Public Affairs Specialist

Summary

The position is located in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). ECA's mission is to assist in the development of peaceful relations between the United States (U.S.) and other countries by fostering mutual understanding through international educational and cultural exchange and training programs.

Duties

• Develops and maintains active, close working contacts with key editorial, production, assignment executives of electronic and print media and with working news professionals.
• Develops, reviews and edits messaging and communications materials, including news releases, media advisories, speeches, talking points, brochures, press guidance, briefing memoranda and other written communications.
• Develops strategies for public affairs treatment of specific events, prepares necessary promotional materials, and supervises the carrying out of projects.
• Develops a wide range of online/web-based content for ECA's digital platforms in partnership with the digital communications team.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement. Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5CFR 300, Subpart F. Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience conducting proactive media outreach by identifying story opportunities, pitching stories or opinion pieces, and arranging media appearances for senior officials. Experience building relationships with media representatives and responding to media inquiries under tight deadlines. Experience drafting, reviewing, and editing communications materials, including press releases, media advisories, talking points, press guidance, briefing materials, interview preparation materials, and social media content. Experience developing and executing communications and media-relations strategies for complex, sensitive, or rapidly evolving issues; anticipating risks and opportunities; and advising senior leadership. Experience coordinating and obtaining clearance for communications products across Department, interagency, and external stakeholders. There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.

Education

Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.