Current Federal Job Vacancies For Communications Professionals

Happy Friday!

Looking for a new job? Here are three job openings with the Federal government in the D.C. metro area.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service is looking for writer-editors in Washington, DC.  Application deadline is February 1 for the two vacancies, which pay between  $51,630-$97,330. View the vacancy announcement.

The Veteran’s Administration is seeking a Director of Digital Media Engagement in Washington, DC. Application deadline for the vacancy is February 1.  Salary range is $123,758 to $155,500.  View the vacancy announcement.

The U.S. Army Medical Command is seeking a marketing and strategic communications public affairs specialist in Falls Church, VA.  Salary range is $62,467 to $81,204.  The vacancy closes January 29. View the vacancy announcement.

What Government Writers And Editors Do

While writing and editing is a key element of many government jobs, the Federal government has two job series specifically for writing and editing. 

According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Federal writers and editors research, analyze, distill, and clearly present factual information either in a variety of fields or, with a broad and non-specialized approach, in a single field. They communicate information to:

• Articulate policy;
• Report on the activities and plans of agencies;
• Explain the laws that agencies administer to those affected;
• Provide the results of research and investigations; or,
• Announce regulations.

Writer/Editor Series (GS-1082)
The writer/editor series is for positions that involve writing and editing on a variety of topics. Writers and editors create reports, regulations, articles, newsletters, magazines, news releases, training materials, brochures, speeches, or scripts.

Technical Writing and Editing Series (GS-1083)
The technical writer/editor series classifies writing and editing work that involves the application of substantial knowledge of a particular subject-matter field, such as a natural science, a social science, engineering, law, or other fields. Technical writers and editors use this knowledge, along with new source material found during research and in interviews with subject-matter specialists, to develop or edit in-depth, technical documents concerning their particular fields.

Positions that focus on writing for the general public are often found in the public affairs series (GS-1035).

Evaluating the Skills of Writers and Editors
In hiring writers and editors, Federal agencies rely on the OPM's Writing and Editing Grade Evaluation Guide, from which this posting is adapted.  Salary ranges (grades) are assigned to positions based on an evaluation of the following factors:

• Level of experience in grammar, writing and editing practices, and use of the Associated Press, Government Printing Office and other style manuals;
• Level of supervision required;
• Guidelines on the subject and boundaries of the information to be presented;
• Complexity of the writing assignments; and,
• The scope and effect of the writing/editing assignments.

Level of Experience

All writing and editing jobs require knowledge of grammar, writing and editing practices, and the style requirements of the media and the publications used. 

Writers and editors gather and verify facts to write or edit materials, such as reports, articles, pamphlets, scripts, or speeches. The information developed is factual, follows appropriate grammar, writing and style practices and clear and meaningful to the intended audience. 

Technical writers and technical editors use their knowledge of grammar, writing and editing along with substantial subject-matter knowledge to write or edit primarily scientific or technical documents, such as reports of research findings, operating manuals, repair manuals, or technical specifications. 

Here are examples from OPM of the differences between lower-level writer/editors and technical writer/editors:

• The Writer composes pamphlets and brochures explaining social insurance programs. This involves independently researching and verifying factual information, writing in approved formats, and obtaining required approvals prior to publication. 
• The Editor reviews training and operating manuals written by subject-matter experts, and proofs them for grammatical correctness, clarity, appropriate reading level, and consistency with regulations and style and format requirements.
• The Writer/Editor examines draft brochures and press releases promoting oil and gas lease competitions. The writer/editor reviews the material for clarity and for consistency with the agency's policies and style requirements.
• The Technical Writer develops contract specifications for construction and maintenance of facilities on a military base. The technical writer visits the facilities to take measurements and make sketches, to talk with commanders about their needs and to discuss various aspects of the projects with engineers and contract specialists.
• The Technical Editor reviews reports of test results written by engineers and scientists. These reports are used to determine acceptability of equipment and systems for military use and to verify compliance with contract specifications. The technical editor edits for grammar, conformance to style and format requirements, clarity, and tone, and then prepares the reports for printing. 

