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Posted: March 4, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Public Affairs Specialist (Title 32) (Permanent)

Army National Guard Units

Department of the Army

Fresh

Salary

$64,475 - $83,822

per year

Closes

April 3, 2026More Army jobs →

GS-7 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $41,966 - $54,557

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-6. Bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or 1 year graduate study.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves creating news releases, feature articles, and other communications about Army National Guard events and activities, then sharing them with media outlets and responding to public inquiries.

It also includes monitoring media coverage, gathering feedback on Guard programs, and advising on how to improve public relations.

A good fit would be someone with military experience in the Virginia Army National Guard who enjoys writing, communicating effectively, and handling sensitive information in a team setting.

Key Requirements

  • Must be a qualified member of the Virginia Army National Guard in specific ranks: Enlisted (E5/SGT to E9/SGM), Warrant Officer (W1/WO1 to W5/CW5), or Commissioned Officer (O1/2LT to O6/COL)
  • At least 12 months of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 level in public affairs, including writing and communication principles
  • Experience collecting, assembling, preparing, and disseminating information on agency activities
  • Ability to respond timely and appropriately to requests for information on programs and services
  • Knowledge of handling sensitive or controversial data and coordinating releases
  • Experience evaluating media programming and public reactions to communication campaigns
  • Group I applicants must be currently employed as permanent Military Technicians in the Virginia Army National Guard

Full Job Description

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a Public Affairs Specialist (Title 32) (Permanent), Position Description Number D1167000 and is part of the VA JFHQ DET HQ, National Guard.

NOTE: Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience.

In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time.

As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification.

Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.

NOTE: All job seekers will be required to limit their resumes to 2 pages in length when applying for job opportunity announcements (JOAs).

WHO CAN APPLY: GROUP I - All qualified Male/Female Enlisted Member (E5/SGT - E9/SGM), Warrant Officer (W1/WO1 - W5/CW5), or Commissioned Officer (O1/2LT - O6/COL) currently employed (permanent) in the Virginia Army National Guard Military Technician Program.

GROUP II - All qualified Virginia Army National Guard Male/Female Enlisted Member (E5/SGT - E9/SGM), Warrant Officer (W1/WO1 - W5/CW5), or Commissioned Officer (O1/2LT - O6/COL) regardless of employment status (Traditional, Military Technician or AGR).

To be considered as a Group II applicant, proof of appointment/enlistment in the Virginia National Guard must be attached if the appointment/enlistment occurred within 60 days prior to, or during, the advertisement period.

Military Grades: Enlisted Member (E5/SGT - E9/SGM), Warrant Officer (W1/WO1 - W5/CW5), or Commissioned Officer (O1/2LT - O6/COL) GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Applicant must have experience or training which demonstrates the knowledge to collect, assemble, prepare and disseminate information concerning the various activities.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicant must have at least 12 months of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-07 level, or equivalent pay band in other pay systems in the Federal government.

This experience may also have been obtained in the private sector, but must demonstrate that it is comparable to the GS grade indicated.

This experience must include activities such as: Experience, education, or training involving knowledge of writing, communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to the public affairs of an agency.

Experience in applying and adapting knowledge of strictly controlled situations of an agency.

Experience responding timely and appropriately to requests for information concerning agency programs and services.

Experience participating in meetings with specialized groups to listen to and understand feedback on agency programs that are of particular interest to public. Major Duties:

As a Public Affairs Specialist (Title 32), GS-1035-9, you will perform the below duties: Develops news releases and feature articles describing Guard sponsored activities or events, presentation ceremonies, etc.

Distributes these to local and national print and broadcast media representatives.

Responds orally and in writing to requests for information from Guard members, member associations, external audiences or special interest groups.

Determines the sensitivity of data requested and if data is determined to be sensitive or controversial. Coordinates data release with a senior Public Affairs (PA) Specialist.

Evaluates local media programming on NG events, activities or communication campaigns to identify potential public relation issues with message content or format.

Once identified, advises management on potential causes of the problem and forwards suggestions for resolving them.

Gathers data on public reaction to communication campaigns for analyses and evaluation.

When the evaluation is completed, draws the appropriate conclusions and from these develops and submits recommendations to the PAO for improving the campaign's appeal to the general public or target audience.

Prepares and disseminates news releases and feature articles to the media for print.

Selects and incorporates photographs, film footage, etc., into the release or article to visually enhance the message with viewers.

Consults with the pertinent program specialist to obtain the latest information for use in news releases, radio spots, print articles, meetings and electronic broadcasts.

Develops semi-technical written materials to educate a specific audience on the nature and purpose of the NG's programs, policies and practices.

Develops positive working relationships with state and local government personnel, community or special interest groups or individuals desiring input on state level NG policy, practices or programs.

Other duties as assigned.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 3/4/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/5/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: VA-12893694-AR-26-170