Summary For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This position is also being announced to applicants eligible to apply through Merit Staffing procedures under 26-NDCA-12983841-MS. Responsibilities If selected for this position, you will serve as a Public Affairs Specialist responsible for planning, coordinating, and carrying out communications on behalf of the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Northern District of California (NDCA). Typical work assignments will include: Planning, directing and executing communication activities to convey complex information concerning NDCA actions or decisions, programs, responsibilities, and activities, including the planning and implementation of various communication vehicles to deliver key agency messages to the news or social media. Developing and maintaining a collaborative communication link with executive levels of law enforcement agencies with which the USAO works closely. Engaging with representatives of the public, including: corporate business communities; racial, ethnic, religious, and civil rights groups; bar and other professional associations; trade associations; and community organizations in the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose metropolitan areas. Coordinating with the executive staff and management of the USAO to effectively communicate policies, priorities, and procedures to employees of the Office. Proactively managing the information environment to enhance and maintain the credibility of USAO communications. - Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. The salary range for a GS-13 in San Francisco, California is $133,060 - $172,980 (step 1 through step 10). New federal employees are typically hired at Step 1 of the assigned grade. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications GS-13: To be eligible at the GS-13 level, you must have one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which has equipped you with the competencies to perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as: Planning, directing, and managing the public relations program for a prosecutorial, law enforcement, judicial, or other legal organization involving controversial and legally sensitive issues of significant public interest; Developing a dynamic and effective communication plan designed to educate the public, stakeholders, and community partners, about an organization's mission, initiatives, programs, and operations while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies governing public communications; Establishing and maintaining effective and professional working relationships with print, broadcast, and digital media representatives to facilitate accurate and timely dissemination of information regarding criminal, civil, and other legal matters; Drafting, reviewing, and editing press releases, media advisories, public statements, speeches, talking points and other communications related to investigations, prosecutions, civil litigation, community outreach efforts and other matters with legal implications; Serving as an organizational spokesperson by developing and conveying accurate, timely, and legally appropriate information to the media and the public while safeguarding sensitive, confidential, and law enforcement information; Developing and maintaining productive relationships with community organizations, advocacy groups, and other external stakeholders to promote public understanding of the federal justice system, strengthen community engagement, and support public confidence in the administration of justice. Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communications plans for a federal, state or local law enforcement organization. Experience drafting press releases, media statements, speeches, and social media content under tight deadlines. Experience planning and coordinating press conferences and media events. Knowledge of the federal criminal justice system, Department of Justice policies, and issues affecting public trust, community engagement, and transparency in law enforcement. Established relationships with local and national media outlets and reporters. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)- The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)-The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Education Not applicable. Additional Information This position is fully in-office, based at the San Francisco main office. Payment of relocation expenses will not be authorized. The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov. Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Federal Agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. EEO Statement: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. 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 this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