Mid-Level Writing and Editing
Journeyman writers and editors must have knowledge of a broad range of sources of pertinent information, and the skill to analyze and present the information gathered.  They also should have knowledge of publishing concepts, practices, standards, and technologies for the media used. 

Writers and editors use this knowledge to interpret and explain a variety of subjects, and to write or edit materials tailored to specific media and audiences. Writers and editors often coordinate the work of designers and technicians in developing effective, accessible formats, as well as illustrations and tabular material to augment the written message.  Some assignments may involve writing scripts for broadcast and multimedia projects.

Here are some examples of work performed by mid-level writers and editors:

• The Writer develops proposed and final regulations concerning the treatment or importation of animals for publication in the Federal Register. 
• The Editor manages a periodical bulletin on mental health and is responsible for all aspects of the periodical's preparation.   Managing the bulletin involves planning future topics and designing individual issues as well as reviewing and selecting individual articles. It also involves monitoring printing and editorial contracts.
• The Technical Writer develops manuals dealing with computer hardware and software used for shipboard functions, such as personnel, supply, and medical record-keeping. The technical writer consults with programmers to ensure accuracy, and writes manuals at a level appropriate for users. 
• The Technical Editor edits manuals on proper techniques for disarming and disposing of explosive devices. The manuals must be accurately and thoroughly detailed and illustrated to make disarming and disposal operations as safe as possible. Developing the necessary knowledge requires performing library research, reviewing specifications, and physically examining samples when possible. 

Senior-Level Writing and Editing
Seasoned writers and editors are expected to have detailed knowledge of the agency’s programs and operations, a complete command of sources of information, and understand the relationships among agency programs; and related issues and practices in the private sector. 

Senior writers and editors are also expected to have authoritative knowledge of regulations and policies affecting Government publications; of publishing concepts, practices, and standards; and of advances in publishing technology. 

Products developed by senior-level writers and editors articulate, interpret, and explain highly complex, potentially controversial, and important agency policies, programs, and research findings. These products may include congressional testimony, proposed legislation, or reports on major research efforts. 

Writers and editors serve as resources on policies and practices to junior writers and editors at lower levels and to program experts who write for publication. They may also propose changes in agency editorial and publishing policies and practices. 

Here are some examples of work performed by senior-level writers and editors:

• The Writer/Editor publishes reports to Congress and the public on the accomplishments of the agency. Planning and managing the publication from initial concept to final camera art, the writer/editor selects an overall theme, solicits manuscripts, and writes original materials. 
• The Technical Writer manages the publication of a large volume of interrelated manuals on the safe operation and maintenance of advanced weapon systems. A design improvement or new tactic that affects parts of one manual usually affects parts of several related manuals. Knowledge of related manuals is necessary to ensure that all appropriate changes are made. The technical writer tailors the manuals to the educational and experience levels of the users, who range from enlisted personnel to the highest ranking officers.

Level of Supervision Required
For entry level positions, the supervisor assigns specific writing or editing projects, provides general guidance on the purpose and uses of the written material and on the level of the intended audience, and sets priorities and deadlines. The writer or editor follows accepted agency publication practices and precedents, collects and analyzes the necessary information, resolves most problems in accordance with accepted practices and methods used in previous similar articles, and adjusts the material to the reading level of the audience. 

The supervisor reviews completed projects for adequate coverage of the assigned topic, clarity of presentation, logical organization, and compliance with policy and agency practices. 

For mid-level positions, the supervisor establishes the general objectives of the writing or editing projects. The writer or editor and supervisor jointly develop the boundaries of the subjects involved, set deadlines, and discuss how to approach anticipated problems and controversies, such as how to find scarce information or how to treat subjects on which experts have conflicting interpretations. 

