PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST T32 Job in Phoenix, AZ

Vacancy No. AZ-12786763-SW-25-108T Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $92,702.00 to $120,518.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/9/2025 Close Date 9/24/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Phoenix, AZ


Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST T32, PDD2418000and is part of the AZ 161st Air Refueling Wing, National Guard.

Duties

This position is located at the 162 WG in Phoenix, Arizona. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Public Affairs Specialist responsible for all public, community and media relations (including international media) programs for the unit. The incumbent performs the following duties:

Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates a diverse and strategic Public Affairs (PA) program through media and audience analysis, determines PA program needs and organizational direction to achieve unit goals. Formulates long range plans, and develops policies to enhance public understanding, support, and acceptance of unit programs and activities at local, state, national and international levels, which includes the international training and remotely piloted aircraft missions. Advises the Wing Commander and Wing leadership on sensitive or controversial PA matters, to include international affairs related to the training of international students from multiple foreign countries and remotely piloted aircraft foreign and domestic operations. Advises the state Public Affairs Officer, and potentially The Adjutant General (TAG) and Air Component Commander, Air Force and National Guard Bureau Public and representatives on substantive issues related to the Wings flying mission.

Develops and writes information materials designed to reach domestic and international audiences through various media such as wire service, radio, television, magazines, newspaper online and social media. Prepares materials specifically to explain or describe the unit mission, international training program, requirements, capabilities, accomplishments, policies and programs. Written materials include news releases, radio spot and television announcements, fact sheets, feature stories, background statements, special reports, etc. for both local and international media sources. Establishes and implements short and long range plans for print and electronic media programs. Coordinates, supervises, and evaluates media servicing activities.
Targets and services state and national media markets with print, photographic and electronic materials in support of publicizing the mission of the Wing. Responds to media requests for information of both a routine and controversial nature. Prepares or assembles information kits, edits and rewrites informational material, releases photographs, video and/or other stories of interest stories to news media, studies current issues, coordinates news interviews, and prepares questions to be addressed, arranges photographic and electronic media coverage of newsworthy events involving the Wing, ensures maintenance of unclassified photo library of appropriate material for news releases, and coordinates public affairs airlift and orientation flights for media representatives.

Provides PA advice concerning the Wing Mission and state Public Affairs Officer, USAF, NGB Public and TAG, Air Component Commander, Wing leadership, Commander and staff in support of policies and programs of interest to internal audiences. Provides advice and guidance to Wing leadership on sensitive and controversial matters concerning international partners and policies related to PA issues. Analyzes, coordinates, and updates Command Information (CI) plans, policies and programs related to all public, community and media relations (including international media) programs for all unit missions. Prepares and coordinates special projects to inform all guard members, technicians, families and employers of new policies, programs, or activities. Provides guidance and support to subordinate commands on CI matters. Coordinates CI projects with NGB staff or other agencies as appropriate. Researches and analyzes trends in attitudes and opinions of internal audiences to redevelop/refine CI plans and policies. Oversees production of print and electronic media CI projects.

As the PA representative for the Wing, establishes and maintains close working relationships with officials of various civic, media, veterans, and community groups, as well as state and federal government officials outside the NG. Expands the base of public support through such relationships, and promotes the interests of NG programs which may be at odds with interests of respective groups. Serves as point of contact with veterans' organizations or defense related associations requesting information from the unit.

Serves as the unit contact with the Department of Air Force, NGB, Major Air Command, for coordination approval and advises related to the Wing Mission. Provides public affairs annexes to state NG contingency plans. Provides information to NGB for national and/or regional use. Advises the Air Force and NGB, of activities and/or incidents that may generate national, regional, or local criticism, and that may create media, community, international, or congressional interest.

Performs other duties as assigned.

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • ARIZONA AIR NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. Prior to appointment into this position, selectee must be a current member of the Arizona Air National Guard, in a military position assigned to 162D.
  • 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.
  • Incumbent must possess and maintain a current state driver’s license.
  • May be required to be on call and/or to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
  • This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration.
  • Cont. This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG.

Qualifications

Military Grades: Must possess 2LT/O-1 to CPT/O-3

Compatible Military Assignments: Must posses 35PX

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

Must possess 1-year experience, education, or training equivalent to at least next lower grade level. 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.

Education

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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):

1. Knowledge and skills sufficient for determining appropriate information for internal/external publics respectively, and for using discretion in releasing controversial or secure material.

2. Skill in applying knowledges in the modification of standard methods and the adaptation of approaches in developing new information materials to enhance understanding and support of National Guard programs and/or significant issues.

3. Skills sufficient to provide print and broadcast media, trade associations, veteran's organizations, and National Guard associations with timely and accurate explanations of unit policies and activities.

4. Skills in developing and maintaining effective relationships with media representatives, unit assigned public affairs personnel and various external groups, to establish and enhance intercommunication between the National Guard and its audiences utilizing media resources.

5. Skills facilitating evaluation of information program effectiveness.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you MUST SUBMIT a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Optional Form 612 or your resume must provide the following information in the application/resume (or equivalent) for proper evaluation:
- Name
- Mailing address
- Phone Number (daytime and evening)
- Work experience related to the job for which you are applying, including job title (if federal, include pay plan, series and grade), date experience was obtained (i.e., in a from mm/yy to mm/yy format).
- Hours per week.
- Employer's name and address.
- Supervisor's name and phone number.

Note: Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed below. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position. If your resume does not provide enough information regarding your work history for us to make a creditable qualification determination, your application package may be rendered disqualified.

2. Other supporting documents: Applicant MUST submit their most current Report on Individual Personnel (RIP) to verify unit, rank, AFSC, and security clearance requirements.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12786763A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Andrea Kiraly
Address
AZ 161st Air Refueling Wing
3200 East Old Tower Road
Phoenix, AZ 85034-7263
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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