Public Affairs Specialist (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or specialized experience requirements for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09, and it must include:

• Experience researching policies and programs to develop and disseminate informational materials to internal and external audiences.
• Experience drafting briefings, digital content, press releases, policy documents, public affairs-related documents, and other executive-level communications for internal and external audiences.

To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have:
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application.

To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, and it must include:

• Experience researching and analyzing policies and programs to develop and disseminate informational materials to internal and external audiences.
• Experience drafting and editing briefings, policy documents, public affairs-related documents, and other executive-level communications for dissemination to internal and external audiences.
• Experience in using informational channels, including social media to promote programs and initiatives.
• Experience translating agency actions and communications into “plain language” content. 

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience.

To qualify for the GS-13 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 it must include:

• Experience researching and analyzing policies and programs to develop informational materials to internal and external audiences.
• Experience writing and editing content with little supervision about organizational policies and programs for briefings, digital content, press releases, speeches, policy documents, draft articles for publication in trade journals, public affairs-related documents and other executive-level communications for senior officials, appointed or political and other internal and external audiences. 
• Experience in using informational channels, including social media to promote programs and initiatives.
• Experience translating agency actions and communications into “plain language” content. 

You cannot qualify on education at the GS-13 level; you must have experience.

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:

• Skill in research, analysis and critical thinking.
• Skill in writing and editing materials.
• Knowledge of and skill in the use of all informational channels.

For all types of consideration, 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

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/

Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date.

Other applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.