Public Affairs Specialist

Summary This position is located in the Office of Communications, Information Division, Federal Election Commission (FEC). One of the Commission's strategic objectives is to encourage voluntary compliance with the FECA. To meet that objective, the Commission has established an extensive outreach program for advising the regulated community and the general public on the FECA's requirements. This is a bargaining unit position. This job is open to Internal to an agency Current federal employees of this agency. Clarification from the agency This announcement is open to current, permanent Federal Election Commission employees. Duties The Public Affairs Specialist (Communications Specialist) works side-by-side with Commissioners and senior staff to develop public information programs and technical documents on campaign laws for both information and training purposes. A Communications Specialist fully participates in division strategies to increase public awareness and compliance with these laws. Duties include: Researching and writing instructional materials (campaign guides, the Record, e-learning videos and other online content) that integrate complex rules and procedures expressed in the U.S. Code, advisory opinions, matters under review (MURs), court opinions, regulations and explanations and justifications of the regulations. Responding to complex oral and written inquiries about the federal election law, independently providing research material and guidance about how to comply with the law or whether to request a formal advisory opinion. Developing and presenting workshops at campaign finance conferences and seminars; briefing foreign delegations, students and others on the FEC and its mission. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. citizen or national. You must be able to pass a background investigation. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Legal and regulatory guidance below). You may be required to serve a 2 year probationary period. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade). Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the experience and/or education requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. If qualifying based on education, a copy of your unofficial transcripts must be provided with your application. Qualifications for the GS-1035-09: A. You must have at least one full year of specialized experience. This must include activities such as: (1) assisting with developing public information programs and technical documents on campaign laws for information and training purposes; (2) writing a variety of public affairs materials to reach targeted audiences; (3) responding to basic inquiries about the federal election law based on researched material and guidance; (4) communicating agency information, rules, and/or legal requirements to a variety of audiences. This experience must be comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained either in private or public sector). OR B. Have a master's degree, or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D if related. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. (Note: you must submit copies of your transcripts) OR C. Have an equivalent combination of specialized experience and graduate education. Note: To compute this, first determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required above; then determine your total qualifying graduate education as a percentage of the education required above; add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal to 100 percent to qualify. (Note: you must submit copies of your transcripts) Qualifications for the GS-1035-11: A. You must have at least one full year of specialized experience. This must include activities such as: (1) assisting in the creation of communications materials to promote program events, activities, policies, or initiatives; (2) developing portions of public information programs and technical documents on campaign laws for information and training purposes; (3) drafting articles, e-learning video scripts, or other online content regarding rules and legal requirements of the agency; (4) developing and posting web content to advertise an agency's programs, policies, and/or determinations; (5) speaking to political party officials and/or members of the public about the requirements of the law. This experience must be comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained either in private or public sector). OR B. Have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher graduate level education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. (Note: you must submit copies of your transcripts) OR C. Have an equivalent combination of the specialized experience described in "A" and the graduate-level education described in "B". To determine if you qualify under this combination, first determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage of the specialized experience required; then determine your education as a percentage of the graduate education required (note: only graduate education in excess of the first two years is creditable for this combination); and then add the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. (Note: you must submit copies of your transcripts) Qualifications for the GS-1035-12: A. You must have at least one full year of specialized experience. This must include activities such as: (1) creating communications materials to promote program events, activities, policies, and/or initiatives on national communication platforms; (2) developing public information programs or technical documents on campaign laws for information and training purposes; (3) writing instructional materials, correspondence, and/or memoranda; (4) responding to complex inquiries about the federal election law based on researched material and guidance; (5) organizing an outreach program to advise on laws affecting the regulated community and the general public. This experience must be comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained either in private or public sector). TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS : Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 grade level. One year at the GS-09 is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 grade level. One year at the GS-11 is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 grade level. (Must submit your SF-50 that shows Time-in-Grade eligibility and reflects your title, series, and grade. No award SF-50 will be accepted). In addition, you must provide a cover letter describing your experience with the competencies identified below. Communications and Media - Knowledge of the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. External Awareness - Understands and keeps up-to-date on local, national, and international policies and trends that affect the organization and shape stakeholders' views; is aware of the organization's impact on the external environment. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Writing - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material that is appropriate for the intended audience. 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. If you are selected for the GS-09 or GS-11: Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor. Education To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work. If you received a degree, the transcript must show the date the degree was awarded or conferred. A self-created transcript, or a list of courses you have prepared, is not acceptable. Foreign education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov) You must provide translated transcripts. Additional information Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit position (National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) Chapter 204). FEC offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package , including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules, telework and transportation subsidies. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement. 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the announcement closes, we will conduct a review of your application package to verify your eligibility and qualifications. If you are found qualified, your application will move forward to additional phases of the review process which will determine the best qualified candidates. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. You will be evaluated on the following competencies: Communications and Media External Awareness Oral Communication Writing 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package including the documents listed below. We strongly encourage applicants to doublecheck that all required items are properly submitted to ensure consideration. Your Resume listing hours worked per week, dates of employment (month/year) and duties performed for each position held. Cover Letter which addresses the competencies identified in the Qualifications section above. Please limit your cover letter to 2 pages. Transcripts are required if you are qualifying based on your education. Performance Appraisal of your most recent, signed, completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating. Current FEC Employee : to claim eligibility as a current FEC employee, please confirm you are employed with the Federal Election Commission on a permanent excepted service appointment. To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), reflecting your permanent excepted service status with Block 24 as "Tenure 1 or 2" and in Block 34 as "Excepted Service." This must contain information which shows you meet time-in-grade, such as a Within Grade Increase or Promotion. No award SF-50s will be accepted as proof of eligibility. In addition to submitting your most recent SF-50, if you have held a higher grade than the one you're applying for on a permanent basis, please submit an SF-50 which documents the highest grade you have held on a permanent basis. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. How to Apply To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/04/2024 to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply Online . Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application. You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. Agency contact information San Antonio Services Branch Phone Email Address Federal Election Commission 1050 First Street NE Washington, DC 20463 US Next steps Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Additional phases of the review process will determine the best qualified candidates, and whether or not your application is referred to the selecting official. You will be contacted directly if further evaluation or an interview is required. You will receive notifications by email about the status of your application throughout this process. Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Financial suitability New employee probationary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy Selective Service Signature and false statements Social security number request Required Documents To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package including the documents listed below. We strongly encourage applicants to doublecheck that all required items are properly submitted to ensure consideration. Your Resume listing hours worked per week, dates of employment (month/year) and duties performed for each position held. Cover Letter which addresses the competencies identified in the Qualifications section above. Please limit your cover letter to 2 pages. Transcripts are required if you are qualifying based on your education. Performance Appraisal of your most recent, signed, completed annual performance appraisal which includes the final rating. Current FEC Employee : to claim eligibility as a current FEC employee, please confirm you are employed with the Federal Election Commission on a permanent excepted service appointment. To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50), reflecting your permanent excepted service status with Block 24 as "Tenure 1 or 2" and in Block 34 as "Excepted Service." This must contain information which shows you meet time-in-grade, such as a Within Grade Increase or Promotion. No award SF-50s will be accepted as proof of eligibility. In addition to submitting your most recent SF-50, if you have held a higher grade than the one you're applying for on a permanent basis, please submit an SF-50 which documents the highest grade you have held on a permanent basis. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. How to Apply To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/04/2024 to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply Online . Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application. You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. Agency contact information San Antonio Services Branch Phone Email Address Federal Election Commission 1050 First Street NE Washington, DC 20463 US Next steps Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Additional phases of the review process will determine the best qualified candidates, and whether or not your application is referred to the selecting official. You will be contacted directly if further evaluation or an interview is required. You will receive notifications by email about the status of your application throughout this process. Fair & Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Financial suitability New employee probationary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy Selective Service Signature and false statements Social security number request

Created: 2024-11-05