Public Affairs Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • White City, OR

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Public Affairs supervisory position exercises full delegated authority and responsibility for developing, managing, and administering a comprehensive Public Affairs Program. The Public Affairs Specialist serves as spokesperson for the Medical Center, and as such is the point of contact for local and national media; is the liaison for Veterans' service organizations, congressional staffs, community groups, professional organizations, etc. The incumbent will directly supervise one Public Affairs Assistant GS-1001-07. Within this capacity, s/he is responsible for approving leave, completing performance evaluations, and any disciplinary actions. The incumbent is responsible for any hiring actions needed for the program, including interviewing, and onboarding new staff. The Public Affairs Specialist recommendations to top management involve highly significant policy matters that may lead to the development of an Agency position, establish precedents or provide guidance for field activities on public affairs issues.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Must complete all required steps in the process, including application, questionnaire, and online assessment.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.
• Driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment effective May 7, 2025.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period.
• Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Experience where you were responsible for applying advanced communication and analytical practices, methods and techniques to the solution of complex public affairs problems; planning, developing, and producing a variety of materials and publications (including print, visual, Web-based, multimedia, and video materials) to achieve understanding of various points of view or concepts; advising leadership on the development of communication plans and strategies; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with local media representatives and community groups; and coordinating and implementing special events, ceremonies, outreach campaigns, tours, and other activities to generate public awareness of organization's mission.
• Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Serves as spokesperson for the Medical Center, and as such is the point of contact for local and national media; is the liaison for veterans' service organizations, congressional staffs, community groups, professional organizations, etc.
• Conducts the public affairs program with responsibility for developing and providing staff direction involving all public information, internal communications, VSO liaison, and community relations activities.
• Conducts special studies involving communications, organization, and operation of Medical Center functions.
• Develops reports along with recommendations to the Medical Center Director including implementation and monitoring strategies.
• Analyzes internal communication needs and develops publications or other information materials for staff, patients, volunteers, and others who contribute to the Medical Center effectiveness and responsiveness.
• Develops, coordinates, implements and maintains public information and community relations programs that are designed to promote understanding, confidence, and goodwill between the Medical Center, surrounding communities, individuals, volunteers, and groups who are interested in and affected by the VA.
• Advises and makes recommendations to the Medical Center Director regarding the handling of media and community issue or concerns that have possible implications on the facility.
• Evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of the public information programs for internal communications, media relations and community relations with the ultimate goal of achieving greater understanding of their facility's mission and programs.
• Plans, initiates, and implements comprehensive public affairs activities to enhance the understanding of the Medical Center's programs among the general public and specialized groups and organizations.
• Coordinates the production and dissemination of information, material, and, where necessary, works with contractors who design, write, or produce materials.
• Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with representatives of the news media, responding in a timely fashion to information requests from the media in writing and orally to ensure the fair representation of the Medical Center.
• May respond, or prepare response for the Director, to detailed explanations for negative comments about the Medical Center activities or performance particularly in urgent, sensitive situations.
• Provides expertise in planning and implementation of special events, ceremonies, open houses, tours, and other activities conducted for the purpose of generating awareness of, and interest in, the mission of the Medical Center and for public awareness.
• Approving leave, completing performance evaluations, and any disciplinary actions for direct reports.
• Responsible for hiring actions needed for the program, including interviewing, and onboarding new staff.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree