PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

OPEN AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: AREA 1, 2, 3, 4
Area I: Current On-board Title 5 or Title 32 Dual Status Technicians (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite or 4-Term ) - Only those current Vermont National Guard employees who are in permanent, indefinite, or term technician status as result of being competitively hired by the Vermont National Guard.
Area II: All current Federal Employees from any agency.
Area III: All current and former members of the VTNG.
Area IV: United States citizens.
* Veterans' Preference Rules are mandated by law and some applicants may receive priority consideration before other applicants without veterans' preference.

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.

Specialized Experience:1-year experience, education, or training equivalent to at least next lower grade level. At least 36 Months 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.

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.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

- Comprehensive knowledge of the principals, methods, practices and techniques of communication to function as the JFHQ-State technical authority on all public affairs and community relations programs, problems and issues.

- Knowledge of the missions, goals, policies and issues impacting the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, Air Force, and the National Guard Bureau (NGB), and how these will influence the state's NG. Knowledge must be extensive on the many controversial and complex issues that regularly affect the National Guard.

- Skill in conveying complex information on Army and Air National Guard activities that affect state and national interests and may have international involvement and implications.

- Knowledge and skill to analyze public reaction and perceptions to National Guard programs and policies and provides recommendations to the TAG or the NGB that may significantly modify major programs or policies.

- Skill in integrating diverse points of view in communications plan which establish and maintain mutual understanding with various publics and state and federal agencies.

- Skill in analyzing public reaction to NG program and policies and in developing recommendations that may significantly modify major programs or policies

- Skill in developing and applying new approaches to the most difficult and complex public affairs problems by developing or evaluating information programs to enhance understanding among publics opposed to or indifferent to the NG's mission or programs;

- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups interested in or affected by programs, creating meaningful, constructive communication interchanges.

- Skill in developing written materials to convey information concerning complex programs and functions to publics having diverse levels of understanding of the National Guard's programs and activities.

- Skill in responding orally to criticism of the National Guard's functions or performance, to logically and effectively explain complex programs, functions and activities and gain understanding and support of the organization's efforts by concerned publics.

- Knowledge of event planning and coordination to manage and advise staff on special event productions that may include the senior military officials, Governors, members of Congress, legislators and other state and local officials.

- Skill in meeting and dealing effectively with Governors, members of Congress, legislators and other state and local officials. Establishes effective lines of communication with a variety of individuals, at all government levels so state level NG activities, programs, capabilities and operations are clearly understood by these key constituencies.

- Skill in evaluating the effectiveness of the public affairs program, analyzing feedback from the media and public, and developing recommendations to improve the internal operation and enhance the overall public affairs program.

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.

Please be advised:
1. Specialized experience will be used to determine qualifications for the announced position.
2. An applicant's RESUME must provide, in detail, how they meet the specialized experience listed.
3. It must be documented with "from (mm/yy)" and "to (mm/yy)" dates and description of the specialized experience.
4. If education or a degree is required as part of the "Specialized Experience", you must include transcripts.

Do not copy the specialized experience qualifications word for word and place into your resume; you must describe your personal experience as it pertains to each statement.