This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/554717500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Summary
The Public Affairs Specialist is responsible for managing the public engagement and reputation of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian with particular emphasis on media relations and external communication. This includes crafting and executing media strategies to win high-profile favorable coverage of CfA projects and personnel, coordinating all interview and filming requests, and proactively developing and leveraging relationships with key media stakeholders.
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Overview
- Reviewing applications
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Open & closing dates
12/18/2019 to 02/21/2020
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Salary
$120,043 - $156,053 per year
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Pay scale & grade
IS 14
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Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
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Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
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Travel Required
25% or less - Travel may be required to attend meetings and/or other functions at SAO or other institutions, nationally and internationally.
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Permanent - This is a Trust fund position, not a Federal position. This vacancy is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.
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Work schedule
Full-time - Full Time
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Service
Competitive
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Promotion potential
14
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Job family (Series)
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Supervisory status
No
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Security clearance
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Drug test
No
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Position sensitivity and risk
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Trust determination process
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Announcement number
20-10
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Control number
554717500
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This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date.
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Duties
Develops, manages and measures the success of media plans, press releases, and press conferences for all CfA science, working with scientists and partner organizations as necessary. They will maintain and develop relationships with top-tier media outlets and proactively seek out new media partnership opportunities.
Evaluates the impact and effectiveness of communication plans and advises management of recommended changes.
Counsels CfA researchers regarding appropriate public relations strategies and effective communication methods, including speaker training for news conferences and other media coverage. Provides internal training and education for public speaking and presentations.
Proactively develops new and existing relationships with reporters and other media representatives from major media outlets, maintaining regular contact with science journalists in print, web, and broadcast media.
Writes, edits and disseminates news releases to local, regional, national and international media representatives.
Advises CfA Director and senior leadership on handling problems and incidents related to the organization's programs and research. Coordinates closely with Harvard and Smithsonian headquarters at times of heightened media attention.
Manages internal communications, serving as liaison with Office of Public Affairs for both Harvard and Smithsonian headquarters, and internal audiences at the CfA. This requires traveling to Washington, DC to attend meetings with colleagues across the Smithsonian, as well as occasional visits to other observatory locations, including Hawaii and Arizona.
Manages internal communications, serving as liaison with Office of Public Affairs for both Harvard and Smithsonian headquarters, and internal audiences at the CfA. This requires traveling to Washington, DC to attend meetings with colleagues across the Smithsonian, as well as occasional visits to other observatory locations, including Hawaii and Arizona.
Develops policy in coordination with Harvard and Smithsonian headquarters and contracting office for fielding filming and image permission requests.
Works with outside contractors and CfA staff, in conjunction with the Marketing Manager, to evaluate, create and expand organizational web and video presence.
Oversees outsourcing of artwork/illustration and video production services in concert with Marketing Manager.
Creates and manages a centralized, internal image and video media library from across the Center for Astrophysics, in conjunction with Marketing Manager.
Oversees the preparation and distribution of information in response to inquiries from the general public concerning CfA programs, astronomy and astrophysics with External Affairs Associate.
Performs other duties as assigned.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Direct Deposit/Elect Funds Transfer required for salary payment.
- A pre- and post-employment background investigation may be required.
- May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
- Requires working at unusual times, e.g., evenings and weekends.
Qualification requirements are derived from the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at
http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.
Qualifications
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
Coordinating and implementing strategic communications, developing communication plans, assigning and proactively seeking out media coverage; preparing speeches and briefings, writing and disseminating articles and press releases; identifying and resolving a variety of complex public affairs issues and providing advice and guidance to senior leadership on all public affairs and communication issues.
Additional information
The Smithsonian does not pay for relocation expenses.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
A recruitment bonus may be paid.
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.
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.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
Knowledge and experience in science journalism with specialization in astrophysics sufficient to communicate with diverse audiences including scientific and technical staff.
Demonstrated knowledge of written and oral communication principles, methods, and techniques, and skill in applying this knowledge, both to maintain an established public affairs program, and to modify communication methods and approaches as appropriate. to enhance the understanding of target audiences of the CfA's mission and achievements.
Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative work relationships with representatives of the local, regional, national and international media.
Skill in establishing and maintaining communication channels with organizations involved in the same scientific areas as the CfA and in gaining cooperation on joint communication ventures.
Demonstrated ability in presenting information, both orally and in writing, in a logical and clear manner to increase communication with and stimulate interest on the part of internal and external audiences concerning research, activities, programs, and events conducted by the CfA.
Knowledge of and skill in techniques of modern electronic communication, including knowledge of social media optimization, word processing, basic desktop publishing, and internet tools; familiarity with basic photography, graphic arts, layout, and design programs, email subscriber management platforms (such as MailChimp), as well as video/audio broadcast and multimedia presentations.
Note: Your resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
To preview questions please click here.
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.
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.
Your application package should include the following documents:
- Detailed resume
- Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
- Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
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
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.
Please Note:
- You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button.
- Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated cover sheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
- Clicking the "DONE" tab does not submit your application. The "DONE" tab allows you to exit the system and save your information for completion at a later time. To submit your application, click the "FINISH" tab.
- The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Agency contact information
Angel Flewelling
- Address
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SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
After you apply, you will receive an automated acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.
The staffing process to identify highly qualified candidates may take up to four weeks or more to complete. After the announcement closes and application reviews are done, you may be contacted by the hiring office if further evaluation or interviews are required.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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Required Documents
Your application package should include the following documents:
- Detailed resume
- Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
- Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.
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
Learn more about this agency
How to Apply
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.
Please Note:
- You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button.
- Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated cover sheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
- Clicking the "DONE" tab does not submit your application. The "DONE" tab allows you to exit the system and save your information for completion at a later time. To submit your application, click the "FINISH" tab.
- The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Agency contact information
Angel Flewelling
- Address
-
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
After you apply, you will receive an automated acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.
The staffing process to identify highly qualified candidates may take up to four weeks or more to complete. After the announcement closes and application reviews are done, you may be contacted by the hiring office if further evaluation or interviews are required.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Beginning of a dialog window for the agency announcing this job. It begins with a heading 2 called "Learn more about Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army". Escape will cancel and close the window.
Learn more about
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is part of what is arguably the largest and most diverse astrophysical institution in the world, where the staff carries out a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics, and earth and space sciences. If you would like to join this exciting organization, apply today!
Agency contact information
Angel Flewelling
- Address
-
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States