The Office of Public Affairs directs and coordinates all public and employee communications activities within the Department of Labor (DOL). OPA serves as the first point of contact for news media inquiries, clearance, and dissemination point for all DOL public-facing materials, and the development and maintenance of the Department's web-based, audiovisual, and contact center communications.

Duties

This is a developmental position. The responsibilities described below are for the GS-13 grade level. As the employee progresses, the assignments will become more difficult and complex in preparation to fully perform the duties at the next grade level. As a Public Affairs Specialist GS-13 with the Office of Public Affairs, duties include but are not limited to: Coordinates agency media events including news conferences and briefings, conference call interviews, photo sessions and other events involving the media. Keeps agency executives apprised of key issues, messaging and concerns regarding agency activities and press coverage. Plans, develops, and writes news releases, articles, op-eds, blogs, letters-to-the-editor, and other messages for the Secretary and other Departmental officials, publications, scripts for audiovisual products and other communication materials addressing DOL's policies, programs or issues. Serves as agency media spokesperson. Provides expert-level support in articulating the agency's message, philosophy, and position on program issues and agency activities; handles highly complex, controversial, and sensitive issues. Establishes and maintains highly effective working relationships with representatives of the print and electronic media; various private sector groups, some of whom are indifferent or opposed to DOL programs or requirements; other Federal, State, and local government offices, and other Departmental personnel. Researches, plans, and writes public affairs materials addressing the Department's policies, programs and significant issues to groups or individuals that may react negatively to DOL actions.

Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Candidate required to obtain the necessary security/investigation level.
• Requires a probationary period if the requirement has not been met.

Qualifications

Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level GS-12 in the Federal Service. Specialized Experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Qualifying specialized experience for GS-13 includes: 1) Writing or editing materials for public view, such as news releases, speeches, blog posts, etc.; and 2) Directing on-the-record contacts with members of the news media, and participation in news media interviews with subject matter experts and officials; and 3) Coordinating public campaigns, events and roll-outs with internal and external stakeholders; and experience coordinating crisis communications. AND Time-in-Grade Requirements: Any individual who within the previous 52 weeks held a General Schedule position under a non temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch must meet the time-in-grade requirements. Time in grade requirement for the GS-13 grade level - 52 weeks of Federal service at the GS-12 grade level (if applicable). ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of time-in-grade (52 weeks at the next lower grade), time-after-competitive-appointment (90 days), and minimum qualifications (52 weeks equivalent to the next lower grade in federal service). These requirements must be met within 30 days of 11/20/2024 the announcement closing date.

Education

You must possess the required specialized experience. There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Office of Public Affairs 200 Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20210 US
• Name: Bobbie Vinup
• Phone: 212-337-2356
• Email: [email protected]