communications associate Washington, DC
Job description
Duties
External Communications:
The Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for informing the broad spectrum of individuals and groups affected by Agency programs of the benefits, services, or requirements of such programs. The incumbent is also responsible for assessing the degree of understanding or interest the public has in these programs and activities.
The incumbent advises on the potential public reaction to proposed policies, and plans, organizes, and evaluates communications strategies, programs and materials.
Senior Communications Specialists use a variety of communication methods in carrying out their mission to inform Agency publics about the programs, policies, and services that are of interest to or affect various groups or individuals. The incumbent will advise top Agency management officials on the possible public and media reactions to proposed policy statements and/or agency actions.
The incumbent is responsible for the media relations, public relations, and related social media for FHFA. The Senior Communications Specialist works to implement the Agency's strategic communications plan under the direction of the Supervisory Communications Specialist. The incumbent develops media and press strategies and implements them via press releases and statements, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and the FHFA website. The incumbent will work with FHFA subject-matter experts across divisions and within the Office of the Director.
The incumbent must have excellent written and oral communications skills, including the ability to work with journalists, provide them with news releases and other materials, learn audience needs, and pitch reporters with fresh ideas and in creative ways.
The incumbent must also be able to help FHFA leadership and SMEs prepare for media interviews by providing them with background information on interviews and advising them on how to successfully interact with journalists. Written skills should include the ability to write and edit news releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, talking points, fact sheets, social media content, reports, newsletters, blogs, FHFA website content, and other material as assigned.
The Senior Communications Specialist works with the Supervisory Communications Specialist to develop the processes and procedures required to effectively implement the Agency's communications strategy. The incumbent is accountable for the effective day-to-day operations and results of the media relations, public relations, and related social media activities - developing, implementing, and evaluating initiatives to ensure results are attained and quality standards are met.
Additionally, the incumbent will have frequent contact with interagency communication partners, other external organizations, and internal customers, and will excel in work that involves project coordination, information sharing, and/or resolution of problems. The Senior Communications Specialist will participate in FHFA conferences as needed and may be required to represent FHFA at meetings or to supervise other staff.
Generates original material for projects as needed and advises Agency subject matter experts regarding matters such as grammar, pagination, references, AP style, and distribution.
The incumbent identifies communication needs and gaps and develops informational materials that inform appropriate audiences of the Agency's policies, programs, services, and activities. The incumbent plans, executes, and later evaluates the effectiveness of information and communication programs in furthering Agency goals.
The incumbent collaborates with other components within the Agency, i to identify communication needs and gaps and develops informational materials that inform appropriate audiences of the Agency's policies, programs, services, and activities. The incumbent plans, executes, and later evaluates the effectiveness of information and communication programs in furthering Agency goals.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
- May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
- Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
- Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation
- Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
Qualifications
Qualifying experience for the EL/GS-13 level includes one year of specialized experience at the equivalent to EL/GS-12 which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Examples of required specialized experience include the following:
- Experience with media relations interaction, to include drafting appropriate media response to pending inquiries, coordinating interviews, and engaging the press to foster professional relationships, correct misinformation, and identify proactive opportunities to engage.
- Composed and performed editing/rewriting of external communications.
- Served as copy editor on multiple types of documents, editing for grammar and format.
- Applied knowledge of liaison principles, methods, practices and techniques, analytical methods, and interpersonal relations practices in order to develop and apply new approaches to external communication challenges.
- Applied knowledge of a wide range of communication principles, practices and strategies.
Required Selective Placement Factor:
Applied knowledge of legislative, regulatory, or economic issues related to housing finance or regulation of financial institutions, to develop communication plans and programs to address an Agency's/Corporation's policies, programs, and activities.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Documenting Experience:
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
An Overview of FHFA's Benefits for Fiscal Year 2023 provides a summary of benefits for the current fiscal year.
If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 90 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.
FHFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability (physical or mental), age (40 years of age or over), genetic information, parental status, marital status, prior protected EEO activity, political affiliation, or other non-merit factors.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
FHFA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, except when doing so would pose an undue hardship on the Agency. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify FHFA. The Agency's decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
- (202) 649-3963
- 7-1-1 TTY
- [email protected]
Ethics: FHFA employees are subject to government-wide ethical standards of conduct, financial disclosure requirements, and post-employment prohibitions. In addition, certain FHFA employees are prohibited from accepting compensation from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a two-year period after terminating employment with FHFA. Furthermore, to avoid financial conflicts-of interest or the appearance of conflicts-of-interest, FHFA employees may need to divest or sell certain assets they, their spouse, or minor children own or control, including securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Home Loan Banks. Employees who work on Federal Home Loan Bank issues may need to sell or divest financial interests with any of the Federal Home Loan Bank members, which may include stock in bank holding companies, insurance companies, and other financial services firms. Questions regarding these requirements and prohibitions should be directed to the Office of General Counsel at (202) 649-3088.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
All applicants will be rated on the following competencies for this announcement:
Competencies:
- Collaboration
- Message Development & Delivery
- Writing & Editing
Please click here to preview the assessment Questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12046568
Applicants for this position who meet the basic qualification requirements for this vacancy will be rated according to Category Rating Procedures. ***
Candidates applying for this position are applying under delegated examining procedures and will undergo a multi-tiered evaluation process. A subject-matter expert will determine if you possess the competencies and skills required for the position. Candidates successfully achieving the competency/skill review will be evaluated for eligibilities and minimum qualification requirements by human resources.
Finally, you will be rated according to Category Rating Procedures. Based on your veteran's status and responses to the job specific questioner you will be assigned to a pre-defined quality category. There will be three quality categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified and Qualified. Generally, only candidates in the top-quality category will be referred to the hiring manager for selection.
Best Qualified - Applicants who have experience that is almost identical to those required by the position. (95)
Well Qualified - Applicants who have experience that is very similar to those required by the position. (85)
Qualified - Applicants who meet minimum qualification requirements, but do not identify any additional qualifying experience or skill. (70)
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher).
All of the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references or through other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:- Cover Letter, optional
- Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable are required (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/31/2023 to receive consideration.- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Janice Obeido at [email protected] or (202) 649-3742 to obtain an alternative application.
Agency contact information
Janice Obeido
Address
FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20219
USNext steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your materials to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in his/her resume and the completed Occupational Questionnaire. Applicants will be reviewed based on Merit Promotion or US citizen described above. Applicants referred may be contacted for an interview. We anticipate making a final job offer for this position within 45 days after the deadline for applications. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.
Political appointment: Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office.
There is currently one vacancy available for this announcement. However, should additional vacancies become available within three months from the closing date of this announcement, eligible applicants for this position may be referred for consideration for the additional position(s).
FHFA may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the Federal Housing Finance Agency. FHFA benefits remain the same.Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable are required (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Veterans
Clarification from the agency
All U.S. Citizens
