Public Affairs Specialist

The incumbent serves as a Public Affairs Specialist in the Office of Public Affairs within the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of Transportation (DOT) located in Washington, D.C. In this capacity, the incumbent is responsible for planning and executing comprehensive public affairs activities to inform general and specialized audiences about the agency’s programs and promote their understanding, approval, and support of FHWA policies, programs, activities and accomplishments.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include:

• Experience writing public affairs or similar type documents such as new releases, articles for publication, speeches, reporter responses, and talking points in preparation for media interviews, press conferences and public announcements.
• Experience developing, writing and executing public affairs activities and information materials designed to inform and gain the acceptance of general and specialized public audiences concerning highway policies, programs and issues.
• Experience responding to information requests concerning technical agency policies and programs from the media.

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:

1. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
2. Communications and Media - Knowledge of the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
3. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

For all types of consideration, 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Salary : $121,785