Public Affairs Specialist

For GS-11: Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-11 level: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education (54 semester hours or 81 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or LL.M., in a field of study which provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. **OR One year of appropriate specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service that is in or related to public affairs and that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Examples of such experience could include (1) preparing materials such as brochures, correspondence, briefing papers, speeches/talking points, news releases, news and feature articles, video scripts, public service announcements, or other content for intranet/internet/social media accounts in support of a public affairs or outreach program; (2) responding to media or stakeholder inquiries; (3) working with subject matter experts to explain scientific or technical concepts in communication products designed to be understood by lay audiences; and (4) following appropriate protocols prior to releasing information publicly. **OR A combination of successfully completed graduate level education as described above that is beyond the second year of progressive graduate study and specialized experience, as described above. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE GRADUATE EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE) For GS-12: Applicants must have one year of appropriate specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service that is in or related to public affairs and that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Examples of such experience could include (1) serving as the lead responsible for strategic communication plans and preparing related materials such as brochures, speeches/talking points, news releases, news and feature articles, video scripts, public service announcements, or other content for intranet/internet/social media accounts in support of a public affairs or outreach program; (2) serving as a point of contact for media inquiries and briefing media, government officials, and/or stakeholders on an organization’s programs in a way that is relevant to public interests and current affairs; (3) advising subject matter experts on how to translate scientific or technical concepts and identifying communication approaches and products that are most likely to resonate with lay audiences; (4) identifying key messages and following appropriate protocols prior to releasing information publicly; and (5) monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of public affairs tactics and strategies. NOTE: Evidence of specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Please provide such documentation on resume. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
This is an interdisciplinary position and is being advertised concurrently with the following announcements: Open to all U.S. citizens under: USGS-DEN-25-12587663-DE-MDB