PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Duties As a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST - Title 32, GS-1035-12, you will serve as the Public Affairs Specialist responsible for all Army and Air National Guard public, community and media relations programs within the state. The incumbent performs the following duties: --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. 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. --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. --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. --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 SPAR knowledge of functional PA programs and activities. --As the 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 ARNG 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. --Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment MILITARY REQUIREMENTS : Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position. Military Grades: O-1 through O-4 Conditions of Employment: - National Guard Membership is required. - Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. - Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service. - Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. - May be required to successfully complete a probationary period. - Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position. - This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position. - Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission. - May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required. - The duties and responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment. You are responsible to maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal and regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission. Qualifications GENERAL EXPERIENCE : Experience, education, or training in administrative, professional, investigative and/or technical work. Experience evaluating information and/or utilizing analytical skills to disseminate effective communication. Experience using computers and automation systems. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE : To qualify for the GS-1035-12 level, you must have at least 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. 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. Experience in managing the function of the work to be performed. Experience which includes leading, directing and assigning work of personnel. Additional information If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 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 ( https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx ). If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application . * Benefits Help 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 window Learn more about federal benefits . Review our 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 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. * Benefits Help 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 window Learn more about federal benefits . Review our 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. * Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their po