Public Affairs Specialist

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a senior Public Affairs Specialist at United States Central Command (USCENTCOM).

This position has been designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the USCENTCOM, national security, and public safety. Therefore, incumbent is required to: (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and misuse of prescription medication, and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing on short notice.

Incumbent must pass initial and may be selected for random drug testing. May be subject to reasonable suspicion testing, safety mishap, or accident testing. The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied is identified as a TDP. Position is designated special-sensitive and requires a TOP SECRET (TS) security clearance with eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions, Public Affairs Series 1035.

Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems.

• Mastery of communication principles, methods, practices, and techniques
• Analytical methods that enables the incumbent to serve as the technical authority on specific matters within the organization
• Skill in applying these principles and methods in managing a public affairs program involving media relations, civic outreach, planning and execution of nationally prominent events, internal information, visual information, communication planning / research / analysis, standardization and evaluation, emerging technology/social media, security and policy review, public affairs resource management, or contingency planning and operations
• Knowledge and skill to analyze public reaction to Air Force programs and policies in developing recommendations that significantly modify major organization programs or policies, and integrating diverse points of view in a communication plan in establishing and maintaining mutual understanding with various agency publics

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.

NOTE:

You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

Combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

NOTE:

You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible.

One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 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.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

• Extensive knowledge of a full range of oral, written and visual communication concepts, principles, policies, practices, methods, applications, techniques, standards, and trends applicable to researching, planning, developing, coordinating, guiding, and evaluating broad public affairs and visual information programs; to develop new approaches to extremely difficult issues; and prioritizing requirements, strategies, and assets to perform the mission.
• In-depth knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, relationships, and operational planning objectives of various DoD and lnteragency organizations; as well as knowledge of a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to evaluate public reaction to agency programs and policies.
• Skill in gathering, evaluating, and interpreting conflicting data, considering various points of view, to arrive at valid conclusions and offer meaningful recommendations.
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