coverage of newsworthy events involving the Wing, ensures maintenance of unclassified photo library of appropriate material for news releases, and coordinates public affairs airlift and orientation flights for media representatives.


4. Provides PA advice concerning the Wing Mission and state Public Affairs Officer, USAF, NGB Public and TAG, Air Component Commander, Wing leadership, Commander and staff in support of policies and programs of interest to internal audiences. Provides advice and guidance to Wing leadership on sensitive and controversial matters concerning international partners and policies related to PA issues. Analyzes, coordinates, and updates Command Information (CI) plans, policies and programs related to all public, community and media relations (including international media) programs for all unit missions. Prepares and coordinates special projects to inform all guard members, technicians, families and employers of new policies, programs, or activities. Provides guidance and support to subordinate commands on CI matters. Coordinates CI projects with NGB staff or other agencies as appropriate. Researches and analyzes trends in attitudes and opinions of internal audiences to redevelop/refine CI plans and policies. Oversees production of print and electronic media CI projects.

5. As the PA representative for the Wing, establishes and maintains close working relationships with officials of various civic, media, veterans, and community groups, as well as state and federal government officials outside the NG. Expands the base of public support through such relationships, and promotes the interests of NG programs which may be at odds with interests of respective groups. Serves as point of contact with veterans' organizations or defense related associations requesting information from the unit. Responds to public requests and develops materials that expound on the nature and purpose of the unit and the foreign pilot training program. Also responds to requests for information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

**REFER TO PD FOR FULL LIST OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES**

Conditions of employment

• The incumbent will be required to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.
• Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
• May require travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
• May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours.
• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• This is an Indefinite tenure appointment not to exceed a maximum of 4 years from the start date.

Qualifications

OPEN AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: AREA 1, 2
Area I: All current On-board Permanent and Indefinite Dual Status 32 and Title 5 (Competitive and Excepted) Technicians (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite) - Only those Vermont National Guard members who are in permanent or indefinite technician status as a result of being competitively hired within that National Guard component applying for a position within the component which they are currently employed.
Area II: All Members of the Vermont Air National Guard.

Military Rank/Grade: Lt Col/O5

Work involves administering, supervising, or performing work in establishing and maintaining mutual communication between National Guard, general public and various other pertinent audiences including internal or external, foreign or domestic. Advises management on policy formulation and the potential public reaction to proposed policy. Identifies and carries out the public communication requirements inherent in disseminating policy decisions. Identifies communication needs and develops informational materials to inform the public.

Minimum Qualification Requirements: Experience, education or training in administrative, professional, investigative and/or technical work. Experience evaluating information and/or using analytical skills to disseminate effective communication. Experience in compiling reports, letters, memoranda, etc., and required person-to-person contacts to convey information. Experience using computers and automation systems

Specialized Experience: 36 Months Experience, education, or training involving a thorough knowledge of writing and communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to public affairs of the military. 1-year experience, education, or training equivalent to at least next lower grade level. 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

Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

-Skill in conveying complex information on Air National Guard activities that affect state and national interests and may have international involvement and implications.

-Skill in applying knowledges in the modification of standard methods and the adaptation of approaches in developing new information materials to enhance understanding and support of National Guard programs and/or significant issues.

-Skill in identifying the information needs of various audiences and the most effective methods of assessing their reactions to information provided.

-Skills facilitating evaluation of information program effectiveness.

-Skills in developing new information materials to include, news releases, internal publications, fact sheets, and radio and television broadcast spots.

-Skills sufficient to provide print and broadcast media, trade associations, veteran's organizations, and National Guard associations with timely and accurate explanations of unit
policies and activities.

-Knowledge and skill sufficient for determining appropriate information for internal/external publics respectively, and for using discretion in releasing controversial material.

-Skills in developing and maintaining effective relationships with media representatives, unit assigned public affairs personnel and various external groups, to establish and enhance intercommunication between the National Guard and its audiences utilizing media resources.

-Skills sufficient to provide print and broadcast media, trade associations, veteran's organizations, and National Guard associations with timely and accurate explanations of agency policies and activities.

-Knowledge and skills sufficient for determining appropriate information for internal/external publics respectively, and for using discretion in releasing controversial or secure material.

- Skill in developing and applying new approaches to the most difficult and complex public affairs problems by developing or evaluating information programs to enhance understanding among publics opposed to or indifferent to the NG's mission or programs;

- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups interested in or affected by programs, creating meaningful, constructive communication interchanges.

- Skill in developing written materials to convey information concerning complex programs and functions to publics having diverse levels of understanding of the National Guard's programs and activities.

- Skill in responding orally to criticism of the National Guard's functions or performance, to logically and effectively explain complex programs, functions and activities and gain understanding and support of the organization's efforts by concerned publics.

- Knowledge of event planning and coordination to manage and advise staff on special event productions that may include the senior military officials, Governors, members of Congress, legislators and other state and local officials.

- Skill in evaluating the effectiveness of the public affairs program, analyzing feedback from the media and public, and developing recommendations to improve the internal operation and enhance the overall public affairs program.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Please be advised:
1. Specialized experience will be used to determine qualifications for the announced position.
2. An applicant's RESUME must provide, in detail, how they meet the specialized experience listed.
3. It must be documented with "from (mm/yy)" and "to (mm/yy)" dates and description of the specialized experience.
4. If education or a degree is required as part of the "Specialized Experience", you must include transcripts.

Do not copy the specialized experience qualifications word for word and place into your resume; you must describe your personal experience as it pertains to each statement.

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. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Please be advised that the applicant rating will be evaluated on the following occupational competencies:

1. Oral Communication
2. Written Communication
3. Interpersonal Skills
4. Attention to Detail
5. Decision Making