Summary This National Guard position is for a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST, Position Description Number D1168000 and is part of Joint Force Headquarters Command Group Nebraska Army National Guard. Responsibilities As a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST, GS-1035-11, duties include: (1) Assists the Public Affairs Officer in the formulation of long-range plans and policies to enhance public understanding, support and acceptance of Public Affairs programs and/or activities statewide. (2) Researches and develops informational materials and complete communication campaigns for release to audiences through electronic and newspaper media. Prepared materials explain or describe the mission of the NG, NG accomplishments, policies, programs or actions taken to ensure the NG's compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements. Written materials include news releases, display advertisements, fact sheets, feature stories, background statements, special reports, etc. Coordinates the analysis of response data on communication campaign effectiveness with programs managers. (3) Responds to media requests for information of both a routine and controversial nature. Prepares or assembles information kits, edits informational materials drafted by subordinate public affairs specialists or unit UPAR's, releases photographs and/or feature stories to the news media, coordinates media interviews with NG subject matter experts and arranges photographic and electronic media coverage of newsworthy NG events. (4) Maintains close working relationships with officials of various civic, media and community groups and Department of Defense personnel, as well as state and national government officials outside the NG. (5) Provides training to UPAR's on PA program policies, practices and processes. Coordinates and evaluates the effectiveness of training and training materials and develops recommendations for program enhancement. Reviews all press releases, feature stories, background statements, special reports, etc., developed by UPARs, prior to their release to the media. (6) Creates new or adapts or modifies accepted communication campaign formats to reach a target audience with a specific message. The selection of a communication campaign format is based on an analysis of targeted audience demographics and message content. After an informational campaign has been implemented, solicited and unsolicited response data is gathered to assess campaign effectiveness in reaching the target audience. If the campaign's results do not meet expectations, the incumbent identifies issues of concern, develops alternatives and after discussing these with the appropriate administrative personal, implements the most appropriate option. (7) Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is a Title 32 excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement. FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING ELIGIBILITY TO JOIN THE NEBRASKA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PLEASE CONTACT THE LOCAL RECRUITING OFFICE AT 402-309-7458. OPEN AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: AREA 1 and 2 ONLY DEFINITION OF AREA(S) OF CONSIDERATION: AREA 1: Current permanent and indefinite technicians of the Nebraska Army or Air National Guard; and current Title 5 employees of the Nebraska Military Department who are military members of the Nebraska National Guard. AREA 2: All Drill Status/M-Day members and temporary technicians of the Nebraska Air or Army National Guard. AREA 3: Current military service members who are willing and eligible to become members of the Nebraska Air or Army National Guard. AREA 4: All qualified candidates eligible and willing to become a member of the Nebraska National Air or Army National Guard prior to the effective date of hire. MILITARY REQUIREMENTS: Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the Nebraska Army National Guard. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position. Military Grades: Maximum: E8; Minimum: E6; Military Grade inversion within the full time work forces is not permitted. The military grade of the full time supervisor must equal or exceed the military grade of the personnel supervised. Individual does not have to be currently assigned to one of these career fields ot be considered for this position; however compatibility requirements must be met prior to appointment to the position. Selectee has 24 months to become qualified in a compatible military assignment. Security Clearance/Background Check requirements: In order to comply with US DOD requirements and ensure the safety and security of the missions, programs, property and personnel of the Nebraska Military Department, employees must obtain the appropriate background investigation and maintain the level of security clearance assigned to their respective work. Failure to obtain, within one year of appointment, and maintain the designated type of security clearance/background check required for the respective work may result in a job offer being rescinded, separations of employment, or other actions as may be deemed in the best interest of the agency. Prior to appointment individuals must meet the security clearance requirements for the position or submit the required documents of the Nebraska National Guard, Personnel Security Manager for processing the appropriate investigation. Required forms: SF86, PSIP Initiation Form, Fingerprints, OF306 and Application/Resume. Nebraska National Guard Personnel Security Manager - kalee.m.boden.mil@army.mil; 402-309-8319. Qualified applicants forwarded for an interview will be provided an email or DOD SAFE process for submission of an electronic portfolio that is to contain photography, writing and video samples that highlight their work including work with social media products. The e-portfolio will be a component of the entire selection process: Resume, interview responses and scoring, and the e-portfolio. GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience, education, or training in administrative, professional, investigative and/or technical work. Experience evaluating information and/or utilizing analytical skills to disseminate effective communication. Experience using computers and automation systems. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-11 - At least 1 year experience at the previous lower grade or equivalent experience and education, or training Experience, education, or training involving a 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 Education Education: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade levels specified and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-9 and GS-11. Additional Information If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).