This position is located in the Public Relations for Voice of America (VOA), designated as a public affairs specialist the incumbent serves as outreach and engagement manager of one of the networks and entities within USAGM. The incumbent develops and executes plans for external engagement, introducing external media outlets and stakeholders such as think tanks, academia and NGOs to agency programming, special projects, news coverage and VOA thought leaders.

Duties

As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will be responsible for duties to include, but are not limited to: 1. Leads Voice of America (VOA) strategic outreach and external engagement program: Initiates, develops and implements a wide range of strategic communications and outreach plans designed to reach internal and external audiences, media outlets and organizations conveying information about Voice of America (VOA) leadership, journalism and journalists, programs and special projects. Advise management of interaction with key officials in the public and private sectors. Interacts and collaborates daily with VOA division and language service leadership and journalists to identify relevant information on VOA's coverage both in the U.S. and overseas to explore and expand opportunities for external engagement. Identifies and develops information on key external media outlets, organizations, leaders, analysts, and organizations with special interests in issues and topics covered by VOA divisions and language services. Develops and implements outreach and communications plans, programs and materials to raise awareness and visibility of VOA leadership, journalism and special projects with demonstrated impact. Leads plans and roll out of targeted media pitches and outreach efforts, including recruiting and encouraging participation by executive, division and language service offices, directing and developing related content and collateral, and managing and conducting any evaluation efforts. Leads efforts to maintain and enhance the content and reach of the VOA speakers' bureau, known as "VOA Experts," in order to ensure that appropriate VOA subject matter experts and leaders are available for external engagements, media interviews and opportunities. Initiates, plans, and implements programs, collaborating with USAGM entities when appropriate, highlighting VOA news coverage, subject matter expertise and thought leaders, by exploring and securing external speaking and moderating opportunities at conferences, workshops, roundtables and other events. Oversees and updates various calendars and spreadsheets designed to track outside contacts and engagement. 2. Performs additional public relations duties as duty officer in coordination with or in the absence of other specialists: Develops targeted information materials for internal and external stakeholders to communicate programming information and developments; Maintains effective working relationships with external news media as well as other external stakeholders and interested parties; Responds to written and oral inquiries and requests from external news media, stakeholders and the public; engages with other VOA offices in organizing and facilitating internal and external events; Works with agency technical and visual design specialists and the VOA PR webmaster/social media manager to create engaging and compelling content for VOA's public-facing website, multimedia and social media accounts. Participates in development, coordination and implementation of VOA Public Relations communications policies, its programs and mission. When serving as PR duty officer, approves outside appearance and interview requests of VOA staff members in collaboration with the ethics staff of the USAGM Office of General Counsel and the VOA News Standards and Best Practices team.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Candidates MUST meet all qualification requirements by closing date.
• Applicants must complete online questionnaire.
• This is a public trust position. If selected, this position requires the completion of the SF-86.
• Suitability Determination: If selected, you may be subject to a background investigation to establish your suitability for federal employment. The background investigation may include, among other aspects, a review of your credit and legal history.
• This position is covered by a union agreement. Bargaining Unit Information: BUS: IB1029 AFGE Local 1812 330 Independence Avenue S.W. Room 1169 Washington, D.C.
• The full performance grade level for this position is GS-14.
• If you are a male applicant who is born after 12/31/59, you are required to be registered for the Selective Service.

Qualifications

Qualifications for GS-13 Specialized Experience at the GS-13 grade level: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-12 which is directly related to the line of work for a Public Affairs Specialist. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, the following specialized experience is required: Knowledge of principles, methods, practices and techniques of public relations communication; analytical methods; and interpersonal relations practices; Ability to identify, pitch, and plan independently outside engagement opportunities with demonstrated measurable results; Skill in researching, conducting, monitoring and evaluating, programs of action and communication to achieve public understanding necessary to an agency's goals and objectives; Knowledge of strategic communications principles; coupled with ability to conceive, create and deliver persuasive, compelling communications campaigns and messages with demonstrated measurable results; Knowledge of print, broadcast, and on line media including social media and digital communications platforms. Qualifications for GS-14 Specialized Experience at the GS-14 grade level: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 which is directly related to the line of work for a Public Affairs Specialist. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. For this position, the following specialized experience is required: Mastery knowledge of principles, methods, practices and techniques of public relations communication; analytical methods; and interpersonal relations practices; Expert ability to identify, pitch, and plan independently outside engagement opportunities with demonstrated measurable results; Mastery skill in researching, conducting, monitoring and evaluating, on a continuing basis programs of action and communication to achieve public understanding necessary to an agency's goals and objectives; Comprehensive knowledge of strategic communications principles; coupled with ability to conceive, create and deliver persuasive, compelling communications campaigns and messages with demonstrated measurable results; Expert knowledge of print, broadcast, and on line media including social media and digital communications platforms. There is a requirement to submit a minimum of two writing samples (i.e. web article, blog post, news release, speech, communications plan) with the application package. These writing samples will not be used for qualification purposes.

Education

Education is not required for this grade level. It cannot be used for qualification purposes.

Contacts

• Address
• Name: Stephanie Creek-Bevins
• Phone: 202-920-2400
• Email: [email protected]