Job summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is: To provide public affairs and strategic communications support, advice, technical expertise, and management support to leadership on AF/A1 policies and programs ensuring A1 key messages are expertly communicated.

Major duties

Serves as the senior program specialist for strategic communication, engagements, and senior communication advisor, to the Director, AF/A1 Strategic Communications. Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates major strategic communication rollouts, public affairs functions, media, outreach, and engagements with Air Force-wide applicability in support of AF/A1 mission. Responsible for the planning, development, coordination and execution of internal and external communications strategies and programs designed to promote the Director's priorities and objectives. Conducts broad analyses of current AF/A1, SAF/MR, and OSD initiatives, coordinating AF/A1 input and guidance and providing feedback. Manages broad programs, special projects, and initiatives with responsibility for researching, planning, executing, and evaluating complex strategic communication, public affairs operations, programs, policies, and strategies of significant importance and which affect broad functional areas and multiple organizational levels. Serves as senior adviser in the assigned area of responsibility. Participates in policy formulation; advises on the potential public reaction to proposed policies, plans, and actions; and plans, organizes, and evaluates communication strategies, goals and objectives, programs, products, and materials.

Qualification

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes working with management and organizational relationships, qualitative and quantitative methods and techniques are required to review, recommend modifications to or project impact upon agency program policies, objectives, or goals; presenting ideas in written materials in new ways that will increase understanding among publics with varying levels of comprehension of agency programs and policies, or opposition or indifference to the agency's program objectives; and ability in understanding the principles and practices of research and analysis, including the development of research questions, the collection and analysis of data, and the presentation of findings. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of a wide range of oral, written, and visual communication concepts, principles, policies, practices, methods, applications, techniques, standards, and trends; analytical methods; interpersonal relations practices applicable to researching, planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating new information materials for information programs. Knowledge of missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, relationships, and operational planning objectives. Skill and ability in gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data to arrive at valid conclusions and offer meaningful recommendations. Skill and ability in planning and independently managing short- and long-term projects and to cultivate and sustain positive working relationships to project completion. Skill and ability in communicating effectively with tact and diplomacy, orally and in writing, to advocate agency positions; to logically and effectively explain programs, functions, and activities and gain understanding of the organization's efforts by responsive publics and people with varying levels of understanding. Skill and ability to research and analyze trends in public opinion via the mass media and meetings with federal and state legislators and community groups to determine program needs. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Evaluations

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements. The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here. Applicants who meet the requirements for and apply as a non-competitive eligible that meet minimal qualifications and other requirements of this position, will be given consideration as a non-competitive candidate and will be referred unless blocked by an individual with priority/preference. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.