Public Affairs Specialist

Summary

This position is located in the Office of Public and Governmental Affairs (PGA), Public Affairs Division. Location will be determined upon selection. The incumbent will serve as a Public Affairs Specialist and provide expert assistance on all public affairs matters relating to social media and assists with planning, organizing, and developing communications strategies and media plans for mass media and social media in supoort of the Bureau.

Duties

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The major duties of the Public Affairs Specialist position include but are not limited to the following:

• Assisting with developing, organizing and implementing communication strategies and plans for mass media.
• Communicating appropriately and effectively with news media, national organizations, technical experts, individuals and groups to provide information, coordinate work efforts and resolve problems.
• Developing standard communications for a wide range of audiences, publics and stakeholders with diverse levels of understanding of organization programs and activities.
• Establishing and maintaining contacts with internal and external key official's integral to organization activities;
• Assisting with evaluating the public affairs program and recommending improvements for enhancement of information techniques and effectiveness.
  
  

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

The requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Key Requirements

• Must be U.S. Citizen or National
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
• You must meet all applicable time-in-grade requirements by the closing of this announcement.
  
  

MOBILITY PLAN: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression, and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process. This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12 by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized Experience Must Include All Of

• Providing timely, accurate, informative and focused communications on organization initiatives and programs; AND
• Developing written materials such as press releases, background papers, etc., that include the appropriate quantity, degree and tone of information to be disseminated; AND
• Maintaining effective working relationships with media representatives, public interest and community groups, and industry representatives to gain understanding and support of programs; AND
• Identifying potential media problems or areas of friction and recommending solutions.
  
  

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Additional information

Additional Selections May Be Made From This Announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations from ATF's Human Resources Operations Division. Please click on the following link to read important information. DOJ Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations

Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:

• Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
• Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and
• Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
  
  

EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

Reasonable Accommodation:ATF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the job application and hiring process, and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, please notify the human resources specialist listed on the vacancy announcement, or contact the ATF's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at (202) 648-8760 or send an email to reasonableaccommodations@atf.gov. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.