The writer or editor plans and completes assignments subject to established agency objectives, interprets policy, analyzes and interprets the information gathered, and solves all but the most complex or controversial problems in presenting the information. The supervisor reviews completed written products for overall effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the assignment, consistency with the agency's policies, and compatibility with the organization's other publications. 

Projects undertaken by senior writers and editors typically involve periodicals or large volumes of interrelated written materials that require overall management.  Some assignments involve written products of extreme complexity or sensitivity. The writer or editor carries out the projects, often coordinating the work of teams of writing, editing, design, and production personnel either in the agency or under contract, and keeps the supervisor informed of progress.

Completed written products are considered authoritative and are normally accepted without significant change. The supervisor reviews completed work only for its impact on and coordination with the agency's overall initiatives. 

Guidelines Used by Writer/Editors

Junior writers and editors use established policies and procedures to research, write and edit written products.   More experienced writers and editors use policies and previous publications for general guidance, but use their knowledge and experience to in developing and presenting new or potentially controversial information. 

Complexity of Assignments

Assignments given to less-experienced writers and editors usually consist of writing or editing factual materials, such as reports on agency activities, specifications for common items, or chapters of manuals.   Assignments typically are fairly routine, and often constitute parts of more complex assignments. 

For mid-level writers, assignments usually require research, analysis, and interpretation of information on a variety of subjects. Products may clarify issues or provide and explain technical information, reconcile contradictions in the information gathered, or develop balanced treatments of controversial matters. 

Mid-level editors analyzes manuscripts for clarity; makes sure the conclusions reached are consistent with the facts presented; and recommends major revisions, changes in coverage, or complete reorganizations of manuscripts when necessary. 

At the senior level, writing and editing assignments typically require extensive research and analysis to define and explain the agency's policies, programs, research findings, or requirements in detail or in overall form. 

Technical writing and editing assignments often involve departures from commonly accepted theories or methods in the subject-matter field. They require substantial analysis to present convincing evidence of new findings or to present accurate and critical information, for example, on the proper use of the most advanced weapon systems. The writer or editor originates approaches in explaining new policies and programs or interpreting and explaining the applications of the latest research findings.  Since the audiences often do not accept or fully understand the agency's objectives, or are being presented with new departures in theories or applications, written products must be clear and convincing. 

Scope and Effect
At the lowest level, written products typically are similar in format and approach to material produced in the past, and deal with similar problems or situations. Upper-level writers research and prepare written materials that explains and interprets complex policies, programs, and functions of an organization or present advanced scientific and technical findings and applications. Examples include: preparing materials that communicate new and important agency and administration policies or developing reports to Congress.

The Plum Book Is Required Reading For Political Appointee Wanna-Be's

In case you would rather spend "Black Friday" job hunting instead of Christmas shopping, here's a helpful article from Federal Computer Week on how to become a political appointee.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post offers the answer to the question: "How does one get to K Street," in this article discussing classes on lobbying taught by American University and George Washington University.on lobbying classes.

And the Washington Business Journal published this reminder that keeping a job at a Federal contractor is often dependent on keeping that Federal contract.

Here is a link to a previous post on job search resources.  As always, feel free to email me with any questions and I will try to answer them in future posts.

The Day After The Day After

The results are in, the winners have been declared.  For those congressional or Team Romney flacks whose bosses lost, here are some job-search resources.

Roll Call, the granddaddy of Capitol Hill publications, has long been a source of leads for job hunters. Roll Call's careers website, is a good starting point.

The Washington, DC chapters of the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators have online job banks.  The PRSA National Capital Chapter's Job Line is free;  IABC's local chapter charges $50 for a three month membership, which includes access to its job bank.

For a national job search, try IABC's job bank and PRSA's Job Center.

n invaluable resource is the website and list-serve run by veteran  DC communicator Ned Lundquist.   Ned's Job of the Week offers dozens of communications jobs each week, many of them in the DC metro area.

