Summary
This position is located in the Joint Force Headquarters-TX, Public Affairs Office in Austin, Texas. As the state's Public Affairs Officer (PAO), the incumbent is responsible for all Army and Air National Guard public, community and media relations within the state and for providing supervision and direction to the staff of the Joint Force Headquarters-TX, Public Affairs Office, as well as field and unit public affairs specialists and Mobile Public Affairs Detachments (MPADs) personnel.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
CAT 1 - Open to the public (Nationwide) - US citizens, US nationals or individuals who owe allegiance to the United States
Duties
As a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (TITLE 5) with the Texas National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to:
- Serves as the JFHQ-State Public Affairs Officer, directly reporting to the Adjutant General (TAG). Responsible for planning, budgeting, designing, and executing public affairs communications strategies to inform and educate the public, both general and specialized, about the Army and Air National Guard programs, activities, and services and the vital role they play as components of the U.S. armed forces as well as being an invaluable asset for homeland defense and homeland security.
- Serves as the official spokesperson for the Adjutant General on controversial and complex issues before the representatives of the print and broadcast media and national organizations (i.e., Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Army (DA), Department of Air Force DAF), etc - and national organizations, such as Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, NGAUS, etc.), the general public and special interest groups. PAO regularly conducts Deterrence Media Operations, fully and truthfully informing the public of NG programs, positions and actions that demonstrate that the Guard is continuously ready to respond rapidly to the GWOT at home and abroad.
- Accurately and promptly responds, in written and oral form, to information requests from the public and queries from the news media. These queries may include erroneous, speculative and/or negative comments or items of a sensitive nature; and those which may be subject to misunderstanding if not properly explained, or which may draw adverse public opinion or attention. The JFHQ-State PAO plans, develops, and conducts press conferences and public meetings with full participation of National Guard subject matter experts to promote and enhance understanding and acceptance of the National Guard's mission and facilitate the communication of complex information on new programs or special areas of emphasis.
- The JFHQ-State PAO interacts and coordinates with multiple state and federal homeland defense and homeland security agencies, to include the state's emergency response departments and various federal agencies (i.e., Department of Energy (DOE), FEMA, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), DHS).
- Provides expertise, assistance and consultation to the TAG and state National Guard field offices in initiating and maintaining effective working relationships with the general public, specialized groups, the news media and community and governmental entities using National Guard capabilities and services in support of state or federal homeland defense missions.
- The JFHQ-State PAO is responsible for the content of any and all publicly accessible NG websites emanating in the state, or units usually assigned in the state. The PAO provides security review and approves any graphics, photos, and text before it can be posted to any NG website (DoD Directive 5230.9 Section 4.2). Prepares articles for publication in internal and external publications reporting on National Guard missions, programs, progress and achievements, especially in the Global War on Terrorism, Transformation, Deployments and Recruiting/Retention. Directs special events, ceremonies, tours and other activities intended to develop interest in National Guard programs and to generate positive interaction with the community and the media.
- Provides professional, seasoned analysis and advice to the Adjutant General, the TAG's staff and senior state National Guard leadership. Evaluates public affairs programs at the JFHQ-State level and in the field and recommends modifications when appropriate. Analyzes and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the JFHQ-State's overall public communications (media relations/community relations/internal information) programs at field and HQ level, making changes and adjustments as required to improve performance and effectiveness in meeting objectives.
- Supervises and/or oversees a subordinate work force of state and federal military and civilian personnel in the JFHQ-State Public Affairs Office and/or the field or unit PAOs. Plans, schedules and assigns work; develops performance plans and evaluates work performance; identifies training needs; and counsels staff as appropriate. Responsible for quality and quantity of work produced; provides advice and guidance to subordinates on the application of new or changed policy and/or procedures; determines and recommends revision in staffing levels to meet changes in assigned functions and workloads.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Appointment Factors: This is a Title 5 Excepted Service position.
Area(s) of Consideration: CAT 1 - US citizens, US nationals or individuals who owe allegiance to the United States
Remarks:
- The Texas National Guard is an Equal Opportunity employer.
- Veteran's preference is applicable to this position.
- This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position.
