Duties

Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a Public Affairs Specialist, Position Description Number D1169000 and is part of the Maryland Army National Guard.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

As a Public Affairs Specialist, GS-1035-13, you will serve as the JFHQ-State Public Affairs Officer, directly reporting to the Adjutant General (TAG). Responsible for planning, budgeting, designing, and executing public affairs communications strategies to inform and educate the public, both general and specialized, about the Army and Air National Guard programs, activities, and services and the vital role they play as components of the U.S. armed forces as well as being an invaluable asset for homeland defense and homeland security. The state National Guard's various organizations range upward in size from several hundreds to thousands of Soldiers and Airmen, comprised of state and federal employees. Each state includes a large number of National Guard armories, along with flight facilities, maintenance facilities, air installations, training sites and ranges. Geographical area encompasses the state along with any areas the MPADs are assigned which include regional, CONUS (national) and OCONUS (international); each with varied audiences. In any case, with the potential impacts of public affairs actions, the PAO's responsibilities and duties are as encompassing as the Guard as a whole. The JFHQ-State PAO must provide the full range of effective public information, command/internal information, and community relations services to support the National Guard's large and complex organization statewide. The JFHQ-State PAO plans, directs, and executes command/internal information, media and community relations campaigns to convey sensitive and complex information concerning the National Guard's state and federal programs, responsibilities, and activities. The PAO exhibits a mastery of communication principals and techniques along with continuously developing and applying new approaches to the most difficult and complex issues by developing or evaluating information programs that enhance understanding among publics opposed to or indifferent to National Guard mission or programs. The PAO analyzes public reaction to NG programs and policies then adjusts accordingly by developing recommendations that may impact or significantly modify NG major programs or policies. The JFHQ-State PAO must include diverse points of view in communications plan that establish and maintain mutual understanding with various publics in local communities, in the state, the region, and which may impact the NG nationally. All other duties as assigned.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
Yes

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Direct Deposit is required.

Qualifications

Military Grades: CPT / 03 to LTC / 05

Compatible Military Assignments: 46A is preferred, but not required

GENERAL EXPERIENCE : Experience, education, or training in administrative, professional, investigative and/or technical work. Experience evaluating information and/or utilizing analytical skills to disseminate effective communication. Experience using computers and automation systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE : Must have at least 36 months experience, education, or training involving a thorough knowledge of writing and communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to public affairs of the military. Experience developing new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, brochures, booklets, broadcast spots, etc., that increase communication with the agency's audiences. Experience making on-the-spot presentations to audiences with opposing points of view or erroneous understanding of agency positions. Experience responding timely and appropriately to requests for information concerning agency programs and services.

Education

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience -Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree, in an accredited college or university.

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency ( https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx ).

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .

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):
-- Knowledge of and skill in modifying or adapting standard communication methods to new informational materials with the goal of enhancing public, special interest group or NG member's understanding and support of NG programs and/or significant issues.
-- Knowledge of and skill in gathering and evaluating data from a variety of sources concerning the effectiveness of communication programs in reaching their target audience.
-- Knowledge of and skill in developing new informational materials, including news releases, internal publications, fact sheets and radio and television spots.
-- Knowledge of communication skills (written and verbal) sufficient for developing UPAR's Public Affairs training materials and administrative skills sufficient to oversee and evaluate the UPAR's training program.
-- Knowledge of organizational and research skills sufficient to locate archived subject specific print and broadcast media materials, and use these as a basis for developing current articles on the same subject or issue.
-- Knowledge of NG programs and ability to apply judgment skills sufficient for determining whether controversial information should be released for internal/external public use.
-- Skill in developing and maintaining effective relationships with media representatives, community groups and other internal/external audiences, to ensure open lines of communication between the state's NG PA office and its audiences.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.

2. Other supporting documents

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.