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

Duties

The Visual Information Specialist (Print Production) in DCBE helps design, format, and produce online and print materials for use in consumer and business education campaigns. As the Visual Information Specialist (Print Production), the employee must: Work together with the Government Printing Office, GPO-approved printers, and DCBE visual information specialists to prepare print and delivery specifications, verify accuracy of files, receive and review bids, award jobs, prepare and deliver print-ready design files, and review and approve proofs; Maintain and frequently update systems and records of print jobs using Microsoft Excel and internal databases and files, follow up on job quality and completion, suggest alternate printing techniques for common products, and identify cost savings opportunities and processes for print materials; Strategically plan print production priorities and schedules, manage budgets, and establish print specifications and procedures; Possess or be willing to obtain (through provided training) Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) certification; Understand the requirements under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended in 1998; Design, lay out, and produce a range of consumer and business materials in digital and print formats, including social media graphics, brochures, fact sheets, bookmarks, infographics, reports, email campaigns, logos, signs and posters, event materials, and electronic presentations; Work closely with DCBE and Bureau staff to develop conceptual approaches for design of print and digital materials. Creates designs that accurately interpret and effectively communicate the subject in ways that clarify the topic. Uses a variety of sources to research subjects, and uses a variety of graphics and design software to design and produce visual material; Serves as content manager or backup for ftc.gov/bulkorder, where the public can order free copies of FTC materials. Serves as a Drupal CMS editor for content websites, including loading and editing content, loading images, and troubleshooting formatting; Establish and maintain effective working relations with a variety of personnel inside the agency; Assist clients with defining goals and requirements. Works under tight deadlines, as necessary; Use oral communications skills to develop and maintain effective relationships with diverse points of contact inside and outside the agency.

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.

Qualifications

To qualify for a Visual Information Specialist, you must meet the following requirements: You must meet the following Basic Requirements: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position. Some positions may also require subject-matter knowledge of medicine, science, or technical equipment. Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis, as created through Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite. Or Specialized Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes planning the preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other artwork, charts, diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays, and other kinds of visual material for use in communicating information through visual means. At the GS-09 level: You must have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or equivalent graduate degree in the fields of commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position; Or You must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: Using Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite to design print and online materials to reach public audiences; Working with printers to prepare print-ready design files, review and approve proofs, maintain and update internal systems and records, and follow up on job quality and completion; Working with HTML/CSS; Working collaboratively with a variety of people; Or You must have 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; Or You have a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position. Please note: you must provide evidence of your experience in creating design and illustration using Adobe Creative Suite (particularly InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite. Please provide a link to or attach samples of your work (print and digital designs, and other projects). At the GS-11 level: You must have completed a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree in the fields of commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position; Or You must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the federal service performing the following duties: Using Adobe Creative Suite to design and develop a range of visual materials for publication, exhibits, and/or presentations; Using Government Printing Office and GPO-approved printers to prepare print-ready design files, review and approve proofs, maintain and update internal systems and records, and follow up on job quality and completion; Using HTML/CSS and content management systems; Reviewing, tracking, drafting, and managing annual budgets and reconciling invoices; Applying Section 508 principles to design; Working collaboratively with a variety of people; Or You must have 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; Or You must have a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position. Please note: you must provide evidence of your experience in creating design and illustration using Adobe Creative Suite (particularly InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite. Please provide a link to or attach samples of your work (print and digital designs, and other projects). At the GS-12 level: You must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: Using Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite to independently design and develop a wide range of visual materials for publication, exhibits, and/or presentations; Giving constructive design feedback to fellow designers; Working with the Government Printing Office and GPO-approved printers to prepare print-ready design files, review and approve proofs, maintain and update internal systems and records, and follow up on job quality and completion; Reviewing, tracking, drafting, and managing annual budgets and reconciling invoices; Serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR); Using HTML/CSS and content management systems; Contributing to the development and implementation of an organization's print or digital strategy; Applying Section 508 principles to design; and working collaboratively. Please note: you must provide evidence of your experience in creating design and illustration using Adobe Creative Suite (particularly InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop) and Microsoft Office Suite. Please provide a link to or attach samples of your work (print and digital designs, and other projects). 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 position has an education requirement. You must submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: FOREIGN EDUCATION

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]