Summary This position is located in the Office of Communications and Congressional Affairs in the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The public affairs specialist is an integral member of the communications team, reporting to the Director of Communications. The specialist will be responsible for day-to-day communications activities, including contributing to announcements and promotional plans, implementing those plans, handling media inquiries and contributing to website and social media. Responsibilities The Public Affairs Specialist develops factually accurate and thoroughly researched communications tools to ensure messages relating to FTA programs, policies, grants and initiatives are clear, convincing and meet FTA’s high standards. The ideal candidate will have experience working for or with a news organization or public affairs firm in developing and executing strategic communications. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration. You must meet specialized experience to qualify. Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on 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. TELEWORK ELIGIBILITY: This position may be eligible for occasional and/or regularly scheduled telework. The number of telework days approved will be determined by your immediate supervisor or manager following the agency’s telework policy and guidance. If participating in the telework program, you will be required to sign a telework agreement detailing agency telework policy requirements, working conditions, and expectations for the position. PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required. 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. DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or specialized experience requirements for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-11 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-09, and it must include: Experience researching policies and programs to develop and disseminate informational materials to internal and external audiences. Experience drafting briefings, digital content, press releases, policy documents, public affairs-related documents, and other executive-level communications for internal and external audiences. To qualify for the GS-11 on Education alone, you must have: 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. You can also qualify based on a combination of higher level graduate education and experience. This must be fully supported by your resume and transcripts, provided with your application. To qualify for the GS-12 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, and it must include: Experience researching and analyzing policies and programs to develop and disseminate informational materials to internal and external audiences. Experience drafting and editing briefings, policy documents, public affairs-related documents, and other executive-level communications for dissemination to internal and external audiences. Experience in using informational channels, including social media to promote programs and initiatives. Experience translating agency actions and communications into “plain language” content. You cannot qualify on education at the GS-12 level; you must have experience. To qualify for the GS-13 on Experience, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12 it must include: Experience researching and analyzing policies and programs to develop informational materials to internal and external audiences. Experience writing and editing content with little supervision about organizational policies and programs for briefings, digital content, press releases, speeches, policy documents, draft articles for publication in trade journals, public affairs-related documents and other executive-level communications for senior officials, appointed or political and other internal and external audiences. Experience in using informational channels, including social media to promote programs and initiatives. Experience translating agency actions and communications into “plain language” content. You cannot qualify on education at the GS-13 level; you must have experience. 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: Skill in research, analysis and critical thinking. Skill in writing and editing materials. Knowledge of and skill in the use of all informational channels. 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/frequently-asked-questions/employment-faq/federal-hiring/how-do-i-apply-for-federal-jobs/ Students enrolled in a qualifying degree program can apply if the anticipated graduation date is within six months of closing date of the announcement. Graduation transcript must be received before start date. Other 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.