PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions, 1035 series SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of communication principles, methods, practices, and techniques; analytical methods to serve as the technical authority on specific matters within the organization; and skill in applying these principles and methods in managing a public affairs program involving media operations, community engagement, think tank/civic outreach, planning and execution of nationally prominent events, command information, visual information, communication planning/research/analysis, public affairs career field force development, force management, force integration, standardization and evaluation, emerging technology/social media, public affairs resource management, and/or contingency planning and operations. Note: Resume must show supporting details. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. 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: Mastery of the communication concepts, principles, policies, practices, methods, applications, techniques, standards, and trends applicable to researching, planning, developing, coordinating, leading, and evaluating broad public affairs and visual information programs and stratifying requirements, strategies, and assets to perform the mission. In-depth knowledge of missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, relationships, and operational planning objectives of Air Force and DoD organizations. Expert skill in methods and techniques to develop and evaluate written materials; to research and analyze concepts; to analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, recognize valid solutions, and offer meaningful recommendations; to extend existing principles to new and unusual applications; to conduct innovative program evaluations; and to prepare advisory materials on matters of importance for audiences of various levels of understanding and interest. Planning skills and ability to independently manage short- and long-term projects and to cultivate and sustain positive working relationships to project completion. Ability to evaluate and assess program effectiveness at all echelons of command, prepare reports on accomplishment of program objectives, lead a detailed planning effort, and develop recommendations while representing a wide variety of organizations and viewpoints. Demonstrated skill in communicating effectively with tact and diplomacy, orally and in writing, to advocate agency positions; to respond to criticism of the agency’s function or performance; to logically and effectively explain programs, functions, and activities and gain understanding of the organization’s efforts by concerned publics; to negotiate complex issues, programs, and functions with people having varying levels of understanding of Air Force and public affairs programs and activities; and to maintain good working relations. Ability to analyze, plan, organize, direct, and adjust activities and functions to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources while meeting time-critical deadlines, often under high pressure, politically sensitive conditions. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Click on “Learn more about this agency” button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to provide public affairs advice, authority, technical expertise, and management support to the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs, or its field offices in conducting the Air Force public affairs mission worldwide, and to provide policy and program guidance, management, and oversight of assigned duties.