Public Affairs Specialist - Senior Level

Chantilly, VA
Full Time
Open Until November 9th, 2024
Experienced
WE ARE THE NRO
For over sixty years, the NRO has developed, acquired, launched and operated the satellites that are the foundation for America’s advantage and strength in space. Using a diversified architecture of spacecraft, NRO collects and delivers the best space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance content on the planet.

Learn more at NRO.gov.

Basic Eligibility For A Position With The NRO
 
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen
  • You must be 18 years of age or older
  • You must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
  • You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic drug testing
  • You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic polygraph examinations
     
Position Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Public Affairs Specialist in the NRO Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, within the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The position serves as a key member of the NRO's strategic messaging team.

The Office of Public Affairs is responsible for internal and external corporate communications, including engagements with the news media, the public, the NRO workforce, and partner agencies and organizations. The office communicates information about the NRO mission, its contributions to national security, priorities, challenges, accomplishments, and innovative initiatives.

Communications functions include public affairs planning, writing, producing publications & multimedia products, developing and managing web and social media content, event planning and implementation, media engagement, public outreach, speaker support, and design of displays and exhibits. The person in this position is an expert writer/editor, has excellent organizational and project management skills, keen interpersonal skills, and is able to manage multiple assignments and time-sensitive projects.

This position is responsible for developing and executing strategic communication and public affairs initiatives at the NRO performing duties in a diverse range of public affairs functional areas, including internal and external communications, public and media relations, and social media engagement to promote awareness, understanding, and advocacy of the NRO and its mission. The employee is expected to have considerable knowledge of a variety of communications strategies, techniques, and dissemination methods; sound communication skills; and knowledge and experience with public affairs tradecraft. Using a variety of communication methods, the position develops media products that are disseminated to multiple audiences through various media.

The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for full performance level
 Public Affairs Specialist (GG-13 to GG-14), occupational series 1035. For more information on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) occupational series, click here.


This is a full time position. Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match.

This is a full-time position that is open from November 5th, 2024 to November 19th, 2024.  Resumes must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on November 19th 2024.


Who May Apply
 
  • This position is open to the public.
  • Federal government employees MUST currently be at the grade level or higher as indicated in this announcement. This is NOT a promotion opportunity for current Federal government employees. If selected for the position, Federal government employees will transition laterally at their current grade level and step.
  • Federal applicants who exceed the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade IAW DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006.
  • The NRO is only accepting external applicants for this job announcement. Current NRO Cadre employees should apply internally.
  • This position does not qualify for the appointment of a Reemployed Federal Annuitant IAW DoDI 1400.25 Volume 300.
     
What You Will Be Doing  
 
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in communications strategy development and brand journalism approach to content creation (AP Stylebook)
  • Represents the NRO at public events, providing social media, news media, and public engagement support as needed. Events can include symposiums, conferences, and NRO launches. Develops and implements messaging and communication products to engage with key audiences. Products include press releases, news stories, web content, social media posts, videos, and other multimedia.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to work effectively, independently, and in a team or collaborative environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to produce concise products that clearly and logically convey complex information and ideas.
  • Public affairs plans and guidance. Develops public affairs plans or guidance, as needed, for specific events or activities, such as NRO launches. Plans, develops, and executes various communications campaigns to convey complex information in an understandable, relevant, and timely manner. Ensures strategic messaging and purpose. Ensures messaging that is consistent with, and amplifies, NRO senior leadership’s priorities and messages.
  • Produce communications products. Writes articles and produces multimedia products for various internal and external publications and press releases. Secures classified information in accordance with E.O.13526.
  • Proven ability to work with senior officials and to build and sustain professional networks in a diverse, fast paced, multi-task environment.
     
What You Need 
 
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in communications strategy development and brand journalism approach to content creation (AP Stylebook)
  • Demonstrated ability to design and implement innovative communication strategies for initiatives and programs.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to work effectively, independently, and in a team or collaborative environment.
  • Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to think strategically, to identify needs and requirements, and to develop recommendations and solutions.
     
Other Information
 
  • Overtime Statement:  MAY be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
  • Travel Statement:  MAY be required to travel in military or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
  • Financial Disclosure:  MAY be required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.
**This position is a Full Performance level DCIPS position. The NRO is accepting applications from U.S. Citizens and current federal government employees for this position.  To qualify for the position, federal government employees MUST currently be at the GG-13 to GG-14 level and may ONLY apply for a lateral reassignment at their current grade level and step. Federal applicants who exceed the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade per IAW DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006.

Location

Chantilly, VA

Salary

2024 salary range for the Chantilly, VA area:

GG-13: $117,962 - $153,354

GG-14: $137,395 - $181,216

Hiring Incentives

The NRO may offer hiring incentives and other entitlements at management’s discretion.

Trial Period

All new DCIPS employees will be required to serve a 2-year trial period.

Veterans’ Preference

DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans’ Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Vol 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement.  If you are a veteran claiming veterans’ preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 USC, you must submit documents verifying your eligibility upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.
Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
  • An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
  • An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
  • An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please send your request to [email protected].

Privacy Act Notice

Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): We use this information to determine qualifications for employment. This is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Read more about the Privacy Act of 1974 

 
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