Public Affairs Specialist

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at OPM Website. Public Affairs Series 1035 Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the federal service. For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-12. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience developing, promoting and implementing informational programs for agency employees and the general public. Experience developing communication plans and related materials (press releases, talking points, speeches, etc.) designed to convey information on agency programs or characterize agency (or Administration) positions on certain issues. Experience establishing and maintaining working relationships with journalists and others in the public where the specialist must defend a developed policy or point of view in the face of heavy criticism in unstructured settings. 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.
This position is located in the Office of the Chief Communications Officer (OCCO), United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The OCCO is responsible for all aspects of the agencys public affairs and communication outreach activities. The incumbent develops, promotes and implements informational programs for the agency employees and the general public.