Communication Specialist

Agricultural Marketing Service•Fort Collins, CO

About The Position

In this position, you will serve as the Communications Specialist, responsible for applying knowledge of and experience in procurement of agricultural products and services for distribution and use in domestic nutrition and international food aid programs to coordinate Division communication and marketing efforts. The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Deliver and support internal and external communications and public outreach, coordinating and managing the implementation of all communications elements using both internal and external resources. Express facts and ideas both in writing and orally in a clear, concise, and organized manner that meets established standards for format and style and is appropriate for the intended audience. Ensure that announcements, invitations to bid, requests for information, requests for proposals, and related contractual documents in the administration of contracts are distributed and posted. Prepare personnel to speak effectively on program matters with the public, industry, and other interested groups. Oversee the communication of the necessary memoranda, dockets, and purchase plans, and ensures clearance with appropriate officials. Coordinate with the Food and Nutrition Administration, contracting staff, and other AMS programs to resolve complaints and customer service concerns. Coordinates with the AMS FOIA Office and program staff to respond to Freedom of Information Act requests.

Requirements

Must be a US Citizen or US National.
Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
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.
All USDA employees are required to be enrolled in Continuous Vetting, which authorizes government agencies to receive notifications of criminal activity on individuals who hold low risk, public trust, or national security positions.
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.
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-09 Level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-07 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Prepares clear, concise, accurate, and professionally written correspondence in response to inquiries from internal and external stakeholders. Responds to written and oral requests for information and guidance from the public, industry, and other interested groups. Prepares marketing and communications materials in support of program activities, including newsletters, talking points, and website content.
For the GS-11 Level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Prepares written correspondence, marketing materials, and oral presentations in response to inquiries from internal and external stakeholders. Responds to written and oral requests for information and guidance from a wide range of audiences, including responding to inquiries on matters that are sensitive, confidential, and require input from senior agency officials. Implements communication plans to support programmatic goals.
For the GS-12 Level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Prepares, reviews, edits, and approves effective responses to inquiries from the public, industry, and other interested groups, including written correspondence and oral presentations. Develops and implements communication plans to support programmatic goals, which include talking points, website content, and social media. Responds to Freedom of Information Act requests and inquiries from the Office of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office, in collaboration and consultation with program staff and leadership.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Nice To Haves

Master's or equivalent graduate degree in Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree.
LL.B. or J.D., if related.
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree.
LL.M., if related.

Responsibilities

Deliver and support internal and external communications and public outreach, coordinating and managing the implementation of all communications elements using both internal and external resources.
Express facts and ideas both in writing and orally in a clear, concise, and organized manner that meets established standards for format and style and is appropriate for the intended audience.
Ensure that announcements, invitations to bid, requests for information, requests for proposals, and related contractual documents in the administration of contracts are distributed and posted.
Prepare personnel to speak effectively on program matters with the public, industry, and other interested groups.
Oversee the communication of the necessary memoranda, dockets, and purchase plans, and ensures clearance with appropriate officials.
Coordinate with the Food and Nutrition Administration, contracting staff, and other AMS programs to resolve complaints and customer service concerns.
Coordinates with the AMS FOIA Office and program staff to respond to Freedom of Information Act requests.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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