Public Affairs Specialist

This position is located at the Pennsylvania State Office, in Harrisburg, PA. The Public Affairs Specialist will assist the State Director by establishing two-way communication with the public, customers, socio-economically disadvantaged populations, government entities, news media and elected officials- explaining policies, programs and activities in order to maximize public exposure, affirm the mission and objectives of RD.

Major duties

• Conducts the public affairs program for the State, with responsibility for planning, developing, and communicating RD programs, policies, and activities to the State’s publics.
• Exercises initiative in designing the program to overcome unique challenges such as cultural or language barriers, a widely distributed/remote or nearly inaccessible customer base, and similar problems that have resisted conventional approaches.
• Develops and transmits informational materials to a variety of publics to enhance the understanding of available programs and services.
• Represents the State in meetings and discussions involving individuals, groups, and organizations working in support of, or opposing the policies, programs, and work of the state.
• Maintains effective working relationships with representatives of the print and broadcast media, state legislative delegations, and state and local governments for broad dissemination of information.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. For the GS-11 level: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9; or its non-federal equivalent. Specialized experience is defined as writing, editing, and reviewing news advisories, releases, government/professional correspondence, talking points, or questions and answers; implementing communication plans for an organization; developing written communication material concerning a range of subjects related to the organization's programs; or analyzing information program materials and making recommendations for improving the delivery of program information. OR a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, OR three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related, OR a combination of education as described and specialized experience. For the GS-12 level: Applicants must have (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level or its non-federal equivalent. Specialized experience is defined as designing, planning, and directing or advising on the public affairs program in an agency or organization that requires a wide range of knowledge of communication requirements and techniques; ability to analyze a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of the public affairs program, developing and disseminating information materials to the general public or specialized target groups; writing annual reports to congress; speech writing; develop and write for the web. There is no substitution of education at the GS-12 grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Requirements

You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will 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 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.