PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (Title 5) Job in Camp J T Robinson, AR

Vacancy No. AR-25-095-12656651 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $103,409.00 to $134,435.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/7/2025 Close Date 1/14/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Camp J T Robinson, AR


Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION

This National Guard position is for a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (Title 5), Position Description Number T5276000 and is part of the AR ARNG COMMAND ADMIN OFC, National Guard.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

(1) Onboard Technicians; (2) All members of the Air/Army National Guard, (3) Public

Duties

  1. 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. The state National Guard's various organizations range upward in size from several hundreds to thousands of Soldiers and Airmen, comprised of state and federal employees. Each state includes a large number of National Guard armories, along with flight facilities, maintenance facilities, air installations, training sites and ranges. Geographical area encompasses the state along with any areas the MPADs are assigned which include regional, CONUS (national) and OCONUS (international); each with varied audiences. In any case, with the potential impacts of public affairs actions, the PAO's responsibilities and duties are as encompassing as the Guard as a whole. The JFHQ-State PAO must provide the full range of effective public information, command/internal information, and community relations services to support the National Guard's large and complex organization statewide. The JFHQ-State PAO plans, directs, and executes command/internal information, media and community relations campaigns to convey sensitive and complex information concerning the National Guard's state and federal programs, responsibilities, and activities. The PAO exhibits a mastery of communication principals and techniques along with continuously developing and applying new approaches to the most difficult and complex issues by developing or evaluating information programs that enhance understanding among publics opposed to or indifferent to National Guard mission or programs. The PAO analyzes public reaction to NG programs and policies then adjusts accordingly by developing recommendations that may impact or significantly modify NG major programs or policies. The JFHQ-State PAO must include diverse points of view in communications plan that establish and maintain mutual understanding with various publics in local communities, in the state, the region, and which may impact the NG nationally. The scope, effect and implications of the JFHQ-State PAO's duties are wide; affecting the NG locally, state-wide, nationally and internationally. Throughout the communications process the JFHQ-State PAO analyzes and re-analyzes the clarity and effectiveness of public affairs initiatives and adjusts them as needed.
  2. The JFHQ-State PAO is guided by general policies that cannot encompass the huge variety of specifics that apply to public affairs. Frequently, there are no precedents applicable to unusual or sensitive public issues or problems encountered by the PAO and the PAO exercises considerable professional judgment in interpreting and adapting existing guidelines and precedents and using them as a basis for developing new approaches that coordinate and integrate various aspects of the mission to help create a unified public affairs strategy or plan. The public affairs specialist serves as an NG authority in the development and interpretation of guidelines in the public affairs arena. The PAO is responsible for interpreting applicable general policy and statutory mandates (state, NG, DA, DAF and DOD) and applying these to unusual or sensitive public affairs issues or problems found at the agency level.
DUTIES CONTINUED UNDER EDUCATION

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
Information Assurance Certification is a condition of employment. Per DoD 8570.01-M, the incumbent must achieve the appropriate IA certification within six months of assignment of these duties.
Must be able to obtain/maintain appropriate security clearance

Qualifications

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:
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

DUTIES CONTINUED:

  1. 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. The reach of individual state's DMO is international while the implication and scope of DMO is national; the PAO frequently represents and speaks on the behalf of the Adjutant General and the National Guard as a whole, with a profound effect on the reputation and image of the NG. As a member of the TAGs special staff, the PAO is provided direction through broadly defined public affairs program regulations or guidance common to all career fields. The JFHQ-State PAO is responsible for independently planning, designing and carrying out major program functions, informing the TAG of progress as needed. The PAO is considered technically authoritative and his/her decisions are normally accepted without significant change. Particularly sensitive or controversial issues may be reviewed at headquarters level, but is generally accepted as "need to know". New projects and programs are evaluated in terms of resources, goals, or priorities. All of which may impact one local installation, the NG state-wide or the Guard as a whole.
  2. 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. Typically, the PAO conducts in-depth research, synthesizes the information and presents it to the media or public in an organized, cogent manner. The variety of information encompasses the full range of issues and subjects involving the Guard. From sexual assault to savings bonds, from ballistic missiles to "green" bullets, the PAO must be adept at conveying information quickly and accurately in a clear, easily understood manner. Public misunderstanding or indifference to NG programs and policies is common. The PAO develops alternative communication strategies that enable the NG to establish and maintain mutual understanding with the various publics. The PAO's work affects both the success of major NG programs and the social and economic well-being of substantial numbers of people in the groups affected - military, civilians, and military families. Effective, professional working relationships are established and maintained with the representatives of the print and broadcast media and national organizations (i.e., DHS, FEMA, DA, DAF, etc - and national organizations, such as Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy).
  3. 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). The PAO's contacts are also with nationally or internationally known groups or individuals from these other agencies and often the contact is not routinely or easily established. Typically, each contact is conducted for different reasons and under different circumstances. Additionally, these contacts are meetings with nationally known members of the news media, national leaders of civic or trade organizations having an interest in or affected by agency policies or programs, State governors, mayors of large cities or high-level county or regional governmental officials. The JFHQ-State PAO is responsible for explaining or defending significant or controversial NG actions or decisions, and to mediate between groups or individuals with differing points of view on NG program or policy issues. Plainly, while interacting with any group or individual outside the Guard, the PAO viewed as the authoritative representative of the National Guard, as a whole.
  4. Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional information

Veteran Preference may apply if the first area of consideration are not met.

Veterans Information: Veterans' information must be validated by formal submissions including all necessary supporting documentation. You must provide acceptable documents for eligibility. 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 online. If claiming over 30% disability a SF-15 is required to be submitted with your letter.

NOTE: Prior to appointment, an agency will require the service member to provide a copy of the DD-214.

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).

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.

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, general and specialized experience):

  • 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.

Required Documents

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

1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.

2. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application.

a. A copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify)
b. SF-50's (current/former Federal employees)
c. DD-214
d. Other Veterans Document
e. SF-15 (VA Disability Form)
f. SF-50 (Mandatory for Internal Announcements)


RESUME REMINDER- Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible) Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions in the assessment by addressing your work experience in detail. Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

DO NOT COPY THE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS WORD FOR WORD AND PLACE INTO YOUR RESUME; YOU MUST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS IT PERTAINS TO EACH STATEMENT.

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 and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

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/.

Agency contact information

AR HRO Customer Service
Address
AR ARNG COMMAND ADMIN OFC
Bldg 7300-Camp Robinson
North Little Rock, AR 72199-9600
US
Learn more about this agency

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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