PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve in a Component-Numbered Air Force position, providing public affairs (PA) advice, technical direction, and support to the organization and/or its field offices. **Salary ranges include local market supplements.**

Duties

Conducts public affairs functions for the organization, ensuring public affairs activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements and meet customer needs. Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities. Advises and provides counsel to employees regarding policies, procedures, and directives of management. Responds to information requests on assigned programs from the news media, specialized groups, and/or general public; local, state, and federal elected officials; special interest groups, community, and civic organization Performs special assignments and participates in special projects and initiatives with responsibility for researching, planning, executing, and/or evaluating complex public affairs operations, programs, and policies which affect a variety of functional areas. Represents the organization regarding a portion of the organization PA program with a variety of councils, boards, working groups, and panels inside and outside the agency, including Headquarters Air Force, DoD (Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, unified combatant command and sister services), and other governmental, nongovernmental, public, civic, service, industry, business, educational, entertainment, think tank, and media organizations. Serves as an adviser in the assigned area of responsibility. Advises on the potential public reaction to proposed policies, plans, and actions; and plans, organizes, and evaluates communication strategies, goals and objectives, programs, products, and materials.

Qualifications

This is a GG-12 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-12 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Full Performance" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-12 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job. 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. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include knowledge of a wide variety of communication principles, methods, practices, and techniques; analytical methods; and interpersonal relations practices; skill in applying such knowledge in the modification of standard methods and adaptation of approaches in developing new information materials aimed at enhancing the understanding of groups or individuals of the significant issues of applicable programs; knowledge applicable to and skill in assessing public reaction and identifying extent of understanding achieved to evaluate effectiveness of information programs; knowledge and skill sufficient for developing new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, brochures, booklets, broadcast spots, etc., that increase communication with the agency's various publics; knowledge and skill sufficient for providing representatives of the print and broadcast media, trade associations, and industrial representatives with timely and accurate explanations of agency policies and regulations; and knowledge and skill sufficient for determining the appropriateness of elements of an internal information program recommended by higher headquarters and suggesting ways for improving future materials or adapting current materials to meet current needs more effectively. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency. 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: Knowledge of a wide range of oral, written, and visual communication concepts, principles, policies, practices, methods, applications, techniques, standards, and trends; analytical methods; interpersonal relations practices applicable to researching, planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating new information materials for information programs. Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, relationships, and operational planning objectives of Air Force and DoD organizations. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures. Skill in gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data to arrive at valid conclusions and offer meaningful recommendations. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to manage a small staff and carry out all phases of personnel management responsibilities. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED: Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed. Drug Testing: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TOP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. 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.