Summary

This position is located in the Division of Consumer and Business Education (DCBE), within the Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP), Federal Trade Commission (FTC). DCBE is a dynamic communications shop, responsible for developing and marketing educational materials to help consumers know their rights in the marketplace, and to help businesses comply with the FTC laws and regulations.

Duties

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The Consumer Education Specialist in DCBE helps implement education and outreach programs for national and regional campaigns on consumer protection topics, researching and writing plain-language, persuasive education materials designed to reach specific audiences; researching effective methods to reach intended audiences; and collecting and analyzing information and statistics from a variety of sources to evaluate campaign results. Duties include:

• Develops, plans, and analyzes major mission-critical education programs related to consumer protection issues, including fraud, privacy, advertising, credit, technology and mobile issues. Creates new consumer education methods and strategies - including identifying new audiences, new ways to reach existing audiences, new styles of writing and outreach to reach those audiences, and education campaigns on new topics - and develops tactical methods for implementation. Written materials include articles, blog posts, webinars, video scripts, consumer disclosures, consumer letters, talking points, backgrounders, newsletter articles, and statements for Bureau Director and other senior staff. Ensures written materials adhere to Division standards and are developed according to established procures. Continuously re-evaluates DCBE's consumer education products and outreach to more effectively promote the agency's efforts.

• Presents ideas for new articles and blogs, recommending innovative and fresh approaches to convey consumer-friendly messages. Works closely with senior attorneys within all litigating Divisions, as well as the Division of Consumer Response and Operations, the Bureau and the Chairman's office to develop new content regarding consumer privacy, fraud, advertising, credit, technology, mobile and other issues. The work is often complex, involving extremely technical content and high profile investigations, from which the incumbent must translate the material into a plain language style that is accurate and readable for the FTC's many targeted audiences. During review process, negotiates with Divisions, the Bureau and Chairman's office to ensure that the language is accurate while still preserving a plain language, actionable approach that is the hallmark of DCBE writing. Manages high-level comments, resolving differences, and displaying strong management, negotiation and persuasive skills.

• Plans, manages, and evaluates major national and regional campaigns for consumer and business education campaigns. Sets deadlines and goals and ensures they are met. Coordinates projects independently and creatively and resourcefully resolves conflicting priorities. Uses project management skills to lead teams of specialists and contractors to plan develop, execute, and evaluate national campaigns for BCP's programs, activities, and services. Develops creative strategies and coordinates work. Establishes partnerships with federal, state and local agencies, as well as non-profits and other groups, to extend the reach of the agency.
• Manages web content, blogs and websites, including www.consumer.ftc.gov. Independently makes decisions on when to develop new content or revise existing content. Considered an expert in writing for the web and in writing plain language content: makes recommendations to managers, consistently advises colleagues and provides coaching and feedback on targeting plain language content to specialized audiences. Establishes best practices for BCP, which are used in developing FTC websites.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
• This position is subject to a background investigation.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
• You may serve a one-year probationary period under this appointment.
• You must meet time in grade requirement by the closing date of the vacancy.
• You must submit a copy of your performance appraisal with your application.
• You must be a current title 5, status employee of the Federal Trade Commission.
• This position is in the bargaining unit. This position is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Local 2211.

Qualifications

To qualify for the Consumer Education Specialist position at the GS-13 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: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: working in teams to design, implement and evaluate high-impact communications campaigns; contributing to the development of a variety of consumer protection informational and educational materials and products, developing partnerships with consumer protection officials at the federal, state and/or local levels; managing inventory, fulfillment, and customer service to distribute consumer protection education materials and synthesizing information to identify trends; developing partnerships with national, state and local organizations; and working in teams to develop national consumer protection education campaign plans, including writing blog posts and publications about consumer protection topics and overseeing the creation of consumer education videos.

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

This position does not have a positive education requirement.

Additional information

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 eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility.

For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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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.

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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.