Washington is home to countless trade associations.  The American Society of Association Executives offers a job bank that flacks may find useful. Association Trends Magazine also provides a job bank.

Seeking a high-end job?  Consider a subscription to CEO Update, which reports senior-level job openings in associations, professional societies and nonprofits.

And, despite all the talk of an impending fiscal cliff, there are always jobs as a.....Federal Flack.  And remember, if USA Jobs baffles you, check out our helpful hints here at "The Federal Flack" or visit our new website.

Becoming a Federal Flack: Interpreting Vacancy Announcements

Does the thought of applying for a Federal job send chills down your spine?  Do you get a headache reading vacancy announcements?  Do you wonder why you are not getting job interviews?

Put on a sweater, take an Advil and quit wondering.  There is a way to figure out what Federal agencies are looking for. 

Before deciding whether to apply for a specific Federal job, take some time and read the entire vacancy announcement.   Most announcements have a link to an online occupational questionnaire that helps agency resource staff evaluate candidates.  TIP: Be sure to read the questionnaire before deciding whether to apply, since your answers to the questionnaire play key role in the candidate screening process.

Let's use some current job openings to unravel the mysteries of the Federal application process.

Multimedia Position
The Broadcasting Board of Governors is looking for a GS-13 multimedia writer-editor in its Office of Communications and External Affairs.  The BBG  is an independent Federal agency that provides U.S. civilian international broadcasting services, including  the Voice of America,  Radio Free Europe and  the Middle East Broadcasting Networks

All Federal vacancy announcements include sections listing the key requirements, duties and qualifications.  The BBG requirements mirror most Federal jobs:  applicants must be U.S. citizens, must be able to pass a background investigation and will have to pay their own relocation expenses.

The duties of the multimedia writer/editor include:

• Writing and editing public information products to promote and enhance awareness of the Broadcasting Board of Governors in both the United States and overseas through its website, new media, and traditional distribution;

•  Overseeing the creation and management of web content for a multimedia website including appropriate text, images, audio, video, etc;

• Initiating, planning and coordinating special outreach programs and newsworthy events for both national and international audiences; 

•  Conceiving and writing press releases, briefing memos, and other communication tools.

So here's what we know:

• The position is for a multimedia writer, which means writing for the web and social media.

• In addition to writing, the person hired for this position will oversee the creation and management of web content for a multimedia website including appropriate text, images, audio and video.

The position also includes planning and coordinating media events and special outreach programs.

Still not sure whether you would qualify for the position?  Go to the occupational questionnaire, which you will need to complete online.  Don’t worry, there are no essays.  However, your resume needs to support your answers to the questionnaire.

Types of Questions Asked On Federal Job Announcements
Occupational questionnaires typically include the following:

1. A bench-marking question to determine whether applicants have the minimum experience required for the position. 
2. A series of questions asking whether candidates have specific skills required for the position.
3. Questions evaluating  applicants' level of experience in performing specific tasks.

Minimum Qualifications Question

Candidates for the BBG position must provide a yes/no response to the following question:

1.  Do you possess at least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-12 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors).   Examples of such experience may be researching and engaging key contacts across the academic and think tank communities in order to actively participate in dialogue related to both national and international broadcasting; AND demonstrated experience with Internet and social media publishing to write, edit and design visually attractive, well-balanced, highly targeted multimedia products using appropriate visual, multimedia and interactive tools and content that capture both national and international audiences.

Questions Evaluating Level of Experience
The BBG questionnaire lists a series of tasks and asks applicants to choose one of the following statements best describing the applicant's experience and/or training.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
 

B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
 

C- I have performed this task on the job.  My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
 

D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job.  I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
 

E- I am considered an expert in performing this task.  I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

Tip For Job-Seekers: Before applying for a specific job, list out each of your specific skills and rate them on the above scale. 

