PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Duties Coordinates planning and development of complex, high level public affairs assignments in support of commander's programs and priorities.
Carries out public affairs tasks that support the wing commander's priorities through the integration of visual information, social media, community engagement, command information, communication planning, contingency/crisis response, media operations, environmental, security and policy review, and public affairs resource management activities.
Responds to requests for information, materials, and support, and plans and conducts community engagement activities with community officials and groups.
This includes providing and/or clearing material concerning controversial unit activities such as hazardous operations, costly acquisitions, and equal opportunity issues upon request by media representatives.
Maintains an active web/social media presence, provides visual information services for documentation and/or publicity purposes and plans and arranges news media coverage.
Evaluates the propriety and advisability of agency support of/participation in local activities, programs, and events.
For approved events, coordinates support requests from community and community groups, schools, news media organizations, and others to include requests for interviews, speakers, tours, bands, honor guards, and aviation support and support of local observances and celebrations.
Research, drafts, coordinates, produces, and reviews public affairs products such as, web-based content, photographs, videos, news and feature articles, news releases, talking points, fact sheets, briefings, speeches and scripts, newsletters, etc.
Items are designed with the objective of effectively communicating agency activities, programs, and policies to a variety of stakeholders.
Modifies standard methods and adapts approaches in developing new information materials aimed at enhancing the understanding of significant issues concerning agency programs.
Identifies potential problems or areas of friction and advises management officials concerning the causes of the problems and suggested methods for resolving them.
Confers with program specialists, action officers, and other subject matter experts to obtain the latest and most accurate information and imagery approved for public release.
Maintains effective working relationships with officials of various senior wing leadership, civic, news media, community groups, Department of Defense personnel, as well as local, state, and national government officials, and the general public.
Attends meetings and maintains professional contacts.
Explains public affairs policies and procedures and resolves most problems that arise.
Determines appropriate recommendations for unresolved issues and performs follow up.
Participates in special assignments and projects.
Maintains effective relationships with DoD personnel, National, State, and local officials, State PAOs, who are critical target groups, needed to maintain effective working relationships and ongoing communications between the Wing and State.
Appointed as the Wing Visual Information Manager per current DoD directives.
Stays abreast of current visual information methodology and technological developments.
Manages budget and procures new equipment and supplies.
Plans, organizes, and carries out the visual information program.
Provides photographic editing and processing, and video support, for alert missions to include mishaps.
Provides historical documentation support.
Designs, creates, and assembles materials for presentations, publications, and exhibits.
Selects visual materials used in the communication of information.
Designs the placement and appearance of visual materials, placement of text in relation to art; decides type styles and typographical effects, and plans effective use of color schemes, textures, and shapes in consideration of technical constraints to communication methods.
Provides guidance and acts as a liaison to visiting non-military organizational photo crews, to include public news media photographers, who request to conduct photography activities.
Creates new, adapts, or modifies accepted communication campaign formats to reach a target audience with a specific message.
Selection of a communication campaign format is based on an analysis of targeted audience demographics and message content.
After an informational campaign has been implemented, solicited and unsolicited response data is gathered to assess campaign effectiveness in reaching the target audience.
If the campaign's results do not meet expectations, the incumbent identifies concern issues, develops alternatives, and after discussing these with the appropriate administrative personal, implements the most appropriate options.
Responsible for all social media build, research, and transmittal or information on social media platforms.
Requirements Conditions of Employment Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
External applicants must be able to start within 6 months of selection.
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.
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.
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.
Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
Must complete SE1-260 requirements within 6 months of employment.
Must complete the DoD Public Affairs Qualification Course within 2 years of employment; or, for on-board personnel, complete the course within 2 years from the appointment date to this position description.
Qualifications GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Must have 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 OR EDUCATION GS-09: Must possess one of the following: A) 1-year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
Experience, education, or training involving knowledge of writing, communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to the public affairs of an agency.
Experience in applying and adapting knowledge of strictly controlled situations of an agency.
Experience writing articles on routine events of non-controversial subjects.
Experience responding timely and appropriately to requests for information concerning agency programs and services.
Experience participating in meetings with specialized groups to listen to and understand feedback on agency programs that are of particular interest to public.
(MUST address these specialized experiences in detail on resume to be considered for this position.
) B) master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.
B.
or J.
D.
, if related.
