Public Affairs Specialist (Press Assistant)

Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees asking to be considered under Merit Promotion procedures must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. IN ORDER TO BE DEEMED AS QUALIFIED AT THE GS-9/11 GRADE LEVELS, CANDIDATES MAY QUALIFY BY VIRTUE OF EDUCATION, SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE. GS-9 Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. OR Specialized Experience: Candidates must have one year of specialized experience which is equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: 1. Experience drafting communications for internal and/or external audiences including press releases, talking points, web and/or social media content. 2. Experience reviewing, proofreading, editing, revising and proofreading informational material. 3. Experience assisting with media engagement activities. OR A combination of both education and experience. GS-11 Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. OR Specialized Experience: Candidates must have one year of specialized experience which is equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: 1. Experience drafting communications for internal and/or external audiences including press releases, talking points, web and/or social media content. 2. Experience reviewing, proofreading, editing, revising and proofreading informational material. 3. Experience assisting with media engagement activities. 4. Experience developing and disseminating information to key stakeholders using a full range of media and communication methods. OR A combination of both education and experience. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: 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. SME REVIEW At the time of application you are required to take an external skills-based assessment which is based upon government-wide recognized competencies and consistent with OPM Merit Hiring Plan requirements and the Chance to Compete Act. Should you receive a passing score of 70 or higher, your application will be reviewed by subject matter experts to determine if you meet the OPM qualification requirements for this position. Basic knowledge applicable to a wide range of duties involving oral and written communication principles, practices, techniques and methods; analytical methods; and interpersonal relations practices. Knowledge and skill sufficient for developing new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, brochures, booklets, broadcast spots. Ability to effectively interact and deal with a variety of publics, to include news media representatives, state and/or federal or local government officials. Skill in analyzing programs and identifying the characteristics of target audiences and determining the most effective communication techniques to use in reaching various types of public(s). This position is in the Office of Media Relations, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) located in Washington, DC. This vacancy announcement is limited to the first 100 applications received and will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the day that we receive the 100th application, or at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the listed closing date, whichever occurs first. RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID. THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.