Public Affairs Specialist
What you'd do
This position serves as a public affairs specialist in the Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience (ODR&R) Field Operations Center - East (FOC-E) and Field Operations Center - West (FOC-W). The primary function is to provide information to ODR&R's internal and external customers and appropriate government offices at the Federal, State and local levels concerning the SBA Disaster Assistance Program.
Major duties
As a/an Public Affairs Specialist at theGS- 1035-9, some of your typical work assignments may include: Plans, organizes, and prepares material (e.g., press releases, photographs, flyers, and formal/informal presentations). Prepares and disseminates news releases and articles for the print media, selecting photographs to accompany the written material. Assists the Lead and Senior Public Affairs Specialists in communicating with program managers to determine media, governmental and public information needs of the disaster program. Assists senior Public Affairs Specialists and Field Operations Specialists in preparing for media coverage of local events.
What you need to qualify
GS-09: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector: Assisting with the preparation, coordination, and dissemination of press releases, news articles, fact sheets, presentations, and other outreach materials for media, government stakeholders, and the public; AND Assisting with monitoring media coverage, providing supplemental information to correct inaccuracies, maintaining media and stakeholder contact lists, documenting disaster activities (including photography and reference files), and supporting spokesperson or public speaking activities; AND Assisting in responding to inquiries, preparing draft correspondence about program information or individual cases, keeping abreast of relevant policies and legislative changes, and supporting timely communication with congressional offices and other government officials during disaster declarations. OR Education: If qualifying based on education, you must submit transcripts by the closing date of this announcement, or you will not be found eligible. 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education. OR Master's degree (or equivalent graduate degree such as LL.B. or J.D. as specified in qualification standards or individual occupational requirements) directly related to the position. Examples of related degrees include public affairs, Communications, public administration and other related fields. Education must be in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. OR A combination of education and experience. For example, 1 full year (18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) of graduate-level education (i.e. 50% of education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position. These qualifications must be clearly referenced in your resume. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on OPM's Qualifications web site: General Schedule Qualification Standards 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. Generally, time in Non-Pay status as a federal employee is not creditable towards the specialized experience requirement listed above. All qualification requirements must be met by 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on 08/05/2026.
Before you apply
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