PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

The primary purpose of the position is to assist the state's Public Affairs (PA) Officer at the strategic and operational level, with particular emphasis on developing segments of more complicated or sensitive communications campaigns and executing the National Guard Bureau's (NGB's) communication objectives.

This position performs the following duties: Assists the Public Affairs Officer in the formulation of long-range plans and policies to enhance public understanding, support and acceptance of Public Affairs programs and/or activities statewide. Researches and develops informational materials and complete communication campaigns for release to audiences through electronic and newspaper media. Prepared materials explain or describe the mission of the NG, NG accomplishments, policies, programs or actions taken to ensure the NG's compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements.

Written materials include news releases, display advertisements, fact sheets, feature stories, background statements, special reports, etc. Coordinates the analysis of response data on communication campaign effectiveness with programs managers. Responds to media requests for information of both a routine and controversial nature.

Prepares or assembles information kits, edits informational materials drafted by subordinate public affairs specialists or unit UPAR's, releases photographs and/or feature stories to the news media, coordinates media interviews with NG subject matter experts and arranges photographic and electronic media coverage of newsworthy NG events. Maintains close working relationships with officials of various civic, media and community groups and Department of Defense personnel, as well as state and national government officials outside the NG. Provides training to UPAR's on PA program policies, practices and processes.

Coordinates and evaluates the effectiveness of training and training materials and develops recommendations for program enhancement. Reviews all press releases, feature stories, background statements, special reports, etc., developed by UPARs, prior to their release to the media. Creates new or adapts or modifies accepted communication campaign formats to reach a target audience with a specific message.

The selection of a communication campaign format is based on an analysis of targeted audience demographics and message content.

After an informational campaign has been implemented, solicited and unsolicited response data is gathered to assess campaign effectiveness in reaching the target audience. If the campaign's results do not meet expectations, the incumbent identifies issues of concern, develops alternatives and after discussing these with the appropriate administrative personal, implements the most appropriate option. Performs other duties as assigned.

This position is only open to current members of the Maryland Army National Guard. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.

Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement. Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.

Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary period. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position within one year of appointment.

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.

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.

If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Public Affairs Policies and Procedures

We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 180 days of the closing date.

This position MAY be eligible for recruitment or relocation incentives, pending availability of funding and management request.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does NOT convey eligibility to be converted to the Competitive Service. This is an obligated position; the selectee will receive an indefinite appointment (Tenure 3).

This position is intended NTE 31-DEC-2026, but may be extended as needed by the agency. If a Reduction-In-Force occurs and/or the obligated employee exercises reemployment right to this position, the indefinite appointee will have no reemployment rights to any other position and may be separated. If the obligated employee, having reemployment rights to this position, does not exercise his/her reemployment rights, this position may be converted to a permanent status without further competition.

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)).

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/12983728 A 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/.

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

Your resume showing: Contact Information-your name and the best way to contact you. Relevant work experience-include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and describe how you meet the required qualifications of the job. Federal jobs should include series and grade. Education, certifications or licensures.

1. Other supporting documents: If you are a current Federal Employee, please submit your most current non-award SF-50 when applying. If selected, failure to submit this documentation may affect your pay and/or delay your appointment.