Communications Engagement Specialist

Summary This position serves as Communications Engagement Specialist in the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Operations Office, Communications and Governmental Affairs. This position is responsible for engaging with a variety of key BJA stakeholders using outreach strategies and tactics that include regular liaison, distribution of BJA resources, materials and information, public events and targeted campaigns. This job is open to Federal employees - Competitive service Current or former competitive service federal employees. Internal to an agency Current federal employees of this agency. Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee. Veterans Individuals with disabilities Military spouses Special authorities Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations. Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista Land and base management Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency. Clarification from the agency Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. Duties Serves as a Communications Engagement Specialist in the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Operations Division; Develops, writes, edits, and regularly updates communications materials that facilitate and support the establishment and maintenance of positive relationships with BJA's key stakeholders, including state, local and tribal governments, agencies and community-based organizations; training and technical assistance providers; current grantees and prospective applicants; and key interest groups like - but not limited to - courts, corrections, law enforcement, mental health practitioners, researchers, criminal justice executives and policy makers. Collaborates with writer/editors to ensure message consistency, avoid redundancies, tailor materials to a variety of audiences and identify gaps in available resources; Develops and implements, with input from supervisor and BJA executive leadership, BJA's stakeholder communications and outreach strategy. Builds relationships and trust with the communications staff at key stakeholder organizations. Serves as communications expert to BJA leadership and staff regarding dissemination of BJA program information and fosters interaction among BJA leadership, staff, and key stakeholders in the criminal justice field. Identifies underserved and underrepresented key audiences; Prepares briefing packets, stakeholder messaging, speeches, talking points, slide decks and other communications materials and resources to support BJA executive leadership and program staff in their interactions with and presentations to the criminal justice field. Writes letters, memoranda, and reports related to official inquiries and public requests from key stakeholder groups that require knowledge of public information procedures and techniques, and familiarity with OJP and BJA policies, programs, and practices. Liaises with other OJP offices' staff to research, develop and/or gather information that is responsive to external requests from lawmakers, media and state, local and tribal governments; Identifies, plans, writes, edits, gathers, and prepares resources and materials for BJA sponsored and external conferences, events, and stakeholder and grantee meetings. Provides on-site and post-event communications support. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship required. Subject to background/suitability investigation/determination. Federal payments are required to be made by Direct Deposit. Requires registration for the Selective Service. Visit www.sss.gov. Pre-employment drug testing required. 1-year probationary period may be required. Security Requirements: Non-Sensitive/Moderate Risk Qualifications Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level. Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience include: Developing, implementing, and evaluating a stakeholder communications and outreach strategy that built and maintained positive relationships with a variety of external stakeholder audiences; Collaborating internally across teams to gather information, coordinate messaging, and respond to incoming requests; Preparing leadership-level briefing packets, stakeholder messaging, speeches, talking points, slide decks, and other communications resources; Evaluating the effectiveness of stakeholder communications strategy and advised on potential stakeholder reaction to proposed policies and programs. Technical Qualifications: Applicants who meet the basic entry and minimum qualification requirements, as described above, will be further evaluated on the following technical qualifications: Communications and Media: Knowledge of the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. Evaluating/Analyzing: Evaluate and analyze complex agency communication practices and procedures and develop recommendations for improved communication/information strategies. Influencing/Negotiating: Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals. Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals. Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Education There is no education requirement for this position. Additional information This position may be eligible for telework per agency policy. OJP offers opportunities for flexible work schedules. Recruitment incentives may not be authorized. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Please do not indicate current or former position salary in your application or resume. As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service. This position has a duty station of Washington, D.C. The selectee will be required to physically report to the OJP office building at least four (4) days per bi-weekly pay period and may incorporate leave and official travel plans into this reporting requirement. The office director or supervisor may request the selectee's presence in the office more frequently, as determined by the needs of the office. The selectee will be responsible for covering all commuting-related travel expenses. OJP employees are eligible for one transportation benefit - parking or the Department of Justice (DOJ) transit subsidy. 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. 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. For Status/Merit Promotion/VEOA candidates: Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on the announcement. If you are basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the online assessment questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your resume and application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. For Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)/Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) applicants: The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. 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 agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, or 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 ICTAP/CTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. Under merit promotion procedures, to be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. Under category rating procedures, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria. 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. 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. REMINDER: ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) ON 12/02/2024 . Required Documents Resume (To receive credit for experience, your employment history must be documented in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date and include the number of hours worked per week. Failure to follow this format may result in disqualification), Veterans' Preference Documentation (if applicable; see below), SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (current and former federal employees; see below for more information), and Performance Appraisal (for current federal employees) Note: if not provided, may be required at time of interview. Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Veterans Preference In order to verify your veteran preference entitlement, submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service within 120 days after the certification is submitted; or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions. If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower of a veteran, spouse of a disabled veteran or the natural parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Pt Veteran Preference, and the other required documentation listed on the reverse of the SF-15 to support your preference claim. Veterans Employment Opportunity Act To be eligible for a Veteran Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) appointment, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed three (3) or more years of continuous active military service. If applying for a Merit Promotion announcement and wish to be considered under the VEOA, you must submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214, in addition to any other required documents listed on this announcement. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP / Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, you must submit proof by the closing date of the announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(u) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP or you will not receive priority consideration. The proof includes a copy of the Agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action for Competitive Appointment. Non-competitive Eligibility You can apply for a non-competitive appointment if you meet the basic eligibility requirements and you are eligible for special appointment such as those authorized for the severely disabled; veterans w/ service-connected disabilities of 30% or more; returning volunteers from the Peace Corps or Vista, Veterans' Recruitment Appointment, etc. Appropriate documentation to support your claim must be included in your application, along with the type of special appointment you are seeking. Current/Former Federal Employees If you are a current or former Federal employee in a permanent, competitive service position, you must submit documents to confirm your status or reinstatement eligibility. Submit an SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or other official agency documentation that shows your current (or most recent) grade and competitive service status. (The "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should show a "1" or "2". Submit your most recent Performance Appraisal (dated within the last 18 months) or a separate statement explaining why you are unable to submit your appraisal. If not provided at time of application, it will be required at time of interview Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. How to Apply To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the supporting documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package, to include the responses to the online Assessment Questionnaire, must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/02/2024to 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 rsum 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 need help with the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help Site . If you are unable to apply online, please contact Joseph Mackey at joseph.mackey2usdoj.gov or 202-812-6699 for alternate application procedures. Agency contact information Joseph Mackey Phone 202-812-6699 Email joseph.mackey2usdoj.gov Address Bureau of Justice Assistance DO NOT MAIL Washington, DC 20531 US Next steps Once your completed application is certified and received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement. Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Financial suitability New employee probationary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy Selective Service Signature and false statements Social security number request Required Documents REMINDER: ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) ON 12/02/2024 . Required Documents Resume (To receive credit for experience, your employment history must be documented in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date and include the number of hours worked per week. Failure to follow this format may result in disqualification), Veterans' Preference Documentation (if applicable; see below), SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (current and former federal employees; see below for more information), and Performance Appraisal (for current federal employees) Note: if not provided, may be required at time of interview. Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Veterans Preference In order to verify your veteran preference entitlement, submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service within 120 days after the certification is submitted; or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions. If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower of a veteran, spouse of a disabled veteran or the natural parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Pt Veteran Preference, and the other required documentation listed on the reverse of the SF-15 to support your preference claim. Veterans Employment Opportunity Act To be eligible for a Veteran Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) appointment, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed three (3) or more years of continuous active military service. If applying for a Merit Promotion announcement and wish to be considered under the VEOA, you must submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214, in addition to any other required documents listed on this announcement. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP / Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, you must submit proof by the closing date of the announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(u) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP or you will not receive priority consideration. The proof includes a copy of the Agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action for Competitive Appointment. Non-competitive Eligibility You can apply for a non-competitive appointment if you meet the basic eligibility requirements and you are eligible for special appointment such as those authorized for the severely disabled; veterans w/ service-connected disabilities of 30% or more; returning volunteers from the Peace Corps or Vista, Veterans' Recruitment Appointment, etc. Appropriate documentation to support your claim must be included in your application, along with the type of special appointment you are seeking. Current/Former Federal Employees If you are a current or former Federal employee in a permanent, competitive service position, you must submit documents to confirm your status or reinstatement eligibility. Submit an SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or other official agency documentation that shows your current (or most recent) grade and competitive service status. (The "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should show a "1" or "2". Submit your most recent Performance Appraisal (dated within the last 18 months) or a separate statement explaining why you are unable to submit your appraisal. If not provided at time of application, it will be required at time of interview Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. How to Apply To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the supporting documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. A complete application package, to include the responses to the online Assessment Questionnaire, must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/02/2024to 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 rsum 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 need help with the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help Site . If you are unable to apply online, please contact Joseph Mackey at joseph.mackey2usdoj.gov or 202-812-6699 for alternate application procedures. Agency contact information Joseph Mackey Phone 202-812-6699 Email joseph.mackey2usdoj.gov Address Bureau of Justice Assistance DO NOT MAIL Washington, DC 20531 US Next steps Once your completed application is certified and received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement. Fair & Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Financial suitability New employee probationary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy Selective Service Signature and false statements Social security number request