This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/785626200. 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 Office of Strategic Communication is responsible for using communication to help the agency meet its mission and business goals.
Location of position: GSA, Office of Strategic Communication (OSC), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC.
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Overview
- Reviewing applications
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Open & closing dates
04/09/2024 to 04/23/2024
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Salary
$82,764 - $128,956 per year
If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.
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Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 12
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Location
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Remote job
No
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Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
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Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be required for meeting/training.
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Permanent
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Work schedule
Full-time
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Service
Competitive
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Promotion potential
12
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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
Z-2024-0019
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Control number
785626200
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This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
US Citizens and National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
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Duties
As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will be responsible for activities ranging from developing messages and crafting communication materials, to preparing speakers and events targeting various audiences, to assessing the impact of communication tactics. Typical duties of the position are as follows:
For the GS-11 Grade Level:
Assists supervisor in establishing two-way communication channels with communication professionals in Federal, state and local governments, congressional committees and offices, civic organizations, Services/Staff Offices (SSO) related national and local affinity organizations, and with representatives of the media and special interest groups to promote the dissemination and exchange of information on SSO and agency activities.
Prepares, reviews, and coordinates release of SSO-related written and electronic information material to be presented for general and target audiences; and ensures technical accuracy through coordination of reviews by appropriate staff sections or technical experts.
Assists in planning, coordinating, conducting and measuring SSO’s public affairs activities in alignment with SSO and agency mission to meet various audience information needs; and research audience attitudes and beliefs, identifies communication needs, and assists in formulating SSO-level communication plans to leverage media to foster audience understanding of and appreciation for the mission of the SSO and the agency.
Assists supervisor in representing the organization with a variety of organizations and working groups inside and/or outside of GSA, duties which may involve assisting with media and outreach activities for the SSO designed to build and maintain support for SSO and agency missions.
Develops routine news releases, fact sheets, and other information to be disseminated to the news media. Works with senior OSC staff in assisting the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA) for planning SSO related congressional outreach and responding to requests for information from Congress.
For the GS-12 Grade Level:
Works with senior OSC staff to develop two-way communication channels with communication professionals in Federal, state and local governments, congressional committees and offices, civic organizations, SSO related national and local affinity organizations, and with representatives of the media and special interest groups to promote the dissemination and exchange of information on SSO and agency activities.
Prepares, reviews, and coordinates release of SSO-related written and electronic information material to be presented for general and target audiences; and ensures technical accuracy through coordination of reviews by appropriate staff sections or technical experts.
Assists in planning, coordinating, conducting and measuring SSO’s public affairs activities in alignment with SSO and agency mission to meet various audience information needs; and research audience attitudes and beliefs, identifies communication needs, and formulates SSO-level communication plans to leverage media to foster audience understanding of and appreciation for the mission of the SSO and the agency.
Establishes, creates, and maintains proactive contact with media outlets, Congressional and local government offices; serves as the media affairs representative for the SSO and official spokesperson, with the responsibility and authority to speak on behalf of the SSO and the agency on SSO matters.
Represents the organization with a variety of organizations and working groups inside and outside of GSA; responds to media queries, including issues of a sensitive nature or which may draw adverse public attention; proactively directs media and outreach activities for the SSO designed to build and maintain support for SSO and agency missions; and provides public affairs advice to SSO principals and agency senior staff on SSO activities.
Develops and implements internal and external communications, proactively identifies and implements marketing strategies; develops news releases, fact sheets, and other information to be disseminated to the news media; and works with senior OSC staff in assisting the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA) for planning SSO related congressional outreach and responding to requests for information from Congress.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- US Citizens and National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
- Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
- Register with Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
If selected, you must meet the following conditions:
- Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or NonCareer SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
- Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
- Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
- Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security’s e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
This position has job functions that must be executed within a specific geographic location. The official duty station is a federal facility, leased space, or an alternative worksite (typically the employee’s home) and must be a physical address (not a PO Box) located within approximately a 50 miles radius of the duty location. Positions include routine telework work arrangements that are geographically specific to the Central Office location described below. The duty station will be Central Office - 1800 F Street, NW, Washington, DC.
Qualifications
For each job on your resume, provide:
- the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
- number of hours per week you worked (if part time).
If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.
For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.
The GS-11 salary range starts at $82,764.00 per year. If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.
To qualify for the GS-11, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or higher in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is participating in the development of media programs and strategies to produce timely coverage of important issues and breaking news stories; assisting in developing written informational materials for dissemination to the general public; and assisting in responding to news media inquiries.
OR
1. A Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or have successfully completed 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M., if related.
OR
2. Possess a combination of graduate level education beyond the first 2 years of progressive graduate study and appropriate experience that together meet the qualification requirement of this position.
The GS-12 salary range starts at $99,200.00 per year. If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.
To qualify for the GS-12, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in the Federal service.
Specialized experience is developing media programs and strategies to produce timely coverage of important issues and breaking new stories; developing written informational materials for dissemination to the general public; and responding to news media inquiries either personally or arranging for a response by officials.
Education
Note: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
Additional information
Existing Work Product Sample: You may be asked to bring an existing work product sample to the interview.
Bargaining Unit Status: This position is eligible for the bargaining unit
If you are selected at a grade lower than the full performance level, you may be promoted up to that grade level without having to re-apply or compete against other applicants.
Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.
Travel expenses associated with interviews may be approved. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:
- Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government
- Relocation incentive if you are a current federal employee
- Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government
Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area as needed; through other means; or not at all.
If you are eligible under Merit Promotion, you may also apply under Vacancy Announcement #Z-2024-0018. You must apply separately to each announcement to be considered for both.
GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including:
- Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
- Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.
Our commitment is:
- Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
- Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and
- Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.
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.
You will have access to many benefits including:
- Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
- Life insurance coverage with several options
- Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
- Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
- Flexible work schedules
- Transit and child care subsidies
- Flexible spending accounts
- Long-term care insurance
- Training and development
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.
We will use a method called Category Rating to assess your application. Here’s how it will work:
You will be scored on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Skill in writing to develop information programs conveying complex information to the public and/or external federal agencies.
1a. Skill in task management and organization to ensure all inquiries are handled.
1b. Skill in analyzing media questions and ensuring responses are appropriate and effective. - Skill in determining the appropriateness of elements of an internal and external information program and suggesting ways for improving future materials or adapting current materials to meet current needs.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with national organizations, field management and public affairs personnel.
- Ability in developing and implementing systems that ensure media affairs team is operating efficiently.
4a. Ability to develop new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, etc., that increase communication with GSA's various publics.
Your answers to the questions will be used to place you in one of the following categories and standard score ranges:
- Best Qualified = Candidates scoring between 95 - 100
- Well Qualified = Candidates scoring between 85 - 94 (Well Qualified for CTAP/ICTAP)
- Qualified = Candidates scoring between 70 - 84
We will verify your answers to the questions in your resume. If your resume doesn’t support your answers, we may lower your score, which could place you in a lower category.
Within each category, veterans will receive selection priority over non-veterans.
Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.
If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
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.
You will have access to many benefits including:
- Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
- Life insurance coverage with several options
- Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
- Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
- Flexible work schedules
- Transit and child care subsidies
- Flexible spending accounts
- Long-term care insurance
- Training and development
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.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
If you are claiming veterans’ preference:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.
(b) If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military - Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
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
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
- Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
- Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
- Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this vacancy.
- Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
Agency contact information
Malcolm Campbell
- Address
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GSA, Office of Strategic Communication
General Services Administration (GSA)
Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
1800 F Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
- ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant eligibility and qualifications are reviewed.
- REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: Eligible/Qualified applicants are referred to management for review and possible interview.
- SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If a selection is made, a Tentative Offer is extended to the selectee and suitability and/or security background investigation is conducted.
- FINAL JOB OFFER: A final job offer is made (typically within 40 days after the closing date/deadline for applications).
- FINAL COMMUNICATION TO APPLICANTS: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Help
Required Documents
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
If you are claiming veterans’ preference:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.
(b) If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military - Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
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
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
- Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
- Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
- Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this vacancy.
- Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
Agency contact information
Malcolm Campbell
- Address
-
GSA, Office of Strategic Communication
General Services Administration (GSA)
Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
1800 F Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
- ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant eligibility and qualifications are reviewed.
- REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: Eligible/Qualified applicants are referred to management for review and possible interview.
- SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If a selection is made, a Tentative Offer is extended to the selectee and suitability and/or security background investigation is conducted.
- FINAL JOB OFFER: A final job offer is made (typically within 40 days after the closing date/deadline for applications).
- FINAL COMMUNICATION TO APPLICANTS: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
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
Office of Strategic Communication
Agency contact information
Malcolm Campbell
- Address
-
GSA, Office of Strategic Communication
General Services Administration (GSA)
Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
1800 F Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States