Public Affairs Specialist

Full Job Description

This position serves as the Public Affairs Specialist and a communications expert for the Western NC VA Health Care System (WNCHCS), The primary purpose of this position is to collect, assemble, prepare and disseminate information concerning the various programs of the organization; to include media operations, community relations.

Medical Media operations, and Reproduction Services and serving as the point of contract for the Director's initiatives targeting stakeholders.

To qualify for this position you must possess at least one of the following: EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-9) in the Federal Service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a GS-11 Public Affairs Specialist and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.

Qualifying specialized experience includes: participating in day-to-day public affairs activities; serving as a facility spokesperson; responding to media inquiries; developing and managing internal and external communications, web site content, publications, etc.; briefing members of the general public, media, etc.; and coordinating special events, press conferences, etc.

NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. OR EDUCATION: Successful completion of a Ph.D.

or equivalent doctoral degree or three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.

NOTE: If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: An equivalent combination of successfully completed progressively higher-level graduate education (beyond the second year) and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total experience requirements for this grade level.

The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.

NOTE: If you select this option, you must submit a copy of your transcript with your application.

Education cannot be credited without documentation For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Major Duties:

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION***.

The Public Affairs Specialist reports to the Public Affairs Officer and assists with external communications, serving as a key member of the Medical Center management team acting with maximum autonomy.

Serves as the alternate spokesperson for the facility and is the point of contact for international, national, and local media.

Establishes and maintains proactive contacts with media outlets, legislative offices, Veteran service organizations, and health care affiliates.

He/she is responsible for placing stories with media outlets, to include international and national stories related to Western NC VAMC research and VA programs.

Responds in a timely fashion to information requests from the media. Serves as spokesperson in media interviews and public presentations as needed.

Presents educational programs and tours to media and the public, prepares and coordinates news conferences, briefings and interviews.

Trains and prepares subject matter experts for media interviews and presentations.

Develops and coordinates events and tours with media and stakeholders, preparing information packages, planning and execution of logistics, and conducting tours and other related tasks for special visitors and dignitaries.

Handles communication efforts when controversial, high level issues impact the VA Medical Center, often during crisis and emergency situations. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized