PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Full Job Description

Opened Area(s) of Consideration: 1, DEFINITION OF AREA(S) OF CONSIDERATION: Area 1 - All current on-board AKNG T5 Competitive or Excepted Service Employees.

PDCN: T5168000 Selecting Supervisor: David Bedard GENERAL EXPERIENCE is experience, education or training in administrative, professional, investigative and/or technical work.

Experience evaluating information and/or using analytical skills to disseminate effective communication.

Experience in compiling reports, letters, memoranda, etc., and required person-to-person contacts to convey information. Experience using computers and automation systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is experience which is directly related to the position to be filled and which has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position.

GS-12 - Must have at least 1-year experience, education, or training equivalent to at least next lower grade level, GS-11.

Examples of specialized experience includes: Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates the state Public Affairs (PA) program.

Through media and audience analysis, determines PA program needs and organizational direction to achieve National Guard PA goals.

Formulates long-range plans, and develops policies to enhance public understanding, support, and acceptance of National Guard (NG) programs and/or activities statewide.

Develops and writes information materials designed to reach audiences through various media such as wire service, radio, television, and newspaper.

Responds to media requests for information of both a routine and controversial nature.

Advises and assists Unit Public Affairs Representatives (UPARs) and/or other personnel assigned public affairs responsibilities.

Designs, coordinates, and conducts educational and training programs to ensure UPAR knowledge of functional PA programs and activities.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Resume must have complete dates and hours worked per week for each occurrence of both civilian and military employment (Example: 2 JAN 1980 to 3 MAR 1981; 0800-1630 M-F or JAN 1980 to MAR 1981; 40 hrs/wk) Use of year only will result in disqualification.

The duties listed must fully substantiate -in your own words- that you meet the minimum requirements and specialized experience listed above, in detail; otherwise, you will not be considered qualified for this position.

Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Your experience will be evaluated on the basis of duties performed.

Your record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position: --Must have knowledge applicable to a wide range of duties involving oral and written communication principles, practices, techniques, and methods; analytical methods; and interpersonal relations practices.

The incumbent must possess: --Skill in applying knowledge in the modification of standard methods and the adaptation of approaches in developing new information materials to enhance understanding and support of National Guard programs and/or significant issues.

--Skill in identifying the information needs of various audiences and the most effective methods of assessing their reactions to information provided.

--Skills facilitating evaluation of information program effectiveness.

--Skill in developing new information materials to include, news releases, internal publications, fact sheets, and radio and television broadcast spots.

--Skill sufficient for developing Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR's) PA training materials, statewide PA policies, programs, and procedures, and for overseeing training and evaluating the PA activities of IJPAR's.

--Skill sufficient to provide print and broadcast media, trade associations, veteran's organizations, and National Guard associations with timely and accurate explanations of agency policies and activities.

--Knowledge and skill sufficient for determining appropriate information for internal/external publics respectively, and for using discretion in releasing controversial material.

--Skill in developing and maintaining effective relationships with media representatives, unit assigned public affairs personnel and various external groups, to establish and enhance intercommunication between the National Guard and its audiences utilizing media Major Duties:

Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates the state Public Affairs (PA) program.

Through media and audience analysis, determines PA program needs and organizational direction to achieve National Guard PA goals.

Formulates long-range plans, and develops policies to enhance public understanding, support, and acceptance of National Guard (NG) programs and/or activities statewide.

Advises the Adjutant General and program managers on sensitive or controversial PA matters.

Develops and writes information materials designed to reach audiences through various media such as wire service, radio, television, and newspaper.

Prepares materials specifically to explain or describe NG missions, requirements, capabilities, accomplishments, policies and programs.

Written materials include news releases, radio spot and television announcements, fact sheets, feature stories, background statements, special reports, etc.

Establishes and implements short and long range plans for print and electronic media programs. Coordinates, supervises, and evaluates media servicing activities.

Targets and services statewide media markets with print, photographic and electronic materials in support of publicizing the National Guard story.

Responds to media requests for information of both a routine and controversial nature.

Prepares or assembles information kits: edits and rewrites informational material; releases photographs and/or feature stories to news media; studies current issues, coordinates news interviews, and prepares questions to be addressed: arranges photographic and electronic media coverage of newsworthy events involving the National Guard: ensures maintenance of unclassified photo library of appropriate material for news releases; and coordinates public affairs airlift and orientation flights for media representatives.

Provides PA advice to the Adjutant General and staff in support of policies and programs of interest to internal audiences.

Analyzes, coordinates, and updates Command Information (CI) plans, policies and programs.

Prepares and coordinates special projects to inform all guard members, technicians, families and employers of new policies, programs, or activities.

Provides guidance and support to subordinate commands on CI matters. Coordinates CI projects with NGB staff or other agencies as appropriate.

Researches and analyzes trends in attitudes and opinions of internal audiences to redevelop/refine CI plans and policies. Over sees production of print and electronic media CI projects.

Advises and assists Unit Public Affairs Representatives (UPARs) and/or other personnel assigned public affairs responsibilities.

Develops directives, furnishes policy/procedures, and evaluates subordinate level program effectiveness.

Designs, coordinates, and conducts educational and training programs to ensure UPAR knowledge of functional PA programs and activities.

Analyzes UPAR performance and/or programs to evaluate and increase effectiveness in achieving overall PA objectives.

As PA representative for the state Adjutant General, establishes and maintains close working relationships with officials of various civic, media, veterans, and community groups, as well as state government officials outside the National Guard.

Expands the base of public support through such relationships, and promotes the interests of NG programs, which may be at odds with interests of respective groups.

Serves as point of contact with veterans' organizations or defense related associations requesting information from the NG.

Responds to public requests and develops materials that expound on the nature and purpose of the NG.

Also responds to requests for information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Assists the ARNG State Recruiting and Retention Manager and ANG Senior Recruiter by providing media placement and print and electronic media support; developing public service announcements; and supporting recruiting drives and special events.

Acts as point of contact for NGB Historical Services Team for all historical matters. Serves as coordinator for units and individuals entering annual military print and electronic media competitions.

Provides public affairs annexes to state NG contingency plans. Provides information to NGB for national and/or regional use.

Advises NGB of activities and/or incidents that may generate national, regional, or local criticism, and that may create media, community, or congressional interest.

Participates in budget process to ensure funding requirements are identified, and adequate funds are requested and available for PA operations. Performs other duties as assigned.