Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates the state Public Affairs (PA) program. Through media and audience analysis, determines PA program needs and organizational direction to achieve National Guard PA goals. Formulates long-range plans, and develops policies to enhance public understanding, support, and acceptance of National Guard (NG) programs and/or activities statewide. Advises the Adjutant General and program managers on sensitive or controversial PA matters. Develops and writes information materials designed to reach audiences through various media such as wire service, radio, television, and newspaper. Prepares materials specifically to explain or describe NG missions, 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. Establishes and implements short and long range plans for print and electronic media programs. Coordinates, supervises, and evaluates media servicing activities. Targets and services statewide media markets with print, photographic and electronic materials in support of publicizing the National Guard story. 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 and/or feature 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 National Guard: ensures maintenance of unclassified photo library of appropriate material for news releases; and coordinates public affairs airlift and orientation flights for media representatives. Provides PA advice to the Adjutant General and staff in support of policies and programs of interest to internal audiences. Analyzes, coordinates, and updates Command Information (CI) plans, policies and programs. 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. Over sees production of print and electronic media CI projects.
Advises and assists Unit Public Affairs Representatives (UPARs) and/or other personnel assigned public affairs responsibilities. Develops directives, furnishes policy/procedures, and evaluates subordinate level program effectiveness. Designs, coordinates, and conducts educational and training programs to ensure UPAR knowledge of functional PA programs and activities. Analyzes UPAR performance and/or programs to evaluate and increase effectiveness in achieving overall PA objectives. As PA representative for the state Adjutant General, establishes and maintains close working relationships with officials of various civic, media, veterans, and community groups, as well as state government officials outside the National Guard. 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 NG. Responds to public requests and develops materials that expound on the nature and purpose of the NG. Also responds to requests for information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Assists the ARNG State Recruiting and Retention Manager and ANG Senior Recruiter by providing media placement and print and electronic media support; developing public service announcements; and supporting recruiting drives and special events. Acts as point of contact for NGB Historical Services Team for all historical matters. Serves as coordinator for units and individuals entering annual military print and electronic media competitions.
Provides public affairs annexes to state NG contingency plans. Provides information to NGB for national and/or regional use. Advises NGB of activities and/or incidents that may generate national, regional, or local criticism, and that may create media, community, or congressional interest.
Participates in budget process to ensure funding requirements are identified, and adequate funds are requested and available for PA operations.
Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
U.S. citizenship is required.
This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program.
Bargaining Unit: Non- Bargaining.
Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guide.
May be required to obtain and maintain a satisfactory security clearance.
APPOINTMENT FACTORS: T5 Excepted Service appointment in the Alaska National Guard.
The incumbent of this position description must have, at a minimum, a completed National Agency Check (NAC) prior to position assignment.
Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.
The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial vehicles to perform temporary duty assignments.
The work may require the employee to drive a motor vehicle and if so, an appropriate valid driver’s license is required.
Qualifications
GENERAL EXPERIENCE is 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 is experience which is directly related to the position to be filled and which has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position.
GS-12 - Must have at least 1-year experience, education, or training equivalent to at least next lower grade level, GS-11. Examples of specialized experience includes: Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates the state Public Affairs (PA) program. Through media and audience analysis, determines PA program needs and organizational direction to achieve National Guard PA goals. Formulates long-range plans, and develops policies to enhance public understanding, support, and acceptance of National Guard (NG) programs and/or activities statewide. Develops and writes information materials designed to reach audiences through various media such as wire service, radio, television, and newspaper. Responds to media requests for information of both a routine and controversial nature. Advises and assists Unit Public Affairs Representatives (UPARs) and/or other personnel assigned public affairs responsibilities. Designs, coordinates, and conducts educational and training programs to ensure UPAR knowledge of functional PA programs and activities.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Resume must have complete dates and hours worked per week for each occurrence of both civilian and military employment (Example: 2 JAN 1980 to 3 MAR 1981; 0800-1630 M-F or JAN 1980 to MAR 1981; 40 hrs/wk) Use of year only will result in disqualification. The duties listed must fully substantiate -in your own words- that you meet the minimum requirements and specialized experience listed above, in detail; otherwise, you will not be considered qualified for this position.
Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Your experience will be evaluated on the basis of duties performed. Your record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position:
--Must have knowledge applicable to a wide range of duties involving oral and written communication principles, practices, techniques, and methods; analytical methods; and interpersonal relations practices. The incumbent must possess:
--Skill in applying knowledge 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.
--Skill in developing new information materials to include, news releases, internal publications, fact sheets, and radio and television broadcast spots.
--Skill sufficient for developing Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR's) PA training materials, statewide PA policies, programs, and procedures, and for overseeing training and evaluating the PA activities of IJPAR's.
--Skill 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 skill sufficient for determining appropriate information for internal/external publics respectively, and for using discretion in releasing controversial material.
--Skill 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
Additional information
- BRING OWN AUTHORITY: This position is advertised as Bring your Own Authority (BOA); as such, applicant must bring their employing authority (with command approval) with them to the new position.
