SummaryThe position is located in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). ECA's mission is to assist in the development of peaceful relations between the United States (U.S.) and other countries by fostering mutual understanding through international educational and cultural exchange and training programs.
DutiesHelp
- Develops and maintains active, close working contacts with key editorial, production, assignment executives of electronic and print media and with working news professionals.
- Develops, reviews and edits messaging and communications materials, including news releases, media advisories, speeches, talking points, brochures, press guidance, briefing memoranda and other written communications.
- Develops strategies for public affairs treatment of specific events, prepares necessary promotional materials, and supervises the carrying out of projects.
- Develops a wide range of online/web-based content for ECA's digital platforms in partnership with the digital communications team.
RequirementsHelp
Conditions of employment- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
QualificationsApplicants must meet all the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement.
NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement.
Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5CFR 300, Subpart F.
Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:- Experience conducting proactive media outreach by identifying story opportunities, pitching stories or opinion pieces, and arranging media appearances for senior officials.
- Experience building relationships with media representatives and responding to media inquiries under tight deadlines.
- Experience drafting, reviewing, and editing communications materials, including press releases, media advisories, talking points, press guidance, briefing materials, interview preparation materials, and social media content.
- Experience developing and executing communications and media-relations strategies for complex, sensitive, or rapidly evolving issues; anticipating risks and opportunities; and advising senior leadership.
- Experience coordinating and obtaining clearance for communications products across Department, interagency, and external stakeholders.
There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.
EducationEducation requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.
Additional information- To request a reasonable accommodation for additional time on the timed sections of the assessment, please submit your request using the "Request a Reasonable Accommodation" button within the Assessment Application.
For all other reasonable accommodations at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations (OAA) at [redacted].
OAA is responsible for reviewing and adjudicating reasonable accommodation (RA) requests for the Assessment Battery being used for this announcement. The following applies to all RA requests:
- RA requests cover additional time on timed sections only.
- Applicants submitting a RA request MUST attach supporting medical documentation signed by a licensed, treating medical provider. The documentation should describe the nature, severity, and expected duration of the condition, identify the relevant medical condition or diagnosis, and explain the basis for the requested extension. RA requests that do not contain supporting medical documentation attachments at the time of initial request may be subject to further review.
- Note: the following documents do not, on their own, qualify for automatic approval of the RA request: Schedule A letters, VA benefits letters, or SSA letters.
- Applicants MUST submit their application before the vacancy closes, even if pending an accommodation decision.
- Applicants are encouraged to carefully follow instructions related to medical documentation provided in the vacancy announcement prior to beginning the RA process.
- Applicants will have 48 hours after their RA request is adjudicated to complete the assessment battery. Scores generated after the allotted timeframe will not be admissible and the applicant will not be considered further for the vacancy.
- If eligible, situational telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval.
- Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department for up to 240 days and may require a higher or lower security clearance. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.
- Agency & Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP & ICTAP): View OPM's CTAP & ICTAP eligibility website for more information. You must be rated in the Well-Qualified category and submit supporting documents under the required documents section of this announcement to receive selection priority consideration. To be considered Well-Qualified applicants must: score an 85 or above, meet Minimum Qualifications, and demonstrate proficiency in some, but not all major aspects of the position.
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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.
BenefitsHelp
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.
