Public Affairs Specialist

Summary This position is located in the Department of War Office of the Inspector General (DoW OIG), Office of Legislative Affairs and Communications (OLAC) and reports to the Chief of Public Affairs, Chief of Digital Media. In addition to managing the DoW OIG relationship with Congress, OLAC is responsible for designing, drafting, and leading communications with the media, the public and the DoW OIG workforce. Responsibilities Supports the agency spokesperson through coordinated media relations, inquiries, messaging, press materials, external event logistics, and interview preparation. Collaborates with OLAC and DoW OIG components to produce strategic digital content that increases public understanding of DoW OIG’s mission and activities. Develops, reviews, and refines internal and external communication products, ensuring adherence to agency messaging, tone, style, and quality standards. Manages and updates DoW OIG web and social media content, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, accessibility, and compliance with branding, WCAG, and plain language requirements. Monitors and analyzes media coverage relevant to DoW OIG, prioritizing and disseminating key information to support informed decision-making. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Time in Grade: For entry at the GS-13 grade level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a GS-12 or equivalent or higher grade in the Federal Service. Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade (GS-12) or equivalent within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience is defined as mastery of written and digital communication principles, including the ability to analyze complex information and produce clear, accurate, and high-impact communication products that support agency missions and meet AP Stylebook and plain language standards. Advanced proficiency in developing and managing multimedia, social media, and web content; applying UX best practices; using content management systems and website analytics; and ensuring compliance with accessibility, WCAG, and federal communication requirements. Proven skill in media monitoring and news judgment, synthesizing information quickly, and shaping strategic communication decisions that inform internal stakeholders, support agency priorities, and strengthen public understanding of the organization. You must meet the minimum qualification requirements as stated in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Operating Manual, Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions: 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) is qualifying. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience. Qualification and time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants who have held a non-temporary General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must meet the time-in-grade restriction. Additional Required Documents Information Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Priority Consideration: If you are a federal employee who will be or has been separated by a Reduction in Force (RIF), you must submit a copy of your RIF separation notice and SF-50 if available. For more information on ICTAP, click here ICTAP Guidance. NOTE: If you have never worked for the Federal Government, you are NOT ICTAP eligible. The following documents must be submitted as they apply to your eligibility claim, before the announcement closes: Most recent completed annual performance appraisal within the past 18 months. The performance appraisal must include the final rating. Mid-year progress reviews will not be accepted. Latest SF-50 that shows your position, grade level, and duty location for the job you were (or will be) separated from. If you did not reach your full performance level or promotion potential, you should also submit an additional SF-50 that documents that grade level. Proof of ICTAP eligibility, such as: RIF notice within the past year. Removal notice for refusing relocation. Disability annuity termination notice. Agency's certification of inability to reemploy you. For more details on ICTAP, see 5 CFR Part 330 Subpart G and OPM's Guide to Career Transition. Individuals with disabilities: If you are an individual with a documented disability, you must submit a letter signed by a doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter should state that you have a documented disability and are eligible for employment under the Schedule A hiring authority, 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: If you are a Military Spouse Preference applicant, you must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. If determined best qualified, you will be placed at that full performance level of the position. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Education Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level. Additional Information If you have not previously completed a probationary period with the federal government in a similar position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within 90 calendar days of the initial issue date of the referral list. Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination. PCS costs (moving expenses) WILL NOT be paid. Recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives WILL NOT be authorized by the hiring official. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here. For more information on veterans' preference click here. Retired/Retiring Veterans: Please be aware that there is a 180-Day Restriction on Department of War (DoW) Employment of Military Retirees. A retired member of the Armed Forces may not be appointed to a civilian position in the DoW within 180 days after retirement unless the agency requests and is granted a waiver; the position is authorized special pay under 5 U.S.C. 3505; or a state of national emergency exists. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Priority Consideration: You must be well qualified for the position to receive special selection priority under the ICTAP. A qualified ICTAP eligible achieving a score of 90 or above will be considered well qualified. You must submit a Separation-Reduction in Force (RIF) SF-50; a RIF Notice showing separation within the past year (or declining a management directed reassignment outside the commuting area, or a Termination of Disability Notice from OPM) and most recent performance appraisal. For more information, go to: NOTE: If you have never worked for the Federal Government, you are NOT ICTAP eligible. The Department of War (DoW) policy on employment of annuitants issued March 18, 2004, will be used in determining eligibility of annuitants. Position(s) may be filled by displaced Department of War (DoW) employees through the DOW Priority Placement Program. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates who currently occupy a formal training program position will be entitled to exercise their priority preference. You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility. PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only. All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance.