As a Communication Specialist you will perform a full range of small business advocacy duties and responsibilities based on geographic and organizational delineations of work in three principal areas: outreach, counseling, and training.

Duties

Creates, implements, and evaluates strategies to effectively convey information on OSDBU programs and services to internal and external stakeholder audiences. Ensures plan execution and monitors’ progress. Conducts ongoing stakeholder assessment activities including defining VA OSDBU communication needs, and developing tactics designed to engage and inform VA offices, and other agencies. Manages VA communication channels, including method of submission, distribution guidelines, and timelines. Analyzes results from VA customer satisfaction surveys and other feedback mechanisms Develops and implements communication strategies based on survey results to address concerns. Evaluates the effectiveness of VA OSDBU activities and methods by defining evaluation approaches and conducting analysis of data gathered from surveys, questionnaires. Conducts follow-up assessments and cost-benefit analyses of various communication methods to determine the impact of disseminated communications to specific audience segments. Coordinates internal and external communications flow (memos, newsletters, intranet, internet, SharePoint, congressional inquiries etc.). Develops and maintains VA OSDBU internal and public-facing event plan and calendar. Develops, implements, and evaluates marketing themes, campaigns, other messaging, and collateral for VA OSDBU initiatives. Coordinates writing and editing of scheduled and ad hoc communications, including printed and digital documents across multiple distribution channels. Drafts signature-ready responses to inquiries from Congressional staff, VA, etc. officials and stakeholders. Reviews VA OSDBU digital artifacts to ensure compliance with Section 508 and coordinates with OSDBU to ensure compliance throughout the organization. Plans and oversees execution of VA OSDBU in-person and virtual events. Such events include small business seminars and webinars, matchmaking engagements, industry days, and VA internal training workshops seminars. Oversees beginning-to-end event execution, including exhibit planning and logistics; coordinating with Purchase Card holder to ensure timely procurement. Serves as OSDBU primary point of contact for all projects related to the design, implementation, and maintenance of the ODSBU online presence, in coordination with Office of Information Technology (OIT) and other related offices. Facilitates the integration and coordination of the efforts of staff and contractors. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Selectees are subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A probationary period may be required for employees and supervisors

Qualifications

Specialized Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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; religions; 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. The Office of Personnel Management's group coverage qualification standards, associated individual occupational requirements (IOR), and individual qualification standards covering white collar occupations in the Federal competitive service can be found here. To qualify, applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS12) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as work that involves (1) Creating, implementing, and evaluating communication strategies to effectively convey information on programs and services to internal and external stakeholder audiences. (2) Coordinating internal and external communications flow (memos, newsletters, intranet, internet, SharePoint, congressional inquiries etc.) (3) Processing and tracking office communication support requests. (4) Maintaining communication request system to ensure the timely response to and completion of requests. (5) Serving as office primary point of contact for all projects related to the design, implementation, and maintenance of the office online presence, in coordination with Information Technology and other related offices. (6) Establishing and maintaining relationships with all administrations, Public Affairs, and other organizations with outreach, small business, and procurement equities that facilitate communication within target demographics. (7) Facilitating the integration and coordination of the efforts of multiple staff and contractors.

Education

There is no educational substitution for the GS-13 level.

Contacts

• Address Office of the Secretary 810 Vermont Ave Washington, DC 20420 US
• Name: Angela Varner
• Phone: 3135967200
• Email: [email protected]