Public Affairs Specialist (Title 32)(Permanent)

Air National Guard Units • Langley AFB, VA

6d

About The Position

This permanent National Guard Title 32 excepted-service position is with the Virginia Air National Guard’s 192nd Fighter Wing. The Public Affairs Specialist, GS-1035-11, plans and carries out public affairs assignments supporting the wing commander’s programs and priorities. The work integrates visual information, social media, community engagement, command information, communication planning, contingency and crisis response, media operations, environmental and security review, policy review, and management of public affairs resources.

The specialist responds to information and support requests; conducts community engagement; maintains web and social media presence; arranges news media coverage; and develops and reviews communication products for internal and external audiences. Products include web content, photographs, videos, news and feature articles, releases, talking points, fact sheets, briefings, speeches, scripts, newsletters, and other materials. The specialist adapts communication approaches for target audiences, identifies potential issues, advises management on resolutions, and maintains relationships with wing leadership, government officials, DoD personnel, media, community groups, and the public.

The position also manages the section’s audiovisual equipment and budget and serves as the Wing Visual Information Manager under applicable DoD directives. It plans and operates the visual information program, provides photographic editing, processing and video support—including for alert missions and mishaps—and supports historical documentation. The specialist designs visual materials for presentations, publications, and exhibits; advises visiting non-military photo crews; develops communication campaigns; and assesses campaign results to improve effectiveness. Other duties may be assigned.

This position requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the Virginia Air National Guard before placement, eligibility for the listed enlisted grades, and wearing the military uniform. The role is open to specified Virginia Air National Guard members and individuals eligible for membership.

Requirements

• Must be a member of the National Guard or eligible for immediate membership in the Virginia Air National Guard, with a compatible military assignment before the effective date of placement.
• Must meet the listed military grade: enlisted personnel E4/SrA through E6/TSgt.
• Must meet one of the stated applicant-group eligibility categories: qualifying permanent Virginia Air National Guard Military Technician, qualifying Virginia Air National Guard enlisted member, or individual eligible for Virginia Air National Guard membership.
• General experience compiling reports, letters, memoranda, and similar materials and conveying information through person-to-person contacts.
• At least 12 months of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-09, involving public affairs writing and communication principles, methods, and techniques related to the military.
• Experience developing information materials such as news releases, fact sheets, brochures, booklets, or broadcast spots to increase communication with an agency’s audiences.
• Experience making on-the-spot presentations to audiences with opposing viewpoints or an erroneous understanding of agency positions.
• Experience responding promptly and appropriately to requests for information about agency programs and services.
• If qualifying through education, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.M.; supporting transcripts or documentation are required.
• Must wear the military uniform.
• Must meet federal employment suitability requirements as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Applicants must submit a resume limited to two pages and provide exact employment dates and hours worked per week for part-time experience.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• The position is not in a bargaining unit.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop complex public affairs assignments in support of the wing commander’s programs and priorities.
• Carry out public affairs activities involving visual information, social media, community engagement, command information, communication planning, contingency and crisis response, media operations, environmental and security review, policy review, and resource management.
• Respond to requests for information, materials, and support, and plan and conduct community engagement with officials and groups.
• Provide or clear materials concerning unit activities for media representatives, including potentially controversial topics.
• Maintain an active web and social media presence, provide visual information services, and plan and arrange news media coverage.
• Evaluate whether agency support or participation in local activities, programs, and events is appropriate and advisable.
• Research, draft, coordinate, produce, and review public affairs materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Adapt communication methods and create information materials to improve audiences’ understanding of significant agency issues and programs.
• Identify potential problems or friction, advise management on causes and possible resolutions, and follow up on unresolved issues.
• Maintain working relationships with wing leadership, civic and media officials, community groups, DoD personnel, government officials, State PAOs, and the public; attend meetings and maintain professional contacts.
• Explain public affairs policies and procedures and resolve problems within the position’s remit.
• Participate in special assignments and projects.
• Manage audiovisual equipment for the section and serve as the Wing Visual Information Manager under current DoD directives.
• Keep current on visual information methods and technology; manage the budget and procure equipment and supplies.
• Plan, organize, and carry out the visual information program.
• Provide photographic editing and processing and video support for alert missions, including mishaps, and provide historical documentation support.
• Design and assemble materials for presentations, publications, and exhibits; select and arrange visual materials and design their presentation in relation to text, typography, color, textures, shapes, and communication format.
• Tailor visual products to public forums and provide guidance to visiting non-military organizational and news media photo crews.
• Develop or adapt communication campaign formats for target audiences, gather response data to assess effectiveness, and implement appropriate alternatives when results do not meet expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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