Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

The incumbent serves as the Director for the Office of Media Relations for the Federal Highway Administration. To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements. To qualify for the Grade 15, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equal or equivalent to the GS-14, it must include: Experience providing advice and direction to agency leadership and Public Affairs staff on all matters relating to public information and intergovernmental, constituent, and industry relations. Experience initiating, formulating and carrying out specific public affairs policies and procedures designed to support the total management effort. 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: CUSTOMER SERVICE - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. ORAL COMMUNICATION- Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION- Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. LEADERSHIP- Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations. 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 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. As a Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist, you will: Evaluate the effectiveness of public affairs activities; identifies and analyzes information program problems and opportunities; advise on and participates in policy formulation and recommend appropriate program modification and plans, develop, and execute specific public affairs activities and information materials designed to meet these problems and opportunities and inform and gain the acceptance of the general and specialized publics concerning complex and controversial highway policies, programs, issues and crises. Direct a national and international comprehensive program of external communications to assure the effective communication of FHWA policies, positions, and program objectives to a wide range of public and constituent interest groups. Develop plans and programs designed to promote understanding and acceptance of FHWA programs at the national, international, State, and local community levels. Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to Public Affairs staff in the conduct of a wide variety of communication and public affairs activities. Oversee administrative and personnel functions for the Office of Media Relations such as time-and-attendance, performance management, work schedules, training and development, and office operations, such as budget, travel, etc. The ideal candidate for this position is recognized as both a nationally and internationally authoritative source in the area of public affairs and is an expert consultant to agency principals, and others external to the agency. Conditions of Employment CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required. SUPERVISORY PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year supervisory probationary period (unless already completed). BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).