Program Manager (Public Engagement) - DIRECT HIRE

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. Citizen. Due to the potential of a high volume of applicants, not all applicants may receive consideration. Direct Hire Authority will be used to fill this position. The 'Rule of Many', Veterans Preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.

As a Program Manager (Audio Visual), you will:

• Direct planning, governance, branding standards, and Section 508 accessibility guidelines for the central agency-wide visual communications and digital media program. 
• Manage end-to-end audiovisual production, including pre-production planning, live/pre-recorded broadcasts, high-profile event coverage, and advanced post-production using professional software systems. 
• Serve as a certified Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to draft specifications, manage vendor performance, review invoices, and enforce FAR compliance for production contracts and interagency agreements. 
• Oversee multimedia program funds, tracks project account obligations, evaluate resource allocation, and manages the lifecycle of studio and field production technology.
• Advise senior leaders and cross-functional teams on visual communication strategies while maintaining DOT's central video library, file storage, and digital asset preservation system.

The ideal candidate is an experienced Program Manager to research, design, and execute innovative public engagement strategies. The ideal candidate will possess proven expertise in managing complex outreach initiatives, aligning public affairs programs with leadership priorities, and driving strategic communications that elevate departmental visibility and foster meaningful stakeholder partnerships nationwide.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen & meet specialized experience to qualify.
• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
• Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
• Direct Hire Authority/SME will be used to fill this position.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

• SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
• GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel.  A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

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

• Experience directing live and recorded studio technical operations, including multi-camera switching, signal routing, studio lighting, and audio mixing.
• Experience inspecting video waveforms, color space, and audio loudness to enforce compliance with broadcast television technical standards.
• Experience coordinating with technical crew and post-production personnel to resolve signal distortion, equipment failures, and technical delivery errors.

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:

• Audiovisual Production & Direction: Knowledge of all phases of pre-production, production, and post-production workflows for video, audio, digital media, and broadcasts.
• Media Editing & Post-Production: Skill in operating non-linear editing (NLE) platforms, video/audio synchronization, color grading, sound mixing, and digital asset rendering.
• Camera & Lighting Operation: Knowledge of cinematography, camera operations, lens selection, dynamic studio/field lighting, and audio capture equipment setups.
• Contracting & Procurement: Knowledge of federal acquisition channels, Statement of Work (SOW) drafting, vendor oversight, and contracting procedures for external production services.

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: Click Here

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

How you will be evaluated

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

DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE:  

Please be clear and specific when describing your experience, as HR evaluates applications strictly on the facts provided and will not make assumptions. To receive full credit, your narrative responses must be written in paragraph format and explicitly match your resume. Begin each response by listing the exact position title, organization, employment dates (MM/YYYY–MM/YYYY), full- or part-time status, average weekly hours, and federal series/grade (if applicable). Within the body of the paragraph, clearly describe your specific duties, actions taken, tools used, and measurable outcomes. HR will cross-check these details against your resume; if your resume does not fully support every claim and timeframe, the experience will not be considered for credit, which may result in an ineligible determination.

IMPORTANT: Submit all required resume details and documents by the closing date. Verify that all files have successfully transferred before submitting. Late or incomplete applications will be disqualified.

For this announcement, applications will be reviewed to determine if the applicant meets the basic qualifications for this position. The applications of individuals who meet the basic qualifications will be assessed to validate that the applicant possesses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) at the level of proficiency needed to perform the job successfully. Applicants who are found to possess the necessary KSAs to perform the job may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

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