Federal

PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Air National Guard Units ยท Department of the Air Force
๐Ÿ“ New Castle, Delaware GS-12 $98,630 - $128,221/yr
Posted: Feb 24, 2026 Deadline: Mar 16, 2026 (Closed days left)

About This Position

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST, Position Description Number D2418000 and is part of the DE 166 Mission Support Group, National Guard.

Qualifications

Military Grades: O-1 Through O-5 Compatible Military Assignments: Must meet rank requirement and be eligible for military membership within the Delaware Air National Guard by the closing date of this advertisement. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-1035-12: 1-year experience, education, or training equivalent to at least next lower grade level. Experience, education, or training involving a thorough knowledge of writing and communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to public affairs of the military.

Experience developing new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, brochures, booklets, broadcast spots, etc., that increase communication with the agency's audiences. Experience making on-the-spot presentations to audiences with opposing points of view or erroneous understanding of agency positions. Experience responding timely and appropriately to requests for information concerning agency programs and services.

Quality of Experience: Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled. *Other Requirements - For positions requiring the operation of motor vehicles, candidates must have a valid state driver's license for the state in which they live or are principally employed.

For positions requiring a security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) the applicant must possess or be able to obtain a clearance within one year of appointment.

Major Duties

GS-1035-12: 1. Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates a diverse and strategic Public Affairs (PA) program through media and audience analysis, determines PA program needs and organizational direction to achieve unit goals. Formulates long range plans, and develops policies to enhance public understanding, support, and acceptance of unit programs and activities at local, state, national and international levels, which includes the international training and remotely piloted aircraft missions.

Advises the Wing Commander and Wing leadership on sensitive or controversial PA matters, to include international affairs related to the training of international students from multiple foreign countries and remotely piloted aircraft foreign and domestic operations. Advises the state Public Affairs Officer, and potentially The Adjutant General (TAG) and Air Component Commander, Air Force and National Guard Bureau Public and representatives on substantive issues related to the Wings flying mission.

  1. Develops and writes information materials designed to reach domestic and international audiences through various media such as wire service, radio, television, magazines, newspaper online and social media. Prepares materials specifically to explain or describe the unit mission, international training program, requirements, capabilities, accomplishments, policies and programs. Written materials include news releases, radio spot and television announcements, fact sheets, feature stories, background statements, special reports, etc. for both local and international media sources.
  2. Targets and services state and national media markets with print, photographic and electronic materials in support of publicizing the mission of the Wing. Responds to media requests for information of both a routine and controversial nature.

Prepares or assembles information kits, edits and rewrites informational material, releases photographs, video and/or other stories of interest stories to news media, studies current issues, coordinates news interviews, and prepares questions to be addressed, arranges photographic and electronic media coverage of newsworthy events involving the Wing, ensures maintenance of unclassified photo library of appropriate material for news releases, and coordinates public affairs airlift and orientation flights for media representatives.

  1. Provides PA advice concerning the Wing Mission and state Public Affairs Officer, USAF, NGB Public and TAG, Air Component Commander, Wing leadership, Commander and staff in support of policies and programs of interest to internal audiences. Provides advice and guidance to Wing leadership on sensitive and controversial matters concerning international partners and policies related to PA issues.

Analyzes, coordinates, and updates Command Information (CI) plans, policies and programs related to all public, community and media relations (including international media) programs for all unit missions. Prepares and coordinates special projects to inform all guard members, technicians, families and employers of new policies, programs, or activities. Provides guidance and support to subordinate commands on CI matters.

Coordinates CI projects with NGB staff or other agencies as appropriate. Researches and analyzes trends in attitudes and opinions of internal audiences to redevelop/refine CI plans and policies. Oversees production of print and electronic media CI projects.

  1. As the PA representative for the Wing, establishes and maintains close working relationships with officials of various civic, media, veterans, and community groups, as well as state and federal government officials outside the NG. Expands the base of public support through such relationships, and promotes the interests of NG programs which may be at odds with interests of respective groups.

Serves as point of contact with veterans' organizations or defense related associations requesting information from the unit. Responds to public requests and develops materials that expound on the nature and purpose of the unit and the foreign pilot training program. Also responds to requests for information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

  1. Serves as the unit contact with the Department of Air Force, NGB, Major Air Command, for coordination approval and advises related to the Wing Mission. Provides public affairs annexes to state NG contingency plans.

Provides information to NGB for national and/or regional use. Advises the Air Force and NGB, of activities and/or incidents that may generate national, regional, or local criticism, and that may create media, community, international, or congressional interest. Participates in budget process to ensure funding requirements are identified, and adequate funds are requested and available for PA operations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

There are no substitution of education for specialized experience at GS-12

How You Will Be Evaluated

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position.

This vacancy announcement will be qualified using Minimum Qualification procedures as defined the Delaware National Guards Merit Placement Plan.

Additional Information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)).

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12896069A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application.

You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package.

You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted.

Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position.

Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes: 1.

Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.

  1. Other supporting documents: Proof of Veterans Preference (if applicable) & transcripts (if claiming college for experience)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST position at Air National Guard Units?
The salary range for this position is $98,630 - $128,221/yr. This is a GS-12 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST job located?
This position is located in New Castle, Delaware. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Military Grades: O-1 Through O-5 Compatible Military Assignments: Must meet rank requirement and be eligible for military membership within the Delaware Air National Guard by the closing date of this advertisement. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-1035-12: 1-year experience, education, or training equivalent to at least next lower grade level. Experie...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 16, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Secret clearance is required.
What does GS-12 mean?
GS-12 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.