THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (T5), Position Description Number T5804100 and is part of the AL 117TH Air Refueling Wing, National Guard. ORGANIZATION: 117TH ARW, BIRMINGHAM, AL SELECTING OFFICIAL: COL MICHAEL ADAMS

Duties

1. Coordinates the planning and development of complex, high level public affairs assignments in support of commander's programs and priorities. Carries out public affairs tasks that support the wing commander's priorities through the integration of visual information, social media, community engagement, command information, communication planning, contingency/crisis response, media operations, environmental, security and policy review, and public affairs resource management activities. Responds to requests for information, materials and support; and plans and conducts community engagement activities with community officials and groups. This includes providing and/or clearing material concerning controversial unit activities such as hazardous operations, costly acquisitions, and equal opportunity issues upon request by media representatives. Maintains an active web/social media presence, provides visual information services for documentation and/or publicity purposes and plans and arranges news media coverage. Evaluates the propriety and advisability of agency support of/ participation in local activities, programs, and events. For approved events, coordinates support requests from community and community groups, schools, news media organizations, and others to include requests for interviews, speakers, tours, bands, honor guards, and aviation support and support of local observances and celebrations (40%). 2. Research, drafts, coordinates, produces, and reviews public affairs products such as, web-based content, photographs, videos, news and feature articles, news releases, talking points, fact sheets, briefings, speeches and scripts, newsletters, and other materials. These items are designed with the objective of effectively communicating agency activities, programs, and policies to a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Modifies standard methods and adapts approaches in developing new information materials aimed at enhancing the understanding of groups or individuals of significant issues concerning agency programs. Identifies potential problems or areas of friction and advises management officials concerning the causes of the problems and suggested methods for resolving them. Confers with program specialists, action officers, and other subject matter experts to obtain the latest and most accurate information and imagery approved for public release (25%). 3. Maintains effective working relationships with officials of various senior wing leadership, civic, news media, community groups, Department of Defense personnel, as well as local, state and national government officials, and the general public. Attends meetings and maintains professional contacts. Explains public affairs policies and procedures and resolves most problems that arise. Determines appropriate recommendations for unresolved issues and performs follow up. Participates in special assignments and projects. Maintains effective relationships with DoD personnel, National, State and local officials, to include their respective State PAOs, who are critical target groups, needed to maintain effective working relationships and ongoing communications between the Wing and State.(10%) 4. Manages audio visual equipment for section. Appointed as the Wing Visual Information Manager per current DoD directives. Stays abreast of current visual information methodology and technological developments. Manages budget and procures new equipment and supplies. Plans, organizes, and carries out the visual information program. Provides photographic editing and processing, and video support, for alert missions to include mishaps. Provides historical documentation support. Designs, creates, and assembles materials for presentations, publications, and exhibits. Selects visual materials such as, photographs and graphics used in the communication of information. Designs the placement and appearance of visual materials; designs the placement of text in relation to art; decides type styles and typographical effects; and, plans effective use of color schemes, textures, and shapes in consideration of technical constraints to particular communication methods for example, printed distribution, exhibit, or oral presentation. Tailors products to best suit various public forums. Provides guidance and acts as a liaison to visiting non-military organizational photo crews, to include public news media photographers, who request to conduct photography activities. (15%) TO SEE FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION PLEASE CONTACT HRO

Requirements

• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.
• This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty not to exceed 14 days without TAG approval in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration..
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
• May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Each applicant must fully substantiate (in his/her own words) that he/she meets the requirements of the Specialized Experience listed below: Otherwise, the applicant will be considered unqualified for this position. DO NOT COPY THE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT OR THE POSITION DESCRIPTION. DOING SO MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION FOR THE POSITION. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must have 1 year equivalent to at least the next lower grade in the following tasks: Experience, education, or training involving a thorough knowledge of writing and communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to public affairs of the military. Experience developing new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, brochures, booklets, broadcast spots, etc., that increase communication with the agency's audiences. Experience making on-the-spot presentations to audiences with opposing points of view or erroneous understanding of agency positions. Experience responding timely and appropriately to requests for information concerning agency programs and services. Knowledge Required by the Position: Knowledge of and ability to apply written and oral communication principals, practices, techniques and methods serves as the foundation for the completion of assignments. Equally important to the performance of duties is knowledge of interpersonal relations practices and the ability to apply statistical methods to the analysis of program data. The incumbent applies research skills to locate archived subject specific print and broadcast media materials and utilizes this as historical background material for developing current articles on the same subject or issue. Applies general and specializes statistical methods to the analysis of communication campaign surveys to assess communication campaign effectiveness in reaching the desired target audience. Applies these same statistical methods to the analysis of public affairs program effectiveness and efficiency in reaching established goals and objectives. Utilizes personal judgment and knowledge of wing level ANG programs and their issues to determine if controversial information should be released for internal/external public use. Applies inter-personal communication skills to the building of effective relationships with media representatives, community groups and other internal/external audiences, to insure open lines of communication between the wing's ANG PA office and potential audiences. FL 1-8 is not met. At this level, assignments require an in-depth knowledge of a variety of PA programs, activities and functions and a mastery of communication principals, methods and techniques in order to resolve issues that are controversial with many and often divergent opinions which require deeper analysis to identify specific issues for discussion and the ability to communicate the ANG's position in a manner that is not offending or inflammatory. These expectations are in excess of those associated with this position. The incumbent in this position is expected to possess a working knowledge of programs and advanced communication skills in order to inform and educate a public or special interest group on the purpose and details of ANG programs, activities or functions. Although sometimes controversial, most issues are resolved with a modification to standardized communication practices that clarify or articulate the ANG's rationale for their decision and/or approach.

Education

Substitution of Education for specialized experience:

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

or

3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree

or

LL.M., if related

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.

Contacts

• Address AL 117TH Air Refueling Wing 5401 East lake blvd Birmingham, AL 35217-3595 US
• Name: Michael Adams
• Phone: 205-714-2686
• Email: [email protected]