The incumbent works in the Office of Congressional Affairs and Communications and supports the Supervisory Communications Specialists in the Office of Congressional Affairs and Communications working on a wide range of Agency communications strategies pertaining to key external stakeholders.

Duties

The Senior Communications Specialist duties listed below are at the full performance level of the position (EL-14). Depending on the grade level selected, the incumbent will perform the following duties with varying levels of supervision and difficulty: Major Duties and Responsibilities External Communications: The Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for creating and disseminating information to a broad spectrum of individuals and groups affected by Agency programs of the benefits, services, or requirements of such programs. The incumbent is also responsible for assessing the degree of understanding or interest the public has in these programs and activities. The incumbent advises on the potential public reaction to proposed policies, and plans, organizes, and evaluates communications strategies, programs and materials. The incumbent also works across divisions and offices within the Agency and with employees at all levels to ensure logistics and details of all announcements are organized effectively, employ all the latest methods of communications, and have been approved at all the appropriate levels. Senior Communications Specialists use a variety of communication methods in carrying out their mission to inform Agency publics about the programs, policies, and services that are of interest to or affect various groups or individuals. The incumbent will advise top Agency management officials on the possible public and media reactions to proposed policy statements and/or agency actions. Internal Communications: The incumbent is responsible for developing and executing internal communication strategies in furtherance of the Agency's objectives, and assists with coordinating the flow of information between Agency leadership and staff to provide employees with timely, complete, and accurate information on Agency activities and policies utilizing an array of communication mechanisms, including all staff meetings, TV monitors, intranet, weekly newsletters, emails, and special internal programs and events. Generates original material for projects as needed and advises Agency subject matter experts regarding matters such as grammar, pagination, references, AP style, and distribution. The incumbent identifies communication needs and gaps and develops informational materials that inform appropriate audiences of the Agency's policies, programs, services, and activities. The incumbent plans, executes, and later evaluates the effectiveness of information and communication programs in furthering Agency goals. The incumbent collaborates with other components within the Agency, including Divisions and major organizational units such as the Office of Human Resources and others as appropriate, to identify communication needs and gaps and develops informational materials that inform appropriate audiences of the Agency's policies, programs, services, and activities. The incumbent plans, executes, and later evaluates the effectiveness of information and communication programs in furthering Agency goals. The incumbent assists with speechwriting, editing of public reports, arranges and conducts workshops, seminars, and other meetings with various groups with the Agency in stimulating participation in Agency activities, identifying their concerns. Monitors intranet and other internal communications channel content to ensure it remains current and accurate. Senior Communications Specialists use a variety of communication methods in carrying out their mission to inform Agency publics about the programs, policies, and services that are of interest to or affect various groups or individuals. The Senior Communications Specialist will work collaboratively with OCAC leadership, Agency Public Affairs Specialists, Internal Communications Specialists, Congressional Affairs Specialists and Agency Webmaster as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Status Candidates (Merit Promotion and VEOA Eligibles) and those eligible for other hiring authorities.
• ***SF 50's are now required with the exception of current FHFA employees. Please include one showing your tenure and competitive status. You will not be considered without this.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
• Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation
• Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
• FHFA participates in e-Verify. All New hires must complete the I-9 Employment Verification form either on or before their first day of employment. If a discrepancy arises, you must take affirmative steps to resolve the matter.
• If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
• Bargaining Unit Status: Ineligible
• This is NOT a remote or virtual position; you MUST live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance to the Washington, DC duty location.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for the Senior Communications Specialist position, you must meet the minimum qualifications for the grade level to which you are applying. Please Note: Your resume MUST clearly identify the dates that support your experience (month/year) and the number of hours per week worked for each position. Minimum Qualifications EL/GS-13 includes one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the EL/GS-12 grade level which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled, and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully. Minimum Qualifications EL/GS-12 includes one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the EL/GS-11 grade level which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled, and has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully. Examples of specialized experience include the following: Experience with media relations interaction, to include drafting appropriate media response to pending inquiries, coordinating interviews, and engaging the press to foster professional relationships, correct misinformation, and identify proactive opportunities to engage. Composed and performed editing/rewriting of external communications. Served as copy editor on multiple types of documents, editing for grammar and format. Applied knowledge of liaison principles, methods, practices and techniques, analytical methods, and interpersonal relations practices in order to develop and apply new approaches to external communication challenges. Applied knowledge of a wide range of communication principles, practices and strategies. Coordinated the flow of information between agency or organizational leadership and external stakeholders to provide with timely, complete, and accurate information on agency or organizational activities and policies. Collaborated with other components within an agency or organization, including divisions and major organizational units, on communicating issues to external stakeholders, some of which are of sensitive and confidential nature. Time-In-Grade: Current or Former Federal government employees who have held an EL/GS position in the preceding 52 weeks, must meet the time-in-grade requirement. To be eligible for the: EL-13 position, applicants must have served 52 weeks as an EL/GS-12 or higher in the Federal Service. EL-12 position, applicants must have served 52 weeks as an EL/GS-11 or higher in the Federal Service. 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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY 400 7th Street, SW Washington, DC 20219 US
• Name: Devin Hinkle
• Phone: (202) 649-3777
• Email: [email protected]