Public Affairs Specialist
About The Position
This is an Indiana National Guard Title 32 excepted service position in the Indiana National Guard Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs Office, under Position Description Number D1167000. The position develops public-affairs materials and responds to information requests concerning Guard activities and programs. It also evaluates media coverage and public reaction to communication campaigns, coordinates with program specialists, and builds working relationships with government personnel and community or special-interest groups. National Guard membership in a compatible military assignment is required, and the selectee must wear the military uniform. The position is indefinite, not to exceed 24 months, with possible extension up to 60 months and permanent potential. Indefinite appointments are temporary in nature but may be eligible for benefits. Irregular and/or overtime hours may be required to support operational needs or contingencies. Applicants must meet the military grade and experience requirements. Education may be combined with specialized experience to qualify at the GS-09 level; qualifying education alone includes a related master's or equivalent graduate degree, two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D. Transcripts or other documentation are required for education credit.
Requirements
- National Guard membership in a compatible military assignment is required; applicants who are not currently members must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the required military grade.
- Must be eligible for military grades E-3 through E-6; compatible military assignments are open.
- General experience, education, or training in administrative, professional, investigative, or technical work.
- Experience evaluating information and/or using analytical skills to disseminate effective communication.
- Experience compiling reports, letters, memoranda, or similar materials and conveying information through person-to-person contacts.
- Experience using computers and automation systems.
- Experience, education, or training involving writing and communication principles, methods, and techniques related to an agency's public affairs.
- Experience applying and adapting knowledge in strictly controlled agency situations.
- Experience writing articles about routine events or non-controversial subjects.
- Experience responding promptly and appropriately to information requests about agency programs and services.
- Experience participating in meetings with specialized groups to understand feedback on agency programs of particular interest to the public.
- Must wear the military uniform.
- Must meet federal employment suitability requirements as determined by a background investigation.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance for the position.
- Must participate in direct deposit.
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service, if required.
- Must establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers and contribute to a cooperative working environment.
- Must submit transcripts or other documentation to receive credit for qualifying education.
- For GS-09 qualification based on education alone: a related master's or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D.
- Current Indiana National Guard federal technicians who meet the announcement's specified circumstances must submit an approved Exception to Policy memorandum; Tenure 0 temporary employees with a not-to-exceed date do not need one.
Responsibilities
- Develop news releases and feature articles about Guard-sponsored activities, events, and presentation ceremonies.
- Respond orally and in writing to information requests from Guard members, member associations, external audiences, and special-interest groups.
- Evaluate local media programming on National Guard events, activities, and communication campaigns to identify potential public-relations issues with message content or format.
- Gather data on public reaction to communication campaigns for analysis and evaluation.
- Prepare and disseminate news releases and feature articles to print media.
- Consult with program specialists to obtain current information for news releases, radio spots, print articles, meetings, and electronic broadcasts.
- Develop semi-technical written materials explaining the nature and purpose of National Guard programs, policies, and practices to specific audiences.
- Develop positive working relationships with state and local government personnel, community and special-interest groups, and individuals seeking input on state-level National Guard policies, practices, or programs.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Federal employee benefits are available, with eligibility dependent on position type and work schedule; indefinite appointments are temporary in nature but eligible to receive benefits.
