Public Affairs Officer

Summary

This position is located in Office of Public Affairs. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within the agency.

The supervisor is Hal Pittman.

This position is subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements. This position is subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.

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Duties

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The successful candidate will perform the full range of public affairs officer duties.

Such duties include but are not limited to:

Serves as a technically authoritative expert Public Affairs Officer performing highly complex work in the

administration of public, media, educational and community information programs that contribute to

public understanding of NRC programs and policies, particularly as relating to technical and scientific

subjects. Plans and executes projects to convey complex information concerning NRC programs,

research on program-related areas, responsibilities, and activities. Responds to information requests

from the news media, and specialized/general public audiences regarding the NRC's programs, both in

written and verbal form, often requiring detailed explanations of negative comments made on the

organization's activities or performance in particular situations. Writes and/or edits public information

statements, news releases, special reports, bulletins, etc., with an emphasis on translating

technical/scientific information into lay, understandable language. Develops strategic methods to

effectively communicate highly complex and sometimes controversial subjects and information, such as

those associated with nuclear power reactor plans and functions.
Leads in select public affairs projects and initiatives. Participates with management officials in formulating

information campaigns, communication strategies, and policies and procedures governing NRC

information functions. Employs a full range of communication methods and techniques in analyzing

proposed public information and education content and delivery. Produces the Information Digest, an

Agency communication resource consisting of broad, specialized, complex, and informative issues.

Leads in collaborating and coordinating information with NRC managers and staff to ensure accuracy of

content and endorsement by senior-level management officials. Develops graphics and other visual

content to augment the information and make it more useful to the public. Determines optimum use of

digital assets over print to reach the widest possible audience. Supports the agency's social media

platforms by maintaining YouTube and Flickr and serving as backup for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,

and other platforms as deemed necessary. Leverages the editorial calendar for the development and

production of social media and audiovisual products that amplify agency messaging.
Establishes and maintains channels of communication through personal contacts with key personnel of

information media (print and broadcast) as well as Federal, State, and local government officials. Assists

top management and Commission offices on Commission issues, as assigned by the OPA Director.
Secures concurrences from other divisions and offices on OPA draft news releases, brochures and other

publications, scripts, videos, infographics and other collateral products; discusses public information

implications of any suggested changes made when necessary; clarifies, points and coordinates revisions

with all divisions concerned, suggests concurrent products or social media to augment the

communication.
Maintains contact with program and other offices in the agency to keep abreast of policy items scheduled

to be brought before the Commission and assesses public interest in and importance of public

participation in those decisions. Develops video, graphical, and social media approaches and

recommends actions to ensure the public, the media and other stakeholders comprehend the basis for,

and implications of the technical decisions made by the Commission and NRC staff, and the

Commission's decision and rulemaking process. Participates in crisis/emergency communication

response activities either via exercises or real-time events
Serves as OPA spokesperson afterhours, including weekends as required.
Attends local and out of town public hearings to inform news media on NRC policies and procedures.
Requirements

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Conditions of employment

You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.

All information in your resume must be true and accurate.

Conditions of Employment:

This is a Drug Testing position
Must be able to meet and maintain security & suitability requirements.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE

is defined as: independently researching and regularly writing news and informational materials- regarding nuclear energy or other technical/scientific topics-and quickly assessing scientific or technical information for news value.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

Demonstrated experience independently researching news reports analyzing news coverage and preparing appropriate responses/rebuttals, writing news releases, communicating via social media and preparation of other written materials intended for the general public on technical matters related to nuclear energy and materials fields. Demonstrated ability to effectively translate complex technical information into plain English using various mediums, including social media platforms.
Experience that demonstrates independently responding to oral or written media and general public inquiries whereby complex scientific, technical and/or regulatory information is translated into plan understandable language, appropriate to the level of expertise of the inquirer and/or their audience.
Demonstrated ability to develop timely and effective communication strategies for managing announcements and issues of interest to the media and general public, and emergent events or incidents. In-depth knowledge of current nuclear energy and materials issues and programs.
Demonstrated ability to interact and work effectively with colleagues, as well as managers and technical staff to obtain information necessary to support public affairs objectives. Experience that demonstrates skills to search and generate stories and information electronically from various print and online information sources.

A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate must be addressed in your resume. The NRC encourages applicants to provide job experience details in your resume. Applicants may also use the supplemental vacancy question to provide additional information pertaining to the specialized experience and ideal candidate criteria.

PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Education

There are no education requirements for this position.

Additional information

This position may be eligible for telework in accordance with agency policy.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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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.

As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees.

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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.