 The specific skills needed for the BBG position include:

• In-depth knowledge of journalism, Internet and Social Media (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, etc.) publishing principles and methods to write, edit, and produce integrated, well-balanced, and highly targeted written and graphic materials for publication on an agency's/company's website that captures the attention of both national and international audiences;

• Oral communication skills necessary to coordinate briefings, seminars, and media events to promote a clear and understanding of both national and international broadcasting; 

•  Skill in researching and engaging key contacts across the academic and think tank communities in order to actively participate in a dialogue regarding U.S. International Broadcasting in the larger foreign policy context;

•   In depth knowledge of transforming raw materials from the unedited stage to a polished multimedia publication; 

•  Skill in producing high caliber work under pressure of deadlines, frequently working on several projects simultaneously.

So, when putting together a resume for this position, make sure to list your experience in writing press releases, overseeing the creating of content for a multimedia website and planning special events.

Provide specific  examples of your experience, along with significant accomplishments that illustrate the level of skill and the complexity.

 Let's take a look at another job opening, this one a GS-12 public affairs position with the U.S. Forest Service in Vancouver, WA.  The duties of this mid-level position include:

• Participating in the development and implementation of public affairs communication plans, program strategies and techniques;

• Planning and implementing, with the assistance and in coordination with other Forest Service staffs, communications campaigns needed to address critical issues and establish two-way communication with stakeholders, including the news media and elected officials; 

• Using a variety of communications methods and techniques (i.e., written, oral, visual, personal, and emerging social media) in devising the appropriate communication method for each public affairs campaign.

 The basic qualifications for this job include at least one year  experience in the following:

• Establishing  and maintaining effective working relationships at multiple levels within an organization in order to develop and disseminate coordinated messages that accurately address organizational programs;

• Preparing written materials to promote the organization's position on a variety of sensitive,controversial and/or complex issues; and,

• Designing and tailoring meetings and public involvement strategies to audiences that involved a degree of controversy.

Questions About Specific Skills
The Forest Service then asks a series of questions to determine whether candidates have experience in performing specific duties, such as writing articles for release to the media; sections of and/or short speeches; standard speeches; talking points; brochures or fact sheets.  Note that the question asks whether a candidate has contributed to a speech and/or whether he/she has written complete speeches.

Here is an excellent example of how to answer pesky questions about oral communications skills.  The Forest Service phrases the question this way:  “ I have used verbal interpersonal communication in performing my public affairs or closely related specialist work to: (select all that apply)"

• Obtain and/or provide factual information through one-on-one discussion with others

• Obtain and/or provide factual information through presentations, discussions, meetings, or other sessions involving multiple individuals

• Facilitate cooperation among parties to meet a need, objective, or goal;

• Resolve differences in opinion to reach a successful conclusion;

• Interact with others to achieve goals or objectives in situations that involved shifting priorities, timetables, and/or assignments;

• Provide advice and/or assistance to others on public affairs or closely related matters;

• Obtain agreement or concurrence on changes to approach, emphasis, and/or manner of presentation;

• Present and explain policies and or actions that are considered by executives, stakeholders, interest groups and/or others to be controversial;

We will talk more about oral communications in a future post.

Coast Guard Community Relations Job

Are you looking  for a job as a community organizer but don’t like politics?  Did you like Kevin Costner in “The Guardian”?  The Coast Guard has a job for you!

New USCG headquarters construction site. (USCG photo)

In preparation for its move to its new headquarters on the grounds of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, the Coast Guard is hiring a liaison to the District of Columbia, Ward 8 Community leaders, affinity groups, and external constituents to help build relationships and resolve problems before they mushroom.  The 18-month position is a GS-13 and pays between $89,000 and $115,000.  The position closes Wednesday, October 24.

