Time in grade: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-09 grade level for consideration for the GS-11 grade level).

Specialized Experience for the GS-9: To qualify for the GS-09 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must include performing work advising management on the formulation and articulation of agency policy and designing, executing, and evaluating the information programs that communicate agency policies, programs, and actions to various audiences. Examples of specialized experience include:

• Writing and editing news articles, feature stories, news releases, and selecting photographs to accompany releases which transmit information concerning the nature and purpose of an organization’s programs or projects;
• Composing reports, talking points, briefing packets and power point presentations for dissemination to the media or social media platforms;
• Assisting with the development and implementation of internal and external marketing, outreach programs, and public affairs plans to communicate programs and services; and
• Assisting with the planning, design and preparation of visual information material related to a program.

OR
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-09 level: 2 year(s) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Master’s degree, or Master’s equivalent graduate degree in Public Affairs, Business Administration, Management, English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, etc. or a course of study directly related to the position.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy.

Specialized Experience for the GS-11: To qualify for the GS-11 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. This experience must include performing work advising management on the formulation and articulation of agency policy and designing, executing, and evaluating the information programs that communicate agency policies, programs, and actions to various audiences. Examples of specialized experience include:

• Writing and disseminating, to local and national print broadcast media representatives or social media platforms, news releases and feature articles;
• Organizing and coordinating social media, print and broadcast media interviews with staff members, and oversees all arrangements with the media involving agency activities;
• Establishing and maintaining working relationships with local groups and representatives, national organizations, and the general public;
• Planning, executing, and evaluating the effectiveness of information and communication strategies to ensure organizational goals are met;
• Identifying agency communication outreach needs and priorities;
• Developing information and/or policy formulation materials (i.e., pertinent public affairs policies, programs, services, and activities) that inform the public and management of agency activities; and
• Advising management officials on potential public reactions to proposed programs and policies.

OR
Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-11 level: 3 year(s) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or Ph.D. equivalent graduate degree in Public Affairs, Business Administration, Management, English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, etc. or a course of study directly related to the position.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate-level education and experience, as described above, may be used to qualify for this position. This combination must have equipped you with the necessary knowledge and/or experience to successfully perform the duties of this position. Combinations of experience and education must total at least 100% as outlined in OPM Qualifications policy.

For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: Administrative and Management Positions

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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.