PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Summary

This position serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Virginia State Office to develop and administer a statewide public information program designed to maximize public exposure and affirm the mission and objectives of RD. USDA Employees: Please refer to the Next Steps section.

Responsibilities

This position serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Virginia State Office to develop and administer a statewide public information program designed to maximize public exposure and affirm the mission and objectives of RD

Designs, convenes and conducts public involvement programs and meetings to gather information on: Community needs, stakeholder viewpoints and local community development activities. Also provides in depth information on Rural Development programs.

Prepares and coordinates responses to inquiries and concerns from: The general public, public officials, stakeholders, community and special interest groups regarding Rural Development programs, policies and activities.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with representatives of the media, state legislative delegations and state and local governments to ensure broad dissemination of information about Rural Development programs and services.

Coordinates and develops newsletter as well as articles for other non-Rural Development publications, journals, magazines and newsletters providing information about the nature and purpose of State RD programs and activities.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. For the GS-11 level: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: writing, editing, and reviewing news advisories, releases, government/professional correspondence, talking points, or questions and answers; implementing communication plans for an organization; developing written communication material concerning a range of subjects related to the organization's programs; or analyzing information program materials and making recommendations for improving the delivery of program information. OR Education Substitution: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related OR a combination of education as described and specialized experience. (NOTE: You must upload Transcript) For the GS-12 level: Applicants must have (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: designing, planning, and directing or advising on the public affairs program in an agency or organization that requires a wide range of knowledge of communication requirements and techniques; ability to analyze a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of the public affairs program, developing and disseminating information materials to the general public or specialized target groups; writing annual reports to congress; speech writing; develop and write for the web. There is no substitution of education at this grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Requirements

You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. The U.S. Government utilizes Trusted Workforce 2.0 to implement Continuous Vetting (CV) as a-whole-of government approach to personnel security. If selected for this position, you will be subject to continuous automated record checks of criminal, financial, and public record databases throughout your period of eligibility or employment, replacing traditional periodic reinvestigations. Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education