External Communications:
The Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for informing the broad spectrum of individuals and groups affected by Agency programs of the benefits, services, or requirements of such programs. The incumbent is also responsible for assessing the degree of understanding or interest the public has in these programs and activities.
The incumbent advises on the potential public reaction to proposed policies, and plans, organizes, and evaluates communications strategies, programs and materials.
Senior Communications Specialists use a variety of communication methods in carrying out their mission to inform Agency publics about the programs, policies, and services that are of interest to or affect various groups or individuals. The incumbent will advise top Agency management officials on the possible public and media reactions to proposed policy statements and/or agency actions.
The incumbent is responsible for the media relations, public relations, and related social media for FHFA. The Senior Communications Specialist works to implement the Agency's strategic communications plan under the direction of the Supervisory Communications Specialist. The incumbent develops media and press strategies and implements them via press releases and statements, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and the FHFA website. The incumbent will work with FHFA subject-matter experts across divisions and within the Office of the Director.
The incumbent must have excellent written and oral communications skills, including the ability to work with journalists, provide them with news releases and other materials, learn audience needs, and pitch reporters with fresh ideas and in creative ways.
The incumbent must also be able to help FHFA leadership and SMEs prepare for media interviews by providing them with background information on interviews and advising them on how to successfully interact with journalists. Written skills should include the ability to write and edit news releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, talking points, fact sheets, social media content, reports, newsletters, blogs, FHFA website content, and other material as assigned.
The Senior Communications Specialist works with the Supervisory Communications Specialist to develop the processes and procedures required to effectively implement the Agency's communications strategy. The incumbent is accountable for the effective day-to-day operations and results of the media relations, public relations, and related social media activities - developing, implementing, and evaluating initiatives to ensure results are attained and quality standards are met.
Additionally, the incumbent will have frequent contact with interagency communication partners, other external organizations, and internal customers, and will excel in work that involves project coordination, information sharing, and/or resolution of problems. The Senior Communications Specialist will participate in FHFA conferences as needed and may be required to represent FHFA at meetings or to supervise other staff.
Generates original material for projects as needed and advises Agency subject matter experts regarding matters such as grammar, pagination, references, AP style, and distribution.
The incumbent identifies communication needs and gaps and develops informational materials that inform appropriate audiences of the Agency's policies, programs, services, and activities. The incumbent plans, executes, and later evaluates the effectiveness of information and communication programs in furthering Agency goals.
The incumbent collaborates with other components within the Agency, i to identify communication needs and gaps and develops informational materials that inform appropriate audiences of the Agency's policies, programs, services, and activities. The incumbent plans, executes, and later evaluates the effectiveness of information and communication programs in furthering Agency goals.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
All applicants will be rated on the following competencies for this announcement:
Competencies:
- Collaboration
- Message Development & Delivery
- Writing & Editing
Please click here to preview the assessment Questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12046568
Applicants for this position who meet the basic qualification requirements for this vacancy will be rated according to Category Rating Procedures. ***Candidates applying for this position are applying under delegated examining procedures and will undergo a multi-tiered evaluation process. A subject-matter expert will determine if you possess the competencies and skills required for the position. Candidates successfully achieving the competency/skill review will be evaluated for eligibilities and minimum qualification requirements by human resources.
Finally, you will be rated according to Category Rating Procedures. Based on your veteran's status and responses to the job specific questioner you will be assigned to a pre-defined quality category. There will be three quality categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified and Qualified. Generally, only candidates in the top-quality category will be referred to the hiring manager for selection.
Best Qualified - Applicants who have experience that is almost identical to those required by the position. (95)
Well Qualified - Applicants who have experience that is very similar to those required by the position. (85)
Qualified - Applicants who meet minimum qualification requirements, but do not identify any additional qualifying experience or skill. (70)
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher).
All of the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references or through other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible.