PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position: To serve as a Public Affairs Specialist and primary lead for outreach activities for both a combatant command and bi-national command Public Affairs office. Conducts public affairs functions for the organization, ensuring public affairs activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements and meet customer needs. Responds to information requests on assigned programs from the news media, specialized groups, and/or general public; local, state, special interest groups, community, and civic organizations. Performs special assignments and participates in special projects and initiatives with responsibility for researching, planning, executing, and/or evaluating complex public affairs operations, programs, and policies which affect a variety of functional areas. Represents the organization regarding a portion of the organization PA program with a variety of councils, boards, working groups, and panels inside and outside the agency, including N&NC, DoW (Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, unified combatant command and services), and other governmental, nongovernmental, public, civic, service, industry, business, educational, entertainment, think tank, and media organizations. Serves as an adviser in the assigned area of responsibility. In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions, Public Affairs Series1035. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes: Performing a range of oral, written, and visual communication concepts, principles, policies, practices, methods, applications, techniques, standards, and trends; analytical methods; interpersonal relations practices applicable to researching, planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating new information materials for information programs. Applying a working knowledge of the joint missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, relationships, and operational planning objectives of DoD organizations. Gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data to arrive at valid conclusions and offer meaning recommendations. Planning and managing short- and long-term projects and to cultivate and sustain working relationships to project completion. Communicating effectively with tact and diplomacy, orally and in writing, to advocate agency positions; to logically and effectively explain programs, functions, and activities and gain understanding of the organization's efforts by responsive publics and people with varying levels of understanding. Evaluating and assessing program effectiveness and prepare reports on accomplishment of program objectives. Establishing and maintaining working relations which foster cooperation, awareness of individual differences, and teamwork. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Knowledge of public affairs principles, methods, and best practices-including communications and media, public information, community engagement, social media, and visual information-sufficient to plan, execute, and evaluate integrated PA strategies and products. 2. Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, and operational planning objectives of DoW, N&NC, and interagency partners sufficient to place information in proper context and align PA activities with command objectives. 3. Skill in planning, organizing, and managing short- and long-term public affairs projects and campaigns, including setting objectives, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and delivering products on time in dynamic, high visibility environments. 4. Skill in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative information (e.g., media coverage, social media metrics, stakeholder feedback) to assess public sentiment, evaluate PA effectiveness, and recommend evidence-based adjustments to communication strategies. 5. Ability to communicate complex, sensitive, or time-critical information clearly, accurately, and persuasively in both oral and written forms to diverse audiences-including senior leaders, media representatives, and public stakeholders-using tact and diplomacy. 6. Ability to build, maintain, and leverage effective working relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., DoW organizations, federal/state/local agencies, media, civic and industry groups) to advance PA objectives and support the organization's mission. 7. Ability to provide credible, strategic PA advice and counsel to senior leaders on the potential public reaction to proposed policies, plans, and actions, and to shape communication approaches that support organizational priorities and maintain public trust. 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. IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICES MEMBERS ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander. Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt