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USAJOBS · 2 months ago

Public Affairs Specialist (Title 5) (Permanent)

Richmond, Virginia, USA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$110K/yr - $143K/yr

1+ years exp

USAJOBS is seeking a Public Affairs Specialist (Title 5) to serve as the JFHQ-State Public Affairs Officer for the National Guard. This role involves planning and executing public affairs communications strategies and acting as the official spokesperson for the Adjutant General on complex issues.

ConsultingGovernmentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetStaffing Agency

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Serves as the JFHQ-State Public Affairs Officer, directly reporting to the Adjutant General (TAG). Responsible for planning, budgeting, designing, and executing public affairs communications strategies to inform and educate the public, both general and specialized, about the Army and Air National Guard programs, activities, and services and the vital role they play as components of the U.S. armed forces as well as being an invaluable asset for homeland defense and homeland security. The state National Guard's various organizations range upward in size from several hundreds to thousands of Soldiers and Airmen, comprised of state and federal employees. Each state includes a large number of National Guard armories, along with flight facilities, maintenance facilities, air installations, training sites and ranges

Serves as the official spokesperson for the Adjutant General on controversial and complex issues before the representatives of the print and broadcast media and national organizations (i.e., Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Army (DA), Department of Air Force DAF), etc - and national organizations, such as Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, NGAUS, etc.), the general public and special interest groups. PAO regularly conducts Deterrence Media Operations, fully and truthfully informing the public of NG programs, positions and actions that demonstrate that the Guard is continuously ready to respond rapidly to the GWOT at home and abroad

Accurately and promptly responds, in written and oral form, to information requests from the public and queries from the news media. These queries may include erroneous, speculative and/or negative comments or items of a sensitive nature; and those which may be subject to misunderstanding if not properly explained, or which may draw adverse public opinion or attention. The JFHQ-State PAO plans, develops, and conducts press conferences and public meetings with full participation of National Guard subject matter experts to promote and enhance understanding and acceptance of the National Guard's mission and facilitate the communication of complex information on new programs or special areas of emphasis

The JFHQ-State PAO interacts and coordinates with multiple state and federal homeland defense and homeland security agencies, to include the state's emergency response departments and various federal agencies (i.e., Department of Energy (DOE), FEMA, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), DHS). The PAO's contacts are also with nationally or internationally known groups or individuals from these other agencies and often the contact is not routinely or easily established. Typically, each contact is conducted for different reasons and under different circumstances

Provides expertise, assistance and consultation to the TAG and state National Guard field offices in initiating and maintaining effective working relationships with the general public, specialized groups, the news media and community and governmental entities using National Guard capabilities and services in support of state or federal homeland defense missions. The JFHQ-State PAO represents the Adjutant General at meetings with senior level officials of state, NGB, DOD, DA, DAF, State Department , international government agencies and media outlets. Ensures a close and continuous coordination between public affairs activities and state and federal congressional delegations

The JFHQ-State PAO is responsible for the content of any and all publicly accessible NG websites emanating in the state, or units usually assigned in the state. The PAO provides security review and approves any graphics, photos, and text before it can be posted to any NG website (DoD Directive 5230.9 Section 4.2). Prepares articles for publication in internal and external publications reporting on National

Provides professional, seasoned analysis and advice to the Adjutant General, the TAG's staff and senior state National Guard leadership. Evaluates public affairs programs at the JFHQ-State level and in the field and recommends modifications when appropriate. Analyzes and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the JFHQ-State's overall public communications (media relations/community relations/internal information) programs at field and HQ level, making changes and adjustments as required to improve performance and effectiveness in meeting objectives

Supervises and/or oversees a subordinate work force of state and federal military and civilian personnel in the JFHQ-State Public Affairs Office and/or the field or unit PAOs. Plans, schedules and assigns work; develops performance plans and evaluates work performance; identifies training needs; and counsels staff as appropriate

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

Public AffairsMedia RelationsCommunication StrategiesSupervisionCrisis ManagementPublic SpeakingTeam LeadershipWriting Skills

Required

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims

Applicants must have experience, education or training in public, community and media relations within the state and for providing supervision and direction to leadership

Applicants must have at least 12 months of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-12 level, or equivalent pay band in other pay systems in the Federal government

This experience must include activities such as: Experience, education, or training involving a thorough knowledge of writing and communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to public affairs of the military

Experience making on-the-spot presentations to audiences with opposing points of view or erroneous understanding of agency positions

Experience in managing the function of the work to be performed

Experience which includes leading, directing and assigning work of personnel

You must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position

Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation

May be required to successfully complete a trial period

Participation in direct deposit is mandatory

Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for this NG Title5 excepted service position

All job seekers will be required to limit their resumes to 2 pages in length when applying for job opportunity announcements (JOAs)

Benefits

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.