Public Affairs Specialist

Summary This position is located in the Office of Public Affairs (OPA). OPA is charged with devising and implementing diverse public affairs and communication campaigns that promote the FTC's mission of ensuring robust competition across the U.S. economy, as well as protecting consumers. As a Senior Public Affairs specialist responsible for planning, designing and executing comprehensive, nationwide campaigns to communicate the FTC's programs and cases in consumer protection and antitrust law. Responsibilities If you are selected for this position, as a Public Affairs Specialist, you will perform the following duties: Coordinates all components of national media campaigns to convey complex information concerning FTC decisions, cases, programs, research, and services. Works on deadlines and in consultation with the OPA Director, Deputy Director and bureau staff, creates multi-faceted press plans that include key messages, strategies, and tactics. Also, develops and writes materials designed to reach FTC audiences. Possesses the ability to talk about a range of consumer protection and FTC enforcement and policy issues using social media and cutting edge public relations' tools. Responsible for developing effective relationships with news media covering a variety of consumer protection and FTC's enforcement topics. Advises management on ways to improve communications between organizations and various FTC audiences. Responsible for handling requests from the media and outside entities and providing counsel to the FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection and other bureaus and regional offices about the media and the audiences of the FTC: the general public, specialized groups, as well as community and governmental entities. Responsible for directing special events, ceremonies and other activities intended to develop interest in FTC programs. As a public affairs expert, takes complex legal issues, and translates them into readable, engaging materials, including but not limited to: news releases, media advisories, fact sheets, media plans, statements and/or speeches. Responsible for communicating the FTC's mission, accomplishments, policies, and rules, particularly in the area of consumer protection. Utilizes public relations tools including media research and database services, and all modes of social media. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for the Public Affairs Specialist position at the GS-14 level, you must meet the following requirements: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: designing, planning and directing a comprehensive public affairs program for a large organization or federal government agency specifically for the issue areas encompassing national consumer protection and/or domestic law enforcement; devised and executed a public relations program explicitly related to commerce or economic policy, and/or written news releases explicitly related to commerce or economic policy for a large (national in scope) organization or U.S. federal agency, or worked as a professional journalist writing about commerce or economic policy for a national news outlet. 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. Education There is no education requirement for this position or substitution of education for specialized experience at this grade level. Additional Information If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: VETERANS GUIDE Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see SELECTIVE SERVICE). Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 87 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: CAREER TRANSITION. Non-competitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on non-competitive appointment authority eligibility requirements: - Persons with Disabilities-Schedule A - Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans - Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses - Other Special Appointment Authorities