- This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration. This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG.
- If you are a current Federal employee or former Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your latest SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" and/or a copy of the SF-50. You may submit your most recent performance appraisal.
- NOTE: A retired member of the Armed Forces may not be appointed to a DOD civilian position within 180 days after retirement, without a TAG approved waiver, in accordance with DoDi 1402.01, Employment of Retired Members of the Armed Forces, dated 09 Sep 2007 and National Guard Appointment for Retired Members of the Armed Forces Memo, dated 18 Jan 2019.
- If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
- Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): Entitled to 1.49% COLA in addition to base salary, subject to change.
- Direct Deposit Program: If selected for technician position with the Alaska National Guard, you will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Program. (Salary will be automatically deposited to bank/credit union account).
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Once the application process is complete, a review of your application/resume will be made to determine your Area of Consideration (AOC) and to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and minimum job requirements. Your initial rating will be based on your responses to the questionnaire in this document. This process measures the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position. Your final rating will be based on our evaluation of your responses, as verified through a review of your resume and other supporting documents. 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 abilities. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility and rating.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Ability to Plan and Organize Work~
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 determine your qualifications for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Questionnaire. This is accomplished by submitting the application. There is nothing that needs to be attached to this application to meet this requirement.
3. SF-50, if applicable
4. Any additional documentation you wish to submit for consideration.
Your resume, curriculum vitae, the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF 612), or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications can be submitted electronically using the document upload process.. We recommend using the resume building within USAJOBS. Please log into USAJOBS, go to your "Documents", make sure you're in the "Resumes" section and select the "Upload or build resume" button, then click on "Build resume". Please be sure to include all of the following information in your resume:
Job Information:
- Vacancy Identification Number, title, grade and location for which you are applying.
Personal Information:
- Full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day/evening telephone numbers (with area code).
- Country of Citizenship.
- If ever employed by the Federal Government, please show the highest Federal civilian grade held, job series, and dates of employment in grade.
Education:
- High School name, city, state and zip code, date of diploma or GED.
- Colleges and/or Universities attended, city, state and zip code.
- Major field(s) of study.
- Type and year of degree(s) received. If no degree received, show total credit hours received in semester or quarter hours.
Work Experience for each paid or non-paid position held related to the job for which you are applying (do not provide copies of job descriptions):
- Job title.
- Duties and accomplishments.
- Number of hours per week.
- Employer's name and address.
- Supervisor's name and phone number.
- Indicate if your current supervisor may be contacted.
- Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year).
- Salary.
Other Qualifications:
- Job-related training courses (title and year).
- Job-related skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.)
- Job related certificates and licenses.
- Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments. (e.g., publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, performance awards, etc.)
Do not send copies of documents unless specifically requested.
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 online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12879732
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
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 it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Alaska Army National Guard
P.O Box 5800
JBER, AK 99505
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application. Referral to the hiring official will be IAW our agency Merit Promotion Plan and current Labor agreement. Qualified applicants may be further evaluated by a ranking panel. Referred candidates will be further evaluated and interviewed by a selection panel.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To determine your qualifications for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Questionnaire. This is accomplished by submitting the application. There is nothing that needs to be attached to this application to meet this requirement.
3. SF-50, if applicable
4. Any additional documentation you wish to submit for consideration.
Your resume, curriculum vitae, the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF 612), or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications can be submitted electronically using the document upload process.. We recommend using the resume building within USAJOBS. Please log into USAJOBS, go to your "Documents", make sure you're in the "Resumes" section and select the "Upload or build resume" button, then click on "Build resume". Please be sure to include all of the following information in your resume:
Job Information:
- Vacancy Identification Number, title, grade and location for which you are applying.
Personal Information:
- Full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day/evening telephone numbers (with area code).
- Country of Citizenship.
- If ever employed by the Federal Government, please show the highest Federal civilian grade held, job series, and dates of employment in grade.
Education:
- High School name, city, state and zip code, date of diploma or GED.
- Colleges and/or Universities attended, city, state and zip code.
- Major field(s) of study.
- Type and year of degree(s) received. If no degree received, show total credit hours received in semester or quarter hours.
Work Experience for each paid or non-paid position held related to the job for which you are applying (do not provide copies of job descriptions):
- Job title.
- Duties and accomplishments.
- Number of hours per week.
- Employer's name and address.
- Supervisor's name and phone number.
- Indicate if your current supervisor may be contacted.
- Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year).
- Salary.
Other Qualifications:
- Job-related training courses (title and year).
- Job-related skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.)
- Job related certificates and licenses.
- Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments. (e.g., publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, performance awards, etc.)
Do not send copies of documents unless specifically requested.
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 online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12879732
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
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 it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Alaska Army National Guard
P.O Box 5800
JBER, AK 99505
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application. Referral to the hiring official will be IAW our agency Merit Promotion Plan and current Labor agreement. Qualified applicants may be further evaluated by a ranking panel. Referred candidates will be further evaluated and interviewed by a selection panel.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.