C) A combination of Specialized Experience and education as outlined above which, when combined, equal 100% of the requirement.
(MUST provide copies of all relevant transcripts to be considered for this position.
Official transcripts may be required at a later date.
) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION GS-11: Must possess one of the following: A) 1-year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
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.
(MUST address these specialized experiences in detail on resume to be considered for this position.
) B) Ph.
D.
or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.
M.
, if related.
C) A combination of Specialized Experience and education as outlined above which, when combined, equal 100% of the requirement.
(MUST provide copies of all relevant transcripts to be considered for this position.
Official transcripts may be required at a later date.
) PLACEMENT STATUS/TENURE OF SELECTEE FOR A NON PERMANENT T5 Position: TEMPORARY PROMOTION/REASSIGNMENT/CHANGE TO LOWER GRADE - For Title 5 permanent current employee as selectees only: This is may be an obligated position or term/indef only position.
If a permanent employee in the Title 5 MT NG Excepted civil service employee accepts this position, he/she will retain their permanent status AND have rights to return to their previous Title 5 position.
TEMPORARY PROMOTION/REASSIGNMENT/CHANGE TO LOWER GRADE - For Title 5 Term current employee as selectees only: This is may be an obligated position or term/indef only position.
If a Term employee in the Title 5 MT NG Excepted civil service employee accepts this position, he/she will retain their Term status AND may have rights to return to their previous Title 5 position (if still available).
INDEFINITE APPOINTMENT - For Current Title 32 selectees (any Status) or Title 5 NTE/VRA employees: This is may be an obligated position or term/indef only position.
If an on-board employee in the Title 32 or NTE T5 excepted civil service accepts this position, he/she will convert to a T5 Term appointment (tenure 3) with possible permanent status OR without possible permanent status.
This employee will have NO reemployment rights to their previous T32 position; but may be reinstated to Title 5 NTE/VRA position if still available.
INDEFINITE APPOINTMENT - State National Guard Members not currently a MT NG federal employee: This is may be an obligated position or term/indef only position.
Selectee will be appointed as a TERM T5 Term employment with possible permanent status OR without possible permanent status (tenure 3).
Education If you are using Education to qualify for this position, copies of all relevant transcripts MUST be submitted with application.
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 (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.
gov)).
Benefits 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.
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 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.
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 policies.
To apply, you must submit a complete application package, if required items are missing, incomplete, and/or resume does not address the qualifications/experience requirements listed in the announcement and assessment, the applicant may be deemed unqualified and/or be found ineligible for Veterans' Preference (if applicable).
Required Documents: 1.
Your resume MUST contain a DETAILED description (how, when, where, and at what level) in your own words, of civilian and/or military training/experience/education as it relates to the General and Specialized Experience.
2.
List of other supporting documents in item 2a below.
3.
Veterans' Preference documents: -If claiming 5pt Veterans' Preference, MUST submit DD-214 (Member Copy 1 NOT accepted) or items listed in item 3a below.
-If claiming 10pt Veterans' Preference, MUST submit with resume, a (VA) Disability Verification Letter with DD-214 (Member Copy 1 NOT accepted).
Those claiming Spousal or Parental Veterans' Preference must submit a completed SF-15 with packet; others may be requested to complete SF-15 later.
See the documents listed below in items 3a and 3b.
-If claiming preference or hiring authority as a Military spouse, the documents listed in items 3a, 3b, and 3c.
NOTE: DD-214 Member Copy 1 WILL NOT be accepted for determination of Veterans' Preference eligibility.
More information: 2a.
Other supporting documents: Items used to qualify applicant and those listed on announcement as required MUST be submitted; (i.
e.
, copy of transcripts (IF USING EDUCATION AS A SUBSTITUTION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE), Military membership documents (NGB 22/22A), certifications, SF-50s and other items).
3a.
A DD-214 (Member Copy 1 not accepted) is REQUIRED if claiming any Veterans' Preference.
Review 3b for 10pt requirements (MUST submit VA Disability Verification Letter with resume).
It must be legible and shows dates of service, expedition/campaign medals (if using for Veterans' Preference), character of service (honorable, general, etc.
).
HRO prefers DD-214 Member Copy 4.
If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification.
Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, character of service, military rank, type of discharge and date when terminal leave will begin.
Certifications must be signed by, or by direction of military member's military personnel offices, unit commanders or higher headquarters.
3b.
