Clarification from the agency

In order to be eligible for this position you must currently be an Enlisted Member (E5/SGT - E9/SGM), Warrant Officer (W1/WO1 - W5/CW5), or Commissioned Officer (O1/2LT - O6/COL) in the Virginia Army National Guard.

As a Public Affairs Specialist (Title 32), GS-1035-9, you will perform the below duties:

1. Develops news releases and feature articles describing Guard sponsored activities or events, presentation ceremonies, etc. Distributes these to local and national print and broadcast media representatives.
2. Responds orally and in writing to requests for information from Guard members, member associations, external audiences or special interest groups. Determines the sensitivity of data requested and if data is determined to be sensitive or controversial. Coordinates data release with a senior Public Affairs (PA) Specialist.
3. Evaluates local media programming on NG events, activities or communication campaigns to identify potential public relation issues with message content or format. Once identified, advises management on potential causes of the problem and forwards suggestions for resolving them.
4. Gathers data on public reaction to communication campaigns for analyses and evaluation. When the evaluation is completed, draws the appropriate conclusions and from these develops and submits recommendations to the PAO for improving the campaign's appeal to the general public or target audience.
5. Prepares and disseminates news releases and feature articles to the media for print. Selects and incorporates photographs, film footage, etc., into the release or article to visually enhance the message with viewers.
6. Consults with the pertinent program specialist to obtain the latest information for use in news releases, radio spots, print articles, meetings and electronic broadcasts.
7. Develops semi-technical written materials to educate a specific audience on the nature and purpose of the NG's programs, policies and practices.
8. Develops positive working relationships with state and local government personnel, community or special interest groups or individuals desiring input on state level NG policy, practices or programs.
9. 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 trial period.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• This position is no located at a bargaining unit.
• All job seekers will be required to limit their resumes to 2 pages in length when applying for job opportunity announcements (JOAs).

Qualifications

NOTE: Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.

NOTE: All job seekers will be required to limit their resumes to 2 pages in length when applying for job opportunity announcements (JOAs).

WHO CAN APPLY:
GROUP I - All qualified Male/Female Enlisted Member (E5/SGT - E9/SGM), Warrant Officer (W1/WO1 - W5/CW5), or Commissioned Officer (O1/2LT - O6/COL) currently employed (permanent) in the Virginia Army National Guard Military Technician Program.
GROUP II - All qualified Virginia Army National Guard Male/Female Enlisted Member (E5/SGT - E9/SGM), Warrant Officer (W1/WO1 - W5/CW5), or Commissioned Officer (O1/2LT - O6/COL) regardless of employment status (Traditional, Military Technician or AGR). To be considered as a Group II applicant, proof of appointment/enlistment in the Virginia National Guard must be attached if the appointment/enlistment occurred within 60 days prior to, or during, the advertisement period.

Military Grades: Enlisted Member (E5/SGT - E9/SGM), Warrant Officer (W1/WO1 - W5/CW5), or Commissioned Officer (O1/2LT - O6/COL)

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Applicant must have experience or training which demonstrates the knowledge to collect, assemble, prepare and disseminate information concerning the various activities.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicant must have at least 12 months of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-07 level, or equivalent pay band in other pay systems in the Federal government. This experience may also have been obtained in the private sector, but must demonstrate that it is comparable to the GS grade indicated. This experience must include activities such as:

1. Experience, education, or training involving knowledge of writing, communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to the public affairs of an agency.
2. Experience in applying and adapting knowledge of strictly controlled situations of an agency.
3. Experience responding timely and appropriately to requests for information concerning agency programs and services.
4. Experience participating in meetings with specialized groups to listen to and understand feedback on agency programs that are of particular interest to public.

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):

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.

Next steps