Public Affairs Specialist-Department: Department Of Agriculture (Washington DC)

Department: Department Of Agriculture
Agency: Office of Communications
Job Announcement Number:
OC-09-039

Public Affairs Specialist
Salary Range: 82,961.00 - 107,854.00 USD per year
Above salary reflects the GS-13 salary range; GS-14: $98,033 - $127,442
Open Period: Tuesday, December 09, 2008
to Monday, January 05, 2009
Series & Grade: GS-1035-13/14
Position Information: Full-Time Permanent
Promotion Potential: 14
Duty Locations: 1 vacancy - Washington, DC
Who May Be Considered:

Applications will be accepted from current agency employees only.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN USDA-WIDE: Current USDA employees serving under a career or career-conditional appointment.

Job Summary:

The mission of the Office of Communications (OC) is to provide leadership, expertise, counsel and coordination for the development of communications strategies which are vital to the overall formulation, awareness and acceptance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and policies, and serves as the principal USDA contact point for the dissemination of consistent, timely information.

The incumbent of this position supports the Press Secretary, Deputy Press Secretaries and Communications Coordinators in all aspects of media and communications coordination.

Key Requirements:

* Federal employees must achieve time in grade to qualify



Major Duties:

Participates with the Director and Deputy Director of Communications, the Assistant Directors of Communications, Press Secretary and Deputy Director of Communications, the Assistant Directors of Communications, Press Secretaries and Communications Coordinators in the overall formulation of current information, including press releases, fact sheets, talking points, backgrounders, speeches, feature articles, publications, radio and television interviews and other materials that effectively communicate USDA goals to the media and a variety of internal and external audiences. Researches, writes and/or coordinates such documents.

Incumbent is to participate in strategies planning for communications issues.

Evaluates communication problems encountered in communicating the Department’s programs. Advises on and recommends specific communication activities designed to meet these problems.

Evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of internal information programs, media relations and community relations of programs in achieving a greater understanding of the Department mission and programs.

Analyzes information needs of media on an ongoing basis to enhance strategic planning for media relations, directed at enhancing public understanding of the department’s policies and programs.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with representatives of the media, trade press, agency and departmental employees, national organizations and other internal and external groups affected by USDA programs.


Qualifications:

Experience that equipped the applicants with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Applicants must have a minimum of 52 weeks of specialized experience performing duties such as strategic planning for communications; advising and recommending specific communications activities; evaluating media and community relations programs; and analyzing programs and developing recommendations. To be creditable, specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. The Office of Personnel Management’s Operating Manual: Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions will apply.

Contact Information:

Donna Carter
Phone: 202-720-5806
Or write:
Department Of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 17-W, JLW
WASHINGTON, DC 20250
US