Public Affairs Specialist - SME (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)
What you'd do
This position serves as the Public Affairs Specialist in the Office of Public Affairs and reports directly to the Executive Director of Public Affairs. The Incumbent exercises responsibility for planning, organization, and execution of a comprehensive national news program involving all phases of the Department's public affairs programs.
Major duties
As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will: Writes, edits and organizes information concerning agency and Secretarial initiatives which fits into a national news program covering all phases of the Department's mission, policies, plans and programs. Edits and rewrites copy prepared by staff members from other areas of the Department to ensure consistency with Departmental policies and effective communication. Respond, orally and in writing, to queries from the news media, the public and representatives of commercial, industrial, legislative and other organizations. Maintains close liaison with the public affairs offices of the operating administrations to remain current on the issues, programs, and projects for which she/he is assigned. IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT: The Office of the Secretary of Transportation, Office of Public Affairs is looking for a specialist to support a complex public affairs program.
What you need to qualify
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet either the education or specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-11, on Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the following: Experience in planning, writing and editing blogs, releasing statements and talking points, including the dissemination of information to the media, news outlets and public. Creating briefing materials and responses for management and high-level officials. Experience in utilizing a wide range of social media platforms. To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree A LL.M., if related You can also qualify based on a combination of higher-level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. To qualify for the GS-12, on Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the following: Experience in comprehensive media strategy to include discussing and briefing transportation and policy issues with the public and/or communicating information regarding missions, policies, and programs to the public through social media platforms. Experience utilizing content management systems and social media platforms to manage websites and post blogs regarding transportation, programs, and policies. There is no education requirement for the GS-12 and above for this position. To qualify for the GS-13, on Experience, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the following: Experience preparing and editing written materials for blogs and social media platforms, to include identifying conflicting data and incorporating diverse points of view in written materials. Experience developing and executing plans to use social media to promote key objectives and news announcements, including collaborations with the White House and/or Congressional offices, federal agencies, or private sector organizations. Experience advising management or high-level officials on public and media impact, reactions, and implications on disseminated information regarding policies, programs, and actions. 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: Written and Oral Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Communications and Media - Knowledge of the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. For all types of consideration, 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. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
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