- A 25% Recruitment Incentive may be offered if funding is available to newly hired employees and is calculated as a percentage of base pay. Selectee will be required to sign a four-year service agreement prior to entrance on duty. Current on-board Federal Technicians/Employees do not qualify for the Recruitment Incentive.
- A 25% Relocation Incentive may be offered if funding is available to current Federal civilian service employees who must relocate to accept the position and who have received a rating of a least fully successful on their FY24 Performance Appraisal. Selectee will be required to sign a four-year service agreement prior to entrance on duty. Selectee must provide documentation that they have relocated to the new geographic location prior to receipt of incentive.
- Work may require access to classified information. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance within one year of appointment.
- The incumbent of this position description must have at a minimum, a completed National Agency Check (NAC) prior to position assignment.
- 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.
- The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
- The work may require the employee to drive a motor vehicle and if so, an appropriate valid driver's license is required.
- 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. This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG.
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
- Direct deposit is mandatory.
Qualifications
In describing your experience in your resume, please be clear and specific. Assumptions regarding your experience will not be made.
Minimum Qualification Requirements: 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:
To qualify at the GS-1035-13 grade level your resume must include relevant experience/education with beginning and ending dates reflecting the following:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector which has provided a working knowledge of and skills and abilities such as: Comprehensive knowledge of the principals, methods, practices and techniques of communication to function as the JFHQ-State technical authority on all public affairs and community relations programs, problems and issues. Knowledge of the missions, goals, policies and issues impacting the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, Air Force, and the National Guard Bureau (NGB), and how these will influence the state's NG. Knowledge must be extensive on the many controversial and complex issues that regularly affect the National Guard. Skill in conveying complex information on Army and Air National Guard activities that affect state and national interests and may have international involvement and implications. Knowledge and skill to analyze public reaction and perceptions to National Guard programs and policies and provides recommendations to the TAG or the NGB that may significantly modify major programs or policies. Skill in integrating diverse points of view in communications plan which establish and maintain mutual understanding with various publics and state and federal agencies. Skill in analyzing public reaction to NG program and policies and in developing recommendations that may significantly modify major programs or policies. Skill in developing and applying new approaches to the most difficult and complex public affairs problems by developing or evaluating information programs to enhance understanding among publics opposed to or indifferent to the NG's mission or programs. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups interested in or affected by programs, creating meaningful, constructive communication interchanges. Skill in developing written materials to convey information concerning complex programs and functions to publics having diverse levels of understanding of the National Guard's programs and activities. Skill in responding orally to criticism of the National Guard's functions or performance, to logically and effectively explain complex programs, functions and activities and gain understanding and support of the organization's efforts by concerned publics. Knowledge of event planning and coordination to manage and advise staff on special event productions that may include the senior military officials, Governors, members of Congress, legislators and other state and local officials. Skill in meeting and dealing effectively with Governors, members of Congress, legislators and other state and local officials. Establishes effective lines of communication with a variety of individuals, at all government levels so state level NG activities, programs, capabilities and operations are clearly understood by these key constituencies. Skill in evaluating the effectiveness of the public affairs program, analyzing feedback from the media and public, and developing recommendations to improve the internal operation and enhance the overall public affairs program; AND, Experience in managing the function of the work to be performed. Experience which includes leading, directing and assigning work of personnel.
Only experience/education gained by closing date of this position will be considered.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
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.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Communications and Media, Managing Human Resources, Planning and execution, and Public Affairs Policies and Procedures.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume should include the following for related positions held:
- Work schedule (ex. Full-time, part-time, intermittent)
- Hours worked per week
- To and From dates (ex. MM/YYYY - MM/YYYY)
- Duties performed - In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. Assumptions will not be made regarding your experience.
2. Other supporting documents, as applicable:
- Current/last SF-50 for current/former Federal employees.
- Transcript.
- Certifications.
- Performance Appraisal.
- If you are claiming veteran's preference, you must provide acceptable documentation of your preference.
Veterans Information: Veterans' preference must be validated by formal submissions including all necessary supporting documentation. You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility prior to the close date of the job announcement. Acceptable documentation may be:
- 1. A copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions.
- 2. A "certification" that is a written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed.
- 3. You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center or visiting their website.
- 4. If claiming 10 point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form, SF-15, "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference".
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 below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12558623
A 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/.
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.
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