Public Affairs Specialist

This position is located in the Public Affairs Function of a State Air National Guard (ANG) Wing under direct supervision of the Wing Command. The primary purpose of this position is to carry-out a wide range of public affairs assignments that include elements of visual information social media media operations community engagement command information communication planning contingency/crisis response environmental security policy review and public affairs resource management in support of the mission and the commanders priorities. The position modifies standard methods evaluates the effectiveness of information and adapts approaches in developing new informational materials aimed at enhancing the understanding of recipients.

• Coordinates the planning and development of complex high level public affairs assignments in support of commanders programs and priorities. Carries out public affairs tasks that support the wing commanders priorities through the integration of visual information social media community engagement command information communication planning contingency/crisis response media operations environmental security and policy review and public affairs resource management activities. Responds to requests for information materials and support; and plans and conducts community engagement activities with community officials and groups. This includes providing and/or clearing material concerning controversial unit activities such as hazardous operations costly acquisitions and equal opportunity issues upon request by media representatives.
• Researches drafts coordinates produces and reviews public affairs products such as webbased content photographs videos news and feature articles news releases talking points fact sheets briefings speeches and scripts newsletters and other materials. These items are designed with the objective of effectively communicating agency activities programs and policies to a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintains effective working relationships with officials of various senior wing leadership civic news media community groups Department of Defense personnel as well as local state and national government officials and the general public.
  Attends meetings and maintains professional contacts. Explains public affairs policies and procedures and resolves most problems that arise. Determines appropriate recommendations for unresolved issues and performs follow up. Participates in special assignments and projects.
• Manages audio visual equipment for section. Appointed as the Wing Visual Information Manager per current DoD directives. Stays abreast of current visual information methodology and technological developments. Manages budget and procures new equipment and supplies. Plans organizes and carries out the visual information program. Provides photographic editing and processing and video support for alert missions to include mishaps. Provides historical documentation support.
• Creates new 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 campaigns results do not meet expectations the incumbent identifies concern issues develops alternatives and after discussing these with the appropriate administrative personal implements the most appropriate options.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED.
• This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing states National Guard required prior to the effective date of placement.
• 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.
• Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
• This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
• Must complete Basic DoD Public Affairs Qualification requirements within two years of employment; or for on-board personnel complete the course within two years from the appointment date to this position description.

Military Grades: Enlisted (E-7 and below)

Compatible Military Assignments: AFSC: 3N0X6 or anyone willing and eligible to cross train to 3N0X6.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-11 - 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 agencys 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.