Duties

Summary

As a Client Communications Specialist, you will be leading, managing, anticipating, and addressing the client's communications needs and to support GSA programs and services through a variety of complex vehicles of communication.

Location of position: GSA, Office of Strategic Communication, 1800 F Street, NW, Washington, DC

The Office of Strategic Communication is responsible for using communication to help the agency meet its mission and business goals.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

GS-11 Duties:

Develops relationships and partnerships with assigned clients, serving as a liaison between clients and OSC to provide strategic advice and direction regarding client's needs, to present an integrated view of the client to OSC to provide context for the their communication needs advising on their evolving mission, strategic marketing/communication needs and concerns. Coordinates communications activities across teams, creating a comprehensive communications program for clients that includes a defined plan based on various audiences, and proactively managing communications strategy based on the comprehensive program and understanding of the business. Responsible for the planning, developing, scheduling, and implementing internal and external campaigns, which includes developing and recommending an overall plan for events that can include site selection, providing budgetary figures to operating officials, selection of a facility, contracting, and other coordinating instructions and requirements. Leads and/or assists in developing and coordinating special events such as agency Town Halls, and special recognition meetings, ensuring that all logistics and time frames are met, and that all necessary coordination among GSA stakeholders is accomplished, including organizing public forums and arranging for any publicity or employee notification in conjunction with these events. Writes, edits and distributes a variety of multimedia communications deliverables, that articulate, interpret and explain highly complex and important agency and/or client policies, programs, surveys and research findings. Serves as a consultant to OSC to assess and improve the effectiveness and management of GSA written communication initiatives, processes and systems. Works closely with external communications/media affairs personnel to communicate on GSA programs and services, proactive and reactive in nature, includes researching and developing responses to members of the media and participating in public engagement outreach efforts.

GS-12 Duties:

Develops relationships and partnerships with assigned clients, serving as a liaison between clients and assigned Communication Specialist to provide strategic advice and direction regarding client's needs, to promote a client focused approach designed to integrate client initiatives and perspectives into communication projects, and to facilitate the development of communication solutions, options and recommendations to identify and implement satisfactory resolutions. Leads and coordinates communications activities across teams, creating a comprehensive communications program for clients that includes a defined plan based on various audiences, and proactively managing communications strategy based on the comprehensive program and understanding of the business. Responsible for the planning, developing, scheduling, and implementing internal and external campaigns, which includes the development an overall plan for events that can include site selection, providing budgetary figures to operating officials, selection of a facility, contracting, and other coordinating instructions and requirements. Leads developing and coordinating special events such as agency Town Halls, and special recognition meetings, ensuring that all logistics and time frames are met, and that all necessary coordination among GSA stakeholders is accomplished, including organizing public forums and arranging for any publicity or employee notification in conjunction with these events. Serves as a central researcher, writer, editor, proofreader, and production coordinator for a variety of multimedia communications deliverables, that articulate, interpret and explain highly complex and important agency and/or client policies, programs, surveys and research findings. Serves as a consultant to assess and improve the effectiveness and management of GSA written communication initiatives, processes and systems. Works closely with external communications/media affairs personnel to communicate on GSA programs and services, proactive and reactive in nature, includes researching and developing responses to members of the media and participating in public engagement outreach efforts.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be required for meetings/training.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
12

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• US Citizens and National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
• Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
• Register with Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
• Direct Deposit of salary check to financial organization required.

If selected, you must meet the following conditions:

• Receive authorization from OPM on any job offer you receive, if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch.
• Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
• Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 1 investigation level).
• Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security's e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.

Qualifications

For each job on your resume, provide:

• the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
• number of hours per week you worked (if part time).

If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.

For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here .

The GS-11 salary range starts at $$72,750.00 per year. If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.

To qualify for the GS-11, you must:

Have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or higher in the Federal service. Specialized experience is providing advice and guidance on an organization's communications to both external and internal customers; assisting in developing and implementing communication strategies; assisting in facilitating stakeholder meetings; creating and presenting briefing materials; developing various communication materials such as: publication articles, fact sheets, position papers, and information on websites; OR

Possess 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or PhD or equivalent doctoral degree; OR

Have a combination of graduate level education beyond the first 2 years of graduate study and appropriate experience that together meet the qualification requirements for this position.

The GS-12 salary range starts at $ $87,198.00 per year. If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.

To qualify for the GS-12, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience providing communications guidance and service to internal and external customers, through evaluating customers communication needs; developing and implementing communications strategies and plans; facilitating stakeholder meetings; creating and presenting briefing materials; authoring written materials for publication such as project fact sheets, position papers, website content, and establishing and maintaining working relationships with a wide range of customers.

Education

Note: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

Bargaining Unit status: NFFE

If you are selected at a grade lower than the full performance level, you may be promoted up to that grade level without having to re-apply or compete against other applicants.

Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.

Travel expenses associated with interviews may be approved. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:

• Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government
• Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government

Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior non-Federal work experience or uniformed service experience.

We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area, as needed; through other means; or not at all.

This is NOT a full-time telework position. The selectee will be expected to report to the duty location stated in this announcement.

If you are eligible under Merit Promotion, you may also apply under Vacancy Announcement #21STFB059FMMP. You must apply separately to each announcement to be considered for both.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will use a method called Category Rating to assess your application. Here's how it will work:

• You will be scored on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Ability/skill in applying interpersonal skills
1a. Ability to apply client relationship management tools, initiatives and evolving software tools that aid in varied business assessments and client needs management.

Ability to apply a wide range of communications concepts, methods, principles and practices

Ability to apply project management methods and techniques.

Ability to apply knowledge of organizational programs, projects, and business lines in order to publicize and promote programs

Skill in written communications
5a. Skill in oral communications
5b. Ability to apply tools and technology, as well as established protocols required to prepare newsletters, webinars, client conferences, formal briefing papers, reports, etc.
5c. Skill in applying qualitative and quantitative analytical methods to draw conclusions and make findings and recommendations.

Knowledge of business and industry policies and processes to develop and execute customer/audience appropriate communications, educational outreach and/or branding

• Your answers to the questions will be used to place you in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified.
• We will verify your answers to the questions in your resume. If your resume doesn't support your answers, we may lower your score, which could place you in a lower category.
• Within each category, veterans will receive selection priority over non-veterans.

Additional assessments may be used, and, if so, you will be provided with further instructions.

If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA's Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP) , you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.

To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.

If you are claiming veterans' preference:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows the dates of your active duty service. If selected, a DD-214 showing your type of discharge (member 4 copy) will be required prior to appointment.
(b) If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).

If you are active duty military - Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).

If you are ICTAP / CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.

College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.

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.