If claiming 10pt preference (disability - XP, CP, CPS) or Sole Survivor Preference (SSP), you must submit a disability verification letter with DD-214.
An SF-15 is required for Spousal or Parental Veterans' Preference; for all other must be submit SF-15 if requested.
Forms must be completed and submitted with supporting documentation of claim listed on form and any listed disability documentation (if claiming disability preference) for claiming.
Copy of marriage certificate is required for spouse's SSP or XP claims.
You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center or online.
For SF-15: https://www.
opm.
gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.
pdf.
3c.
If claiming preference or hiring authority as spouse of a veteran, a copy of the marriage certificate is also required in addition to item 4a documents, i.
e.
, for DoD Priority Placement Program (must notify HRO rep on advertisement if claiming this status), and SSP or XP Veterans' Preference claims.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for spouses claiming Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire/application.
If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general under honorable, etc.
), and dates of impending separation.
Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
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.
How to Apply 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/12395685 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/.
Agency contact information Jessica Wharton Email jessica.
n.
wharton2.
civ@army.
mil Address MT 120AW 2800 Airport Ave B Great Falls, MT 59404 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.
Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request Required Documents To apply, you must submit a complete application package, if required items are missing, incomplete, and/or resume does not address the qualifications/experience requirements listed in the announcement and assessment, the applicant may be deemed unqualified and/or be found ineligible for Veterans' Preference (if applicable).
Required Documents: 1.
Your resume MUST contain a DETAILED description (how, when, where, and at what level) in your own words, of civilian and/or military training/experience/education as it relates to the General and Specialized Experience.
2.
List of other supporting documents in item 2a below.
3.
Veterans' Preference documents: -If claiming 5pt Veterans' Preference, MUST submit DD-214 (Member Copy 1 NOT accepted) or items listed in item 3a below.
-If claiming 10pt Veterans' Preference, MUST submit with resume, a (VA) Disability Verification Letter with DD-214 (Member Copy 1 NOT accepted).
Those claiming Spousal or Parental Veterans' Preference must submit a completed SF-15 with packet; others may be requested to complete SF-15 later.
See the documents listed below in items 3a and 3b.
-If claiming preference or hiring authority as a Military spouse, the documents listed in items 3a, 3b, and 3c.
NOTE: DD-214 Member Copy 1 WILL NOT be accepted for determination of Veterans' Preference eligibility.
More information: 2a.
Other supporting documents: Items used to qualify applicant and those listed on announcement as required MUST be submitted; (i.
e.
, copy of transcripts (IF USING EDUCATION AS A SUBSTITUTION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE), Military membership documents (NGB 22/22A), certifications, SF-50s and other items).
3a.
A DD-214 (Member Copy 1 not accepted) is REQUIRED if claiming any Veterans' Preference.
Review 3b for 10pt requirements (MUST submit VA Disability Verification Letter with resume).
It must be legible and shows dates of service, expedition/campaign medals (if using for Veterans' Preference), character of service (honorable, general, etc.
).
HRO prefers DD-214 Member Copy 4.
If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification.
Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, character of service, military rank, type of discharge and date when terminal leave will begin.
Certifications must be signed by, or by direction of military member's military personnel offices, unit commanders or higher headquarters.
3b.
If claiming 10pt preference (disability - XP, CP, CPS) or Sole Survivor Preference (SSP), you must submit a disability verification letter with DD-214.
An SF-15 is required for Spousal or Parental Veterans' Preference; for all other must be submit SF-15 if requested.
Forms must be completed and submitted with supporting documentation of claim listed on form and any listed disability documentation (if claiming disability preference) for claiming.
Copy of marriage certificate is required for spouse's SSP or XP claims.
You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center or online.
For SF-15: https://www.
opm.
gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.
pdf.
3c.
If claiming preference or hiring authority as spouse of a veteran, a copy of the marriage certificate is also required in addition to item 4a documents, i.
e.
, for DoD Priority Placement Program (must notify HRO rep on advertisement if claiming this status), and SSP or XP Veterans' Preference claims.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for spouses claiming Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire/application.
If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general under honorable, etc.
), and dates of impending separation.
Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
Documentation is required to award preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
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.
Help This job is open to The public U.
S.
Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.
S.
Veterans Clarification from the agency This position is open to Category (CAT) 7 - Open to the public, Veterans' Preference DOES apply.