Enable America Jobs

Summary This position is located in the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Public Affairs. As a Public Affairs Specialist in this office, you will be responsible for participation in the planning, organization and execution of a comprehensive national program involving all phases of the Department’s public affairs programs directed toward the media. Responsibilities The Public Affairs Specialist: Writes, edits, and organizes information concerning agency and Secretarial initiatives for a general audience. Researches, writes, rewrites, and edits a high volume of news releases, press statements, social media posts, questions-and-answers, speeches, briefing papers and other informational materials concerning the policies, programs, and activities of the Department. Studies and keeps abreast of ongoing and special programs of the Department for the purpose of disseminating information to the public and news media. Work collaboratively with teams of communication professionals, graphic designers, project managers, and clinical subject matter experts to ensure brand integrity and consistent messaging. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional, motivated and self-reliant who can share their expertise in writing and leveraging all forms of media to promote organizational goals, initiatives, and directives. They should have working knowledge of aviation, rail and transportation safety. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must meet specialized experience stated in Qualifications section Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications. To qualify for the Grade 13, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include: Experience gathering and interpreting data and making recommendations on public affairs strategies and policies. Experience writing materials for the Department’s day-to-day content postings, such as: speeches, news releases, news and feature articles, responses to inquiries that effectively convey information concerning programs and functions to any major organization. To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience serving as an advisor to senior leadership on policy, programs, and public affairs activities. Experience in writing, editing, and communicating to the media and public through speeches, news releases, feature articles, and background statements. 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: Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience. Multimedia Technologies- Knowledge of the principles, methods, tools, and techniques to develop or apply technology using text, audio, graphics, or other media. Creative Thinking- Uses imagination to develop new insights into situations and applies innovative solutions to problems; designs new methods where established methods and procedures are inapplicable or are unavailable. Communications and media- Knowledge of the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education Additional Information This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation