This position is located in the Division of Consumer and Business Education (DCBE), within the Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP), Federal Trade Commission (FTC). DCBE is a dynamic communications shop, responsible for developing and marketing culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate educational materials to help consumers know their rights in the marketplace, and to help businesses comply with the FTC laws and regulations.

Duties

The Consumer Education Specialist (Languages) in DCBE helps implement education and outreach programs for national and regional campaigns on consumer protection topics that reach audiences that speak languages other than English and Spanish (e.g., Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese); writes plain-language, persuasive education materials designed to reach specific audiences; researches effective methods to reach intended audiences; and collects and analyzes information and statistics from a variety of sources to evaluate campaign results. Develops, plans, and analyzes major mission-critical education programs related to consumer protection issues, including fraud, privacy, advertising, credit, technology, and mobile issues. Creates new consumer education methods and strategies - including identifying new audiences, new ways to reach existing audiences, new styles of writing and outreach to reach those audiences, and education campaigns on new topics - and develops tactical methods for implementation. Demonstrates familiarity with language usage in communities across the United States in general, how to reach audiences in-language with educational messages, and relevant communications tools. Drafts articles, blog posts, presentations, video scripts, consumer disclosures, consumer letters, talking points, backgrounders, newsletter articles, and statements for Bureau Director and other senior staff. Ensures written materials adhere to Division standards continuously re-evaluates DCBE's consumer education process, products, and outreach to more effectively promote the agency's efforts in-language to reach communities of widely diverse cultures and needs. Presents ideas for new articles and blogs, recommending innovative and fresh approaches to convey consumer-friendly messages to speakers of languages other than English. Works closely with staff in the Divisions, the Bureau, and the Chairman's office to develop new content regarding consumer privacy, fraud, advertising, credit, technology, mobile and other issues. The work is often complex, requiring the incumbent to translate the material into a plain language style that is accurate and readable for the FTC's many targeted audiences and maintain that approach through the review process. Manages high-level comments, resolving differences, and displaying strong management, negotiation, and persuasive skills. Proofreads and copy edits a wide variety of consumer education publications in English and at least one other language other than English or Spanish. Ensures accuracy and cultural appropriateness of in-language communications in languages other than English and Spanish. Plans, manages, and evaluates major national and regional campaigns for consumer and business education campaigns to reach audiences in-language with educational messages, and relevant communications tools. Speaks, reads, and writes fluently in English and at least one other language, preferably Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese. Advises DCBE on best practices to communicate effectively, persuasively, and appropriately with speakers of other languages. Regularly communicates and maintains relationships with relevant communities, including planning, attending, and participating in events. Develops and disseminates materials and presentations in-language. Sets deadlines and goals and ensures they are met. Coordinates projects independently and creatively and resourcefully resolves conflicting priorities. Uses project management skills to lead teams of specialists and contractors to plan develop, execute, and evaluate culturally relevant education campaigns in languages other than English or Spanish, preferably including Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese. Develops creative strategies and coordinates work. Establishes partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as non-profits and other groups, to extend the reach of the agency. Creates content, blogs, and articles for FTC websites, including www.consumer.ftc.gov. Independently makes decisions on when to develop new, culturally, and linguistically relevant content or revise existing content. Considered an expert in creating culturally appropriate plain language content; makes recommendations to managers, consistently advises colleagues, and provides coaching and feedback on targeting plain language, culturally appropriate content to audiences. Establishes best practices for BCP, which are used in developing FTC content to reach consumers who speak languages other than English or Spanish.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
• This position is subject to a background investigation.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
• You may serve a one-year probationary period under this appointment.
• You must meet time-in-grade requirement by the closing date of this vacancy.
• You must submit a copy of your performance appraisal with your application.
• This position is in the bargaining unit.
• This position is designated as eligible for remote work. If selected, you must be approved for remote work prior to onboarding in accordance with FTC's Workplace Flexibilities Policy.
• If approved for remote work or telework from a regional office, your salary may change based on your official duty station.

Qualifications

To qualify for the Consumer Education Specialist (Languages) position at the GS-13 level, you must meet the following requirements: You must demonstrate fluency in speaking, reading, and writing in English and at least one other language, preferably Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese. You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: working in teams to design, implement and evaluate high-impact, culturally relevant communications campaigns languages other than English or Spanish; contributing to the development of a variety of consumer informational and educational materials and products; and developing partnerships with national, state, and local organizations to reach consumers who prefer to receive information in languages other than English or Spanish. To qualify for the Consumer Education Specialist (Languages) position at the GS-14 level, you must meet the following requirements: You must demonstrate fluency in speaking, reading, and writing in English and at least one other language, preferably Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese. You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: leading teams to design, implement and evaluate high-impact, culturally relevant communications campaigns in languages other than English and Spanish; leading the development of a variety of consumer informational and educational materials and products; and developing extensive partnerships with national, state, and local organizations to reach consumers who prefer to receive information in languages other than English or Spanish. Experience refers to 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

There is no education requirement for this position or substitution of education for specialized experience at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Suite H-723 Washington, DC 20580 US
• Name: Corey Pickeral
• Phone: 202-326-3002
• Email: [email protected]