Communications Specialist

Architect of the Capitol

• Email Address: jcunning@aoc.gov
• Phone: 202-226-5553
• Posting Date: 6/2/2008

This is a re-posting of vacancy announcement number CVC 2008-168 as a result of technical difficulties with the process for submitting applications. To be considered for this vacancy, you MUST re-apply under this announcement number.

This is a federal position and will start out assigned as a Communications Specialist with the Capitol Guide Service and then transition as a Communications Specialist with the Architect of the Capitol, Office of the CEO for Visitor Services, as part of the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC).

THIS POSITION IS BEING FILLED THROUGH AN ON-LINE APPLICATION SYSTEM.

To apply, go to http://www.avuedigitalservices.com/aoc/applicant.html (Be sure URL is typed in all lower case).

Any additional required forms must be attached as text or image files to your online job application; forms received by fax, email, or U.S. Postal Service delivery will not be accepted.

If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact the employing office for alternate application procedures. Please call 202-226-7000.

ANNOUNCEMENT CLOSES AT 11:59 PM ON THE CLOSING DATE.

Selected applicants will receive a benefits package in addition to the base salary.

DUTIES:(The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position)

The incumbent serves as a Communication Specialist for the United States Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). The incumbent is responsible for specific communications functions for the CVC that will fulfill its mission of security, visitor comfort, and education as stated in the charter.

Identifies specialized requirements to support internal and external communication initiatives for the CVC. Works with the Marketing and Communications Manager in developing and implementing plans for information dissemination including a variety of descriptive information about the CVC's mission and issues affecting the CVC. Ensures that an inventory of printed materials addressing CVC-related issues is maintained and appropriately distributed. Develops the communications aspects of operational plans and procedures to organize activities for special events and visits by important guests.

Provides internal communication support to CVC operations team, working at the direction of the Deputy CEO for Visitor Services. Contributes content and writes press releases and other media related materials for review by the CVC Marketing and Communications Manager.

Reviews public program information to ensure 'voice' and 'tone' are computable with the CVC's mission. Solicits information from staff to update the content on the CVC website. Authors internal communication pieces, such as facility and operational updates, etc. Works on specific communication projects as directed, such as CVC fact sheets and issues-based talking points.

Researches and/or analyzes unstable or complex program issues that are related to supporting both the internal and external communication requirements of the CVC. Based on conditions and factors that relate to the subject program and related programs, determines what information is required, and collects it from many sources. Reviews information, reconciles conflicting data, and devises new or modified methods to analyze findings. Develops recommendations and proposals.

Manages special projects involving gathering the right people together to solve an issue or plan for an event. This involves articulating the issue, ensuring issues are discussed in full at meetings, and managing the process until the issue is resolved. Accomplishes actions involved in completing assigned projects and recommending priorities. Makes decisions in the administration of the work within broad overall Agency policy and makes appropriate recommendations to the Deputy CEO on program and operational changes.

Supports the Marketing and Communication Manager with external liaison relationships as required. Applies knowledge of challenges involved in managing the CVC to achieve effective relationships between the CVC, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Congressional oversight committees and other organizations in an effort to promote and advance CVC programs and operations. Accomplishes or directs the actions involved in completing assigned projects, redirecting work, and establishing priorities. Makes decisions in the administration of the work within broad overall Agency policy and makes appropriate recommendations to the CVC Deputy Director on program and operational changes.

Provides tours of the CVC to special guests and visitors, as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:(The KSAs below may not apply at all grades)

Knowledge of communication principles, methods, and techniques in support of programs for an organization.

Ability to manage special projects in support of communication initiatives for an organization.

Ability to plan and execute work.

Ability to communicate in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Ability to meet and deal with others.

MINIMUM FEDERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Grade 9: Qualifying experience for the GS-9 level includes one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-7 level which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples of applicable specialized experience are: performing work related to public and internal communication activities for an organization, such as gathering information for both internal and external distribution, assisting with developing communication plans, and coordinating routine information about agency programs.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement for the GS-9 level may be met by two (2) full academic years of graduate level education or completion of all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements.

Grade 11: Qualifying experience for the GS-11 level includes one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to GS-9 which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples of applicable specialized experience are: performing work related to supporting public and internal communication activities for an organization, such as coordinating information for both internal and external distribution, independently developing basic communication plans, and independently coordinating information about agency programs.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: Experience requirements at the GS-11 level may be met by three (3) full academic years of graduate level education or the successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements.

Grade 12: Qualifying experience for the GS-12 level includes one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-11 level which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples of applicable specialized experience are: performing work related to managing public and internal communication activities for an organization, such as coordinating complex and detailed information for both internal and external distribution, developing communication plans in support of complex or highly-visible operations, coordinating information about agency programs, monitoring public information programs, etc.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:

Applications submitted by any form of mail delivery will not be accepted.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.

The Office of the Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Office prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, color, age, national origin, or disability.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Moving expenses are not authorized.

Relocation expenses are not authorized.

BENEFITS: A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holiday; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities, etc.

The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or must be authorized to work in the United States.

Selectee(s) is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency.