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

The incumbent serves as a Public Affairs Specialist in the Office of Public Affairs within the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of Transportation (DOT) located in Washington, D.C. In this capacity, the incumbent is responsible for planning and executing comprehensive public affairs activities to inform general and specialized audiences about the agency's programs and promote their understanding, approval, and support of FHWA policies, programs, activities and accomplishments. To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience writing public affairs or similar type documents such as new releases, articles for publication, speeches, reporter responses, and talking points in preparation for media interviews, press conferences and public announcements. Experience developing, writing and executing public affairs activities and information materials designed to inform and gain the acceptance of general and specialized public audiences concerning highway policies, programs and issues. Experience responding to information requests concerning technical agency policies and programs from the media. 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. Communications and Media - Knowledge of the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. 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 Public Affairs Specialist, you will: Responsible for planning and executing comprehensive public affairs activities to inform general and specialized audiences about the agency's programs and promote their understanding, approval, and support of FHWA policies, programs, activities and accomplishments. Plans, coordinates, and interacts with stakeholders in support of FHWA-sponsored, co-sponsored or transportation-related industry conferences, meetings, public events, and special projects where FHWA officials are participating. Exercise a high level of independence in analyzing and evaluating current agencies and departmental programs and initiatives. Identifies and advises Office of Public Affairs leadership and senior agency officials on problem areas, trends, accomplishments, and deficiencies as they relate to agency communications. Write and edit factually accurate and thoroughly researched communications products including media responses, holding statements, talking points, Q&A, news releases, rollout plans, fact sheets, and briefing papers to ensure messages relating to FHWA policies, programs and other initiatives are clear, convincing, and meet FHWA's high quality standards. The incumbent helps ensure the logic, clarity, consistency, grammatical accuracy, and appropriate tone of FHWA written products. To perform these duties well, the incumbent must possess the ability to think critically, work effectively, independently, and diplomatically in teams, and make technical information understandable to general audiences. In addition, the incumbent may also help train new staff or instruct others in message development and writing The ideal candidate for this position is a mid-career or senior professional with extensive experience coordinating public affairs, communications and outreach initiatives as well as day-to-day press activities, handling media inquiries and writing materials that include news releases, talking points or other prepared remarks, briefing materials, fact sheets and publications. The ideal candidate has worked with and established effective relationships with news media. Conditions of Employment CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will 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. 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).