SUPERVISORY PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Information Services Division of the Publishing Services Branch of the Economic Research Service (ERS).

The incumbent directs the development and implementation of a comprehensive public affairs program comprised of integrated projects, events, programs and objectives.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

Time in Grade Requirement: Current Federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet the time in grade requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled.

Qualifying experience for GS-15 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-14 level which is directly related to the work of this position, and which equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

Specialized experience for this position is experience leading a publishing, communications, or digital publishing team in a scientific research organization and/or statistical agency; planning and preparing information and data products for the organization; and managing a team that handles writing, editing, design, and graphics for research manuscripts, reports, and other publications prepared by the organization.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and 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:

• Determines goals, policies, and operating procedures for the Branch. Translates agency mission, programs, and policies into service requirements for the Branch.
• Develops budget and staffing requirements and presents these to the Division Director for approval. Allocates resources to the different parts of the organization and controls expenditures to remain within budget allocation.
• Assigns and monitors work, evaluates performance, assesses training needs, approves leave, rewards performance accomplishments, and takes disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Represents the Agency on interagency and interdepartmental committees as assigned and performs related staff assignments for the Agency
• Collaborate with senior ISD and Agency management to ensure target audiences are identified and served appropriately, and with USDA colleagues in the Office of Communications and elsewhere, to ensure coordinated Department-wide publishing directions.
• Develop policies and make recommendations regarding the dissemination of information to correct misperceptions and enhance public understanding.
• Interacts effectively with USDA, industry, and other Federal agency contacts, as appropriate, to advance customer service and communications programs and goals.