PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Duties

NOTE: This is a AFRC ART Officer Trainee Position. Under the AFRC developmental Public Affairs Program, the incumbent functions as a public affairs specialist responsible for accomplishing segments of the wing affairs and internal information programs. Upon successful completion of training, individual competes under merit promotion procedures for assignment to any appropriate vacant ART officer journeyman position within AFRC.  Qualified trainees are referred/assigned regardless of geographic preference. 

Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force Reserve unit in which they are employed.  In addition to their civilian assignments, they are assigned to equivalent positions in the Reserve organization with a Reserve military rank or grade.  Appointee's civilian assignments will consist of the following duties:

·     Provides technical guidance and policy interpretation to the military and civilian managers of an Air Force Reserve wing regarding internal information, media relations, community relations and administrative functions for the Reserve unit.

·     As per wing media relations program, develops and maintains effective relationships with national, regional, and local news media representatives. 

·     Uses a variety of vehicles including newsletters, newspapers, flyers, bulletins, pamphlets, etc. to notify personnel about programs, awards and special recognition, training opportunities, employee benefits, wing activities, etc. 

·     Serves as a member of the unit's employer support council and as a member on the state Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) committee. 

·     Establishes an interchange of ideas and issues among wing personnel, community representatives, social and civic groups and others concerning problems that might impact the wing activities. 

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:  At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade (GS-7) or equivalent.  Specialized experience must include knowledge of public affairs concepts, principles, practices and techniques including internal, community, and media relations to establish, implement, and maintain a pro active program; written and oral communication principles, concepts, and techniques; the principles and methods of newspaper publishing, including editing, layout, and makeups and skill sufficient to speak to groups and explain the organization's programs, objectives and policies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):  Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 

 Knowledge of the concepts, principles, policies, and practices of a public affairs program.

2. Skill in gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data to arrive at valid conclusions, and offer meaningful recommendations.

3.  Ability to plan and develop news stories and features as well as design and layout final product.

4. Ability to present information in a logical, clear concise manner to audiences with differing levels of comprehension.

5.  Knowledge of the means and methods used to evaluate news significance.

6. Skill in developing and maintaining effective relationships with Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) staff, AFRC Public Affairs Offices (PAOs), counterparts at MAJCOMs, and other DoD/USAF agencies to obtain and convey needed information.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE**:** Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.  You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. 

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE:  Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.