This position is located in the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Office of Communications (OC), Media Relations Group (MRG). As a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPEC, GS-1035-13, you will be responsible for the coordination of media relations activities for assigned areas. This includes managing sensitive information needed to inform and educate the media, general and specialized publics about the organization's programs, activities, and services.

Duties

Advise CMS experts on adapting highly technical and specific messages to be responsive to different levels of engagement and understanding of audience segments or constituencies. Convey the programs, policies, and functions of the organization to the various public entities affected by or interested in CMS activities. Attend regular meetings with the CMS Administrator and other senior leadership to understand issues and prepare for public announcements. Independently initiate, create, write, and edit materials, including news releases, press statements fact sheets, and frequently asked questions about CMS programs, initiatives, policy, technical and provider interests and issues. Work with CMS centers and HHS agencies to develop clear, concise key messages and reactive questions and answers documents and provide feedback and edits to get documents in final form for review by senior officials.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National to apply for this position.
• You will be subject to a background and suitability investigation.
• Time-in-Grade restrictions apply.

Qualifications

ALL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. This job will close when we have received 150 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Your resume must include detailed information as it relates to the responsibilities and specialized experience for this position. Evidence of copying and pasting directly from the vacancy announcement without clearly documenting supplemental information to describe your experience will result in an ineligible rating. This will prevent you from receiving further consideration. In order to qualify for the GS-13, you must meet the following: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal government, obtained in either the private or public sector, to include: (1) Writing press releases, statements, or talking points for use in communicating with the news media; AND (2) Serving as an agency/office spokesperson who interacts or communicates with national, state, or trade media representatives to convey key messaging; AND (3)Serving as a liaison between the organization and the news media during public events, news conferences, or congressional hearings to help provide information to the public and stakeholders. 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. Time-in-Grade: To be eligible, current or former Federal employees and current or former Federal employees applying under the VEOA eligibility who hold or have held a permanent General Schedule position in the previous year must have served at least 52 weeks (one year) at the next lower grade level from the position/grade level(s) to which they are applying. Click the following link to view the occupational questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12415786

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Office of Communications 7500 Security Blvd Woodlawn, MD 21244 US
• Name: CMS HR Inquiries
• Email: [email protected]