Public Affairs Specialist

Full Job Description

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/.

As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This position is also being announced to applicants eligible to apply through Merit Staffing procedures under 26-TXN-12884616-MS .

To qualify at the GS-13 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.

Specialized experience is defined as experience in organizing and executing complex and diverse communication strategies to promote programs, policies, and/or services of an organization or company; developing and transmitting public information to the press, public, or other entities, as a spokesperson for an organization; independently writing, editing, and preparing public communications materials (news releases, fact sheets, speeches, blogs, web pages, etc.); advising senior level management on news of interest; and maintaining effective and professional working relationships with print and broadcast media representatives.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)- The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy.

To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria.

You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form.

Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)-The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy.

To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria.

You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application.

Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Major Duties:

If selected for this position, you will work with a well respected management team to develop, plan and manage the USAO's public affairs efforts, which include media relations, the coordination of sharing information with law enforcement entities within the District, community outreach, and other related programs.

Typical work assignments will include: Planning, directing, and executing a public affairs program within the District.

Performing a range of public affairs duties designed to disseminate information to a variety of audiences.

Developing and maintaining effective and professional working relationships with print and broadcast media representatives and various special interest groups.

Determining the need for and developing, writing, and disseminating materials for public groups, media outlets, law enforcements agencies, the legal community, and specialized demographics within the community.

Monitoring media coverage of events. Preparing and signing materials on behalf of the USA when appropriate, insuring it is appropriate with respect to Department and District policies.

Preferred candidates will have three or more years of experience working for or with news media, especially as reporters or as producers covering law enforcement issues or as public affairs employees for law enforcement agencies.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.