PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Full Job Description

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The primary purpose of this position is to provide developmental experience designed to broaden the skills and/or enhance the leadership perspective of an identified high-potential, mid-level manager/executive; it is not a continuing position and assignment duration is limited to 36 months.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Administrative and Management Positions.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1000/public-affairs-series-1035/ SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.

Examples of specialized experience include knowledge of the principles and methods of written and oral communication and skill in applying principles and using methods in conducting a public affairs program involving media relations, civic outreach, planning and execution of regional prominent events, internal information, visual information, communication planning/research/analysis, emerging technology/social media, public affairs resource management, or contingency planning and operations.

To be creditable, the specialized experience must have been at the GS-09 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the federal service.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the GS-09 or higher grade (or equivalent in an alternate pay system) within the Federal Civil Service to be considered for referral.

TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

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: Knowledge of communication concepts, principles, policies, practices, methods, applications, techniques, standards, and trends applicable to researching, planning, developing, coordinating, leading, and evaluating broad public affairs and visual information programs and stratifying requirements, strategies, and assets to perform the mission.

Knowledge of missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, relationships, and operational planning objectives of Air Force and DoD organizations.

Skill in gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data to arrive at valid conclusions and offer meaningful recommendations.

Skill in communicating effectively with tact and diplomacy, orally and in writing, to advocate agency positions; to respond to criticism of the agency's function or performance; to logically and effectively explain programs, functions, and activities and gain understanding of the organization's efforts by concerned publics; to negotiate complex issues, programs, and functions with people having varying levels of understanding; and to maintain good working relations.

Planning skills and ability to independently manage short and long-term projects and to cultivate and sustain positive working relationships to project completion.

Ability to evaluate and assess program effectiveness at all echelons of command and prepare reports on accomplishment of program objectives.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

Performs Career Broadening assignments/duties to include the planning, organization, direction, and evaluation of a public affairs function with broad applicability, ensuring that public affairs activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements and meet customer needs.

In a Career Broadening capacity, performs assignments to include managing broad programs, special projects, and initiatives with responsibility for researching, planning executing, and evaluating complex public affairs operations, programs, policies, and strategies of significant local importance.

Represents the organization inside and outside the agency. Carries out special projects and assignments designed specifically to meet the broadening intent of the position.