The Coast Guard is expected to be the first agency of the Department of Homeland Security to move to St. E's.  According to Federal Times, the building should be done in the spring.  With 4,000 headquarters employees, the Coast Guard will have a big impact on the neighborhood, with the staff of 4,000 starting to move in next summer. In anticipation,

I have a bias in favor of the Coast Guard ever since serving a developmental detail helping to organize its Acquisitions Directorate communications shop in 2007.  I worked down the street from the Coast Guard's current headquarters at Buzzards Point, and the neighborhood was "interesting," to say the least.

This 18-month position is a great example of why the Coast Guard’s understanding of public relations.  The Coast Guard will be the first Federal agency to locate at St. E's.  The person hired for the job will work to "enhance the understanding and support of groups or individuals of significance to the Coast Guard Headquarters relocation."

 

The position description also is a good example of  the duties of a community outreach specialist for a government agency does.  According to the vacancy announcement, the incumbent will:

•  "Serve as the primary point of contact with external stakeholders on matters pertaining to the Coast Guard participation in Ward 8 resident, non-governmental organizations as well as community engagement, business meetings and special events.

• Integrate community relations role within broader Coast Guard external affairs goals and communities priorities, working with appropriate governmental and public affairs specialists at the Coast Guard HQ to incorporate community relations approaches and activities into broader communication plans, campaigns and outreach initiatives.

• Serve as liaison to inform, educate and ensure the effective relocation of Coast Guard Headquarters into the local community.

• Attend relevant meetings addressing issues relating to the neighborhood, Ward 8, the city and the region as necessary on external affairs issues;

• Advise and assist Coast Guard points of contact with protocol functions and event or engagement request as required.

• Draw on personal knowledge of and experience within the community, local organizations and leaders to brief and advise senior leadership on community attitudes."

 What does it take to qualify for this job?  Applicants must know how to:

• Develop new methods and processes for information exchange with the community, aimed at enhancing the understanding and support of groups or individuals or significance to the Coast Guard relocation;
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication programs that convey core information about a program to various constituents; and,
• Integrate community relations activities into the broader Coast Guard external affairs goals and communication plans, campaigns and outreach initiatives.

Journalism Skills That Translate Into The PR World

This is a reprint of a November 2011 blog post by David Bunker, a writer for Abbi Public Relations.  The link I posted earlier this year seems to be dead, but the content is well worth the read.

Journalism Skills That Translate into the PR World

The newsroom and the public relations desk have been trading talent for decades. But recently the talent has all been heading one way — away from the newsroom and into the PR field as newspapers shed talent and journalists seek another field where writing, interviewing and critical thinking are valued.

And while journalists are changing titles, they are retaining a lot of the skills that made them successful newshounds, bringing some hard-news focus to the historically softer and fluffier public relations world.

Here are some of the skills successful journalists are finding success with at public relations firms:

Hard Facts, No Frills: Press releases are notorious in newsrooms for their superlative adjectives and wandering descriptions. Journalists, many of whom have spent half a lifetime editing out the frills and non-news in thousands of press releases, are experts at cutting out the unnecessary and delivering the facts. It’s a skill that delights newsrooms gutted to a bare bones staff, who often use a press release penned by an ex-journalist without changing a word.

A Nose for News: Journalists who have years of practice pitching story ideas to their editors understand what makes a mention in the paper and what makes the front page. They know how to fold a clients’ public relations message into a larger trend story or a current events piece, without making it sound forced or over-hyped. It’s something Public Relations professionals work at, but rarely understand as innately as the reporter who has sat in hundreds of editorial meetings weighing what constitutes news. That eye for genuine news allows an ex-journalist to pitch a press release that fits into a newsroom’s thought process or sparks a new, genuine news story that the newspaper, magazine or website will feature prominently.

Critical Thinking and Client Relations: Often what a client wants to see in a press release, and what a magazine, newspaper or website wants to see in a press release are wildly different things. Ex-journalists at a public relations company are able to speak with authority to clients about the flavor, facts and focus of a press release that will get it noticed by news organizations. A hyped-up press release that pleases the client, but gets now press traction, helps no one.