National Experienced Workforce Solutions

Compensation

Full Description

Public Affairs Specialist (Remote) ID: ARS-OC-002 Location: Beltsville Program: ARS Wage/Hr: $52.00 Hours/Week: 40 Minimum Age: 55 For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States. NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS). These experienced professionals provide administrative, scientific, and technical support to the Agricultural Research Service through the Experienced Worker Program (EWP). Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee. PLEASE NOTE: An ?Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions. The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Government employee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinating federal agencies? areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees. This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States. • This position will be open until filled. NOTE: This position has the option to work remotely. Qualifications: Minimum of 5 year(s) of experience in working with the media or a public affairs office. OR BA/BS Degree in journalism, writer, education, public affairs • Strong communications, organizational, writing and editing skills; ability to work independently or as part of a team and meet tight deadlines. Ability to provide training and guidance related to media and stakeholder engagements. Ability to create external outreach campaigns, handle crisis communications events and handle multiple projects with varying deadlines. • Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint Duties: The work is in the ARS Office of Communications Media Relations Branch, and includes responding to media inquiries, writing communications for internal and external use, analyzing feedback and metrics, and providing guidance to agency staff on media and public affairs.The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Government employee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinating federal agencies? areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees. • The enrollee shall respond to media requests and inquiries within 1-2 days, developing and maintaining a positive and productive relationship with the media. It may be necessary to coordinate interviews with USDA officials and respond appropriately to sensitive, difficult and/or highly complex media issues as determined by OC leadership. Pitch and promote releasable agency information. Properly vet media requests and sit in on media interviews. Work with other communications branches and ARS offices to coordinate media events and campaigns. 30% • The enrollee shall write stories, blurbs, press releases, news briefs, fact sheets and other content for internal and external use based on agency research accomplishments, achievements, and events. Products shall be written in plain language and free from grammatical or stylistic errors. 30% • The enrollee shall provide guidance to ARS staff on media and public affairs issues and shall assist researchers with stakeholder events and assist leadership with handling crisis communications events. The work also involves assisting others in communicating and carrying out Agency goals and objectives and conducting editorial reviews of written products. The enrollee shall verbally communicate with ARS staff, team members, supervisors and others in a courteous, respectful and professional manner and ensure that information is clear, accurate and provided within agreed-upon time frames. Responses shall be prompt, accurate and in accordance with established governing regulatory authorities, to both internal and external customers to ensure they meet their needs. 25% • The enrollee shall analyze media and product feedback and metrics, and document and track the metrics to identify needs, trends, improvements and/or successes. Communications plans shall be created and executed based on agency research and events/happenings. 10% • The enrollee shall participate in working groups as assigned by supervisors and complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned. 5% Other: • Travel Requirements: 1-3 visits per year, mostly local travel within 4 hours of Beltsville, MD for in person media training, story gathering, interviewing, site visits, assistance with video production. • Rental cars: 1-3 visits per year • Physical requirements: No physical requirements Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.