Public Affairs Specialist

View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement. Organizational Location: These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Public Affairs, in Baltimore, Maryland; Chicago, Illinois; New York, New York; Salt Lake City, Utah; San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Washington, District of Columbia. This is a non-bargaining unit position. As a Public Affairs Specialist, at the GS-13 full performance level, you will perform the following duties: Managing a public affairs program and its procedures governing information dissemination functions for the agency. Participating in high-level policy making meetings and conferences, serving as an advisor on stakeholders or public reactions to new policy initiatives. Preparing, coordinating, and editing feature articles and publications that convey information to employees as well as the general public and specialized target groups relating to the organization programs, objectives, and mission; developing and disseminating informational materials to pertinent audiences through various media. Ensuring that all information and materials prepared and released accurately reflect the policies, views, and program initiatives of the agency. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as: Developing and writing information material designed to reach local and/or national audiences through various news media for the agency; Ensuring that all information and material prepared and released accurately reflect the policies, views, and program initiatives of the agency; Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with representatives of the news media in providing information about agency programs, policies, and services; AND; Managing social media platforms to increase awareness and convey news and information to external and internal stakeholders concerning departmental programs or agency activities and events. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.