Public Affairs Specialist

Summary

This position is part of the Defense Microelectronics Activity. The incumbent is responsible for independently developing, executing, and evaluating comprehensive strategic communications and public affairs programs that communicate DMEA's mission, technical advancements, and strategic goals to internal and external audiences.

Duties

This position is being filled under AcqDemo Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for non-acquisition positions involving 51% or more of time in direct support of acquisition positions within Business and Technical Management Professional Career path. As a Public Affairs Specialist at the NH-1035-3 some of your typical work assignments may include: Serves as the primary developer and certifying authority of the Annual Strategic Communications Plan, independently managing the full life cycle of communication projects. Develops and implements innovative, non-traditional strategies such as digital media series (e.g., podcasts), targeted digital advertising, and modern employer branding campaigns to resolve critical agency challenges, such as overcoming high-tech STEM recruitment barriers in competitive markets, and exercises final approval authority on daily communication products. Develops, manages, and executes comprehensive strategic communication plans for DMEA's initiatives, programs, and events. Serves as a subject matter expert on strategic communications, providing trusted counsel to DMEA leadership on all aspects of public affairs. Creates and disseminates a wide range of communication products, including news releases, feature articles, talking points, speeches, and social media content, ensuring all materials are aligned with DMEA's and DoW strategic goals. Monitors and analyzes the media landscape to identify and address potential issues, and to capitalize on opportunities to promote DMEA's mission. Manages the agency's digital presence, including the public website and social media channels, to ensure a consistent and engaging experience for all users. Plans, designs, and executes official protocol support for high-level meetings, ceremonies, and special events hosted by DMEA. Serves as the primary point of contact for protocol matters, providing critical advice and guidance to DMEA leadership and staff. Coordinates all logistical aspects of events, including invitations, seating arrangements, flag etiquette, and the reception of distinguished visitors. Develops and maintains a comprehensive protocol guide for DMEA, ensuring all activities are conducted in accordance with military and diplomatic customs and courtesies. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with representatives from the media, other government agencies, and community organizations. Serves as the official spokesperson for DMEA, responding to media queries and facilitating interviews with subject matter experts. Plans and executes public engagement events to enhance public understanding of DMEA's mission and programs. Designs and conducts specialized media and communications training for non-public affairs personnel, preparing senior DMEA leaders and technical subject matter experts for high-profile interviews, inquiries, and social media engagements. Demonstrates a high degree of skill in rapidly learning and translating technical data; conducts targeted interviews with engineers and subject matter experts to synthesize highly complex microelectronics concepts (e.g., trusted foundry operations) into clear, accessible briefs, reports, and public narratives for non-technical audiences. Performs other relevant duties as assigned. Qualifications

You may qualify at the NH-03 if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience at the NH-02 (GS-11 equivalent) or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. Examples of creditable specialized experience include: Strategic Communications: Developing and managing the full lifecycle of communication projects, including creating and disseminating materials such as news releases, feature articles, speeches, and social media content. This includes managing an organization's digital presence across websites and social media platforms and providing subject matter expertise on all aspects of public affairs to leadership. Media Relations and Public Engagement: Serving as an agency spokesperson, managing media inquiries, facilitating interviews with subject matter experts, and conducting media training for senior leaders. Experience must include translating complex, highly technical information (such as scientific or engineering concepts) into clear, accessible content for non-technical audiences, media, and the general public. Protocol and Event Management: Planning, designing, and executing official protocol for high-level meetings, ceremonies, and special events, including coordinating logistics, invitations, and support for distinguished visitors in accordance with military and diplomatic customs. Stakeholder and Interagency Collaboration: Establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with public affairs offices across government agencies, industry, and academic institutions to coordinate unified messaging on key initiatives. This includes experience drafting and refining communication products for executive and legislative stakeholders. 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.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level. How You Will Be Evaluated

We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements. Veterans Preference: If you are entitled to veterans preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. For information on entitlement see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp): To receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the " Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp)" eligibility. If you are claiming Military Spouse eligibility and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager. Information and required documentation for claiming Military Spouse eligibility may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below. Other Information

The position(s) covered by this vacancy announcement is in the Department of Defense (DoD) Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project (AcqDemo). For more information please see: AcqDemo Other Notes: Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. The overall salary range listed above is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade; however, a selectee's initial pay is always set below the maximum rate of the range. Relocation and/or Recruitment incentive may be authorized if determined by the Hiring Manager to be in the best interest of the Agency. Telework is available in accordance with DOD Policy basis. Remote work is not authorized. Re-employed Annuitant: If you have retired from civilian federal service and you are interested in employment as a re-employed annuitant, information can be found at: Reemployed Annuitants | DCPAS (osd.mil) Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Who Needs to Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)) This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment. You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position. All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.