Clarification from the agency

This position is open to Maryland National Guard members only.

(1) Assists the Public Affairs Officer in the formulation of long-range plans and policies to enhance public understanding, support and acceptance of Public Affairs programs and/or activities statewide.(2) Researches and develops informational materials and complete communication campaigns for release to audiences through electronic and newspaper media. Prepared materials explain or describe the mission of the NG, NG accomplishments, policies, programs or actions taken to ensure the NG's compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements. Written materials include news releases, display advertisements, fact sheets, feature stories, background statements, special reports, etc. Coordinates the analysis of response data on communication campaign effectiveness with programs managers.(3) Responds to media requests for information of both a routine and controversial nature. Prepares or assembles information kits, edits informational materials drafted by subordinate public affairs specialists or unit UPAR's, releases photographs and/or feature stories to the news media, coordinates media interviews with NG subject matter experts and arranges photographic and electronic media coverage of newsworthy NG events.(4) Maintains close working relationships with officials of various civic, media and community groups and Department of Defense personnel, as well as state and national government officials outside the NG.(6) Provides training to UPAR's on PA program policies, practices and processes. Coordinates and evaluates the effectiveness of training and training materials and develops recommendations for program enhancement. Reviews all press releases, feature stories, background statements, special reports, etc., developed by UPARs, prior to their release to the media.(7) Creates new or adapts or modifies accepted communication campaign formats to reach a target audience with a specific message. The selection of a communication campaign format is based on an analysis of targeted audience demographics and message content. After an informational campaign has been implemented, solicited and unsolicited response data is gathered to assess campaign effectiveness in reaching the target audience. If the campaign's results do not meet expectations, the incumbent identifies issues of concern, develops alternatives and after discussing these with the appropriate administrative personal, implements the most appropriate option.(8) Performs other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement. Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary period. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

1. .Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.2. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.3. Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.*4. Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.5. The duties and responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment. You are responsible to maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal and regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission.

Qualifications

Military Grades: ENLISTED or OFFICER

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience, education or training in administrative, professional, investigative and/or technical work. Experience evaluating information and/or using analytical skills to disseminate effective communication. Experience in compiling reports, letters, memoranda, etc., and required person-to-person contacts to convey information. Experience using computers and automation systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: 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 developing new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, brochures, booklets, broadcast spots, etc., that increase communication with the agency's audiences. Experience making on-the-spot presentations to audiences with opposing points of view or erroneous understanding of agency positions. Experience responding timely and appropriately to requests for information concerning agency programs and services.

Quality of Experience: Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
-- Knowledge of and skill in modifying or adapting standard communication methods to new informational materials with the goal of enhancing public, special interest group or NG member's understanding and support of NG programs and/or significant issues.-- Knowledge of and skill in gathering and evaluating data from a variety of sources concerning the effectiveness of communication programs in reaching their target audience.-- Knowledge of and skill in developing new informational materials, including news releases, internal publications, fact sheets and radio and television spots.-- Knowledge of communication skills (written and verbal) sufficient for developing UPAR's Public Affairs training materials and administrative skills sufficient to oversee and evaluate the UPAR's training program.-- Knowledge of organizational and research skills sufficient to locate archived subject specific print and broadcast media materials, and use these as a basis for developing current articles on the same subject or issue.-- Knowledge of NG programs and ability to apply judgment skills sufficient for determining whether controversial information should be released for internal/external public use.-- Skill in developing and maintaining effective relationships with media representatives, community groups and other internal/external audiences, to ensure open lines of communication between the state's NG PA office and its audiences.

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing:

• Contact Information-your name and the best way to contact you.
• Relevant work experience-include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and describe how you meet the required qualifications of the job. Federal jobs should include series and grade.
• Education, certifications or licensures.

2. Other supporting documents: If you are using Education in lieu of specialized experience to qualify for this position, Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

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