Public Affairs Specialist

Agriculture, Rural Development • Richmond, VA

7d

About The Position

This position serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Virginia State Office to develop and administer a statewide public information program designed to maximize public exposure and affirm the mission and objectives of RD. Designs, convenes and conducts public involvement programs and meetings to gather information on: Community needs, stakeholder viewpoints and local community development activities. Also provides in depth information on Rural Development programs. Prepares and coordinates responses to inquiries and concerns from: The general public, public officials, stakeholders, community and special interest groups regarding Rural Development programs, policies and activities. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with representatives of the media, state legislative delegations and state and local governments to ensure broad dissemination of information about Rural Development programs and services. Coordinates and develops newsletters as well as articles for other non-Rural Development publications, journals, magazines and newsletters providing information about the nature and purpose of State RD programs and activities.

Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit - 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.
• Serve a 1-year probationary period.
• 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.
• Time in grade: 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-11 level: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: writing, editing, and reviewing news advisories, releases, government/professional correspondence, talking points, or questions and answers; implementing communication plans for an organization; developing written communication material concerning a range of subjects related to the organization's programs; or analyzing information program materials and making recommendations for improving the delivery of program information.
• For the GS-12 level: Applicants must have (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: designing, planning, and directing or advising on the public affairs program in an agency or organization that requires a wide range of knowledge of communication requirements and techniques; ability to analyze a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of the public affairs program, developing and disseminating information materials to the general public or specialized target groups; writing annual reports to congress; speech writing; develop and write for the web.
• 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

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related OR a combination of education as described and specialized experience (for GS-11 level substitution).
• A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Responsibilities

• Develop and administer a statewide public information program designed to maximize public exposure and affirm the mission and objectives of RD.
• Design, convene and conduct public involvement programs and meetings to gather information on community needs, stakeholder viewpoints and local community development activities.
• Provide in-depth information on Rural Development programs.
• Prepare and coordinate responses to inquiries and concerns from the general public, public officials, stakeholders, community and special interest groups regarding Rural Development programs, policies and activities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of the media, state legislative delegations and state and local governments to ensure broad dissemination of information about Rural Development programs and services.
• Coordinate and develop newsletters as well as articles for other non-Rural Development publications, journals, magazines and newsletters providing information about the nature and purpose of State RD programs and activities.

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: Mid Level