PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (Title 5)

Duties

As a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (Title 5) with the Texas National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to:

• Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates the state Public Affairs (PA) program. Through media and audience analysis, determines PA program needs and organizational direction to achieve National Guard PA goals. Formulates long-range plans, and develops policies to enhance public understanding, support, and acceptance of National Guard (NG) programs and/or activities statewide. Advises the Adjutant General and program managers on sensitive or controversial PA matters. Develops and writes information materials designed to reach audiences through various media such as wire service, radio, television, and newspaper. Prepares materials specifically to explain or describe NG missions, requirements, capabilities, accomplishments, policies and programs. Written materials include news releases, radio spot and television announcements, fact sheets, feature stories, background statements, special reports, etc. Establishes and implements short and long range plans for print and electronic media programs. Coordinates, supervises, and evaluates media servicing activities. Targets and services statewide media markets with print, photographic and electronic materials in support of publicizing the National Guard story. Responds to media requests for information of both a routine and controversial nature. Prepares or assembles information kits: edits and rewrites informational material; releases photographs and/or feature stories to news media; studies current issues, coordinates news interviews, and prepares questions to be addressed: arranges photographic and electronic media coverage of newsworthy events involving the National Guard: ensures maintenance of unclassified photo library of appropriate material for news releases; and coordinates public affairs airlift and orientation flights for media representatives. Provides PA advice to the Adjutant General and staff in support of policies and programs of interest to internal audiences. Analyzes, coordinates, and updates Command Information (CI) plans, policies and programs. Prepares and coordinates special projects to inform all guard members, technicians, families and employers of new policies, programs, or activities. Provides guidance and support to subordinate commands on CI matters. Coordinates CI projects with NGB staff or other agencies as appropriate. Researches and analyzes trends in attitudes and opinions of internal audiences to redevelop/refine CI plans and policies. Over sees production of print and electronic media CI projects.
• Advises and assists Unit Public Affairs Representatives (UPARs) and/or other personnel assigned public affairs responsibilities. Develops directives, furnishes policy/procedures, and evaluates subordinate level program effectiveness. Designs, coordinates, and conducts educational and training programs to ensure UPAR knowledge of functional PA programs and activities. Analyzes UPAR performance and/or programs to evaluate and increase effectiveness in achieving overall PA objectives. As PA representative for the state Adjutant General, establishes and maintains close working relationships with officials of various civic, media, veterans, and community groups, as well as state government officials outside the National Guard. Expands the base of public support through such relationships, and promotes the interests of NG programs, which may be at odds with interests of respective groups. Serves as point of contact with veterans' organizations or defense related associations requesting information from the NG. Responds to public requests and develops materials that expound on the nature and purpose of the NG. Also responds to requests for information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
• Assists the ARNG State Recruiting and Retention Manager and ANG Senior Recruiter by providing media placement and print and electronic media support; developing public service announcements; and supporting recruiting drives and special events. Acts as point of contact for NGB Historical Services Team for all historical matters. Serves as coordinator for units and individuals entering annual military print and electronic media competitions.
• Provides public affairs annexes to state NG contingency plans. Provides information to NGB for national and/or regional use. Advises NGB of activities and/or incidents that may generate national, regional, or local criticism, and that may create media, community, or congressional interest.
• Participates in budget process to ensure funding requirements are identified, and adequate funds are requested and available for PA operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Appointment Factors: This is a Title 5 Excepted Service position.

Area(s) of Consideration: CAT 4 This includes:

• All currently employed T32/T5 full-time Permanent, Indefinite and Temporary employees of the Texas Military Department in the State Office of Public Affairs.

Remarks:

• Position is being advertised as a temporary promotion for applicants currently employees with our agency. The temporary appointment is not to exceed one year, extendable up to one more year, for a maximum of two years total.
• This position is subject to no-notice mobilizations, rotating shifts, Short-notice evening or weekend work, travel requirements.
• Applicants need experience writing orders, WARNOS, FRAGOS, OPORDS.
• Must be detail oriented, comfortable interacting with National Guard Bureau counterparts, state agency PAOS, sitting in for director at high-level meetings, and advising senior leadership as a SME.
• Must have strong writing skills and work ethic.
• Texas National Guard is an Equal Opportunity employer.
• Veterans' preference is not applicable to this position

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. The incumbent of this position description must have, at a minimum, a completed National Agency
Check (NAC) prior to position assignment.
*2. Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational
requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.
3. The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial vehicles to perform temporary duty assignments.
4. The work may require the employee to drive a motor vehicle and if so, an appropriate valid driver's license is required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Experience, education or training in administrative, professional, investigative and/or technical work. Experience evaluating information and/or using analytical skills to disseminate effective communication. Experience in compiling reports, letters, memoranda, etc., and required person-to-person contacts to convey information. Experience using computers and automation systems.

In describing your experience in your resume, please be clear and specific. Assumptions regarding your experience will not be made.

To be considered for qualification, your resume must include relevant experience with beginning and ending dates of employment/experience reflecting the following:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE :

At least 1-year experience, education, or training equivalent to at least next lower grade level (GS-11) with thorough knowledge of writing and communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to public affairs of the military. Experience developing new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, brochures, booklets, broadcast spots, etc., that increase communication with the agency's audiences. Experience making on-the-spot presentations to audiences with opposing points of view or erroneous understanding of agency positions. Experience responding timely and appropriately to requests for information concerning agency programs and services.

Quality of Experience:

Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled.

Education

None

Additional information

Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program categories below are eligible to apply with this preference. (See Required Documents section)

• Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR)

• National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible

• Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement

• Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade