PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (T32)

Job Title

Public Affairs Officer
Job Description

Serves as the JFHQ-State Public Affairs Officer, directly reporting to the Adjutant General. Responsible for planning, budgeting, designing, and executing public affairs communications strategies to inform and educate the public about the Army and Air National Guard programs, activities, and services. Serves as the official spokesperson for the Adjutant General on controversial and complex issues. Accurately and promptly responds to information requests from the public and queries from the news media. Interacts and coordinates with multiple state and federal homeland defense and homeland security agencies. Provides expertise, assistance and consultation to the TAG and state National Guard field offices in initiating and maintaining effective working relationships with the general public, specialized groups, the news media and community and governmental entities using National Guard capabilities and services in support of state or federal homeland defense missions. Represents the Adjutant General at meetings with senior level officials of state, NGB, DOD, DA, DAF, State Department, international government agencies and media outlets. Responsible for the content of any and all publicly accessible NG websites emanating in the state or units usually assigned in the state. Prepares articles for publication in internal and external publications reporting on National Guard missions, programs, progress and achievements. Directs special events, ceremonies, tours and other activities intended to develop interest in National Guard programs and to generate positive interaction with the community and the media. Provides professional, seasoned analysis and advice to the Adjutant General, the TAG's staff and senior state National Guard leadership. Evaluates public affairs programs at the JFHQ-State level and in the field and recommends modifications when appropriate. Analyzes and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the JFHQ-State's overall public communications programs at field and HQ level, making changes and adjustments as required to improve performance and effectiveness in meeting objectives. The PAO assesses public opinion or attitudes along with anticipating public reactions to announcements or programs. Supervises and/or oversees a subordinate work force of state and federal military and civilian personnel in the JFHQ-State Public Affairs Office and/or the field or unit PAOs. Plans, schedules and assigns work; develops performance plans and evaluates work performance; identifies training needs; and counsels staff as appropriate. Responsible for quality and quantity of work produced; provides advice and guidance to subordinates on the application of new or changed policy and/or procedures; determines and recommends revision in staffing levels to meet changes in assigned functions and workloads. Performs other duties as assigned.