Rider University - Press Officer/Senior Press Officer MC -0301-04

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Press Officer/Senior Press Officer MC -0301-04

Millennium Challenge Corporation

Website: http://www.avuedigitalservices.com/mcc/applicant.html
Posting Date: 6/30/2008

Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. Government corporation whose mission is to provide assistance that will support economic growth and poverty reduction in carefully selected developing countries that demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in their citizenry. MCC is rated as one of the top ten places to work in the Federal government by Office of Personnel Management survey.

NOTES:

This position is located in the Public Affairs Division within the Department of Congressional and Public Affairs.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

More than one position may be filled from this vacancy announcement.

Applicants are encouraged to apply soon as a Best Qualified List can be drawn at anytime without prior notification.

This is a career ladder position. The incumbent may be promoted up to the Associate Director (Media Relations) level without further competition. MCC is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at the higher pay band and the continuing need for an employee assigned at the higher pay band.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background investigation, granting of a federal security clearance, and ability to pass a drug test.

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

A one year probationary period is required unless met during prior Federal service. During this time period, employee’s conduct and performance will be monitored in order to determine if the employee will be retained.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Recruitment incentives may be authorized.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

This announcement is being used to consider internal Merit Promotion and external candidates. You will be considered under all categories for which you are eligible.

DUTIES:

Media Relations

· Creatively cultivates new relationships and develops effective 'pitches' in deepening MCC's newsmaker profiles and those of its principal officers.

· Maintains successful relations with a wide variety of media contacts interested in MCC's portfolio of work.

· Reacts (often on quick deadline) to meet requests from reporters and external clients. Identifies and reinforces the most helpful contacts with whom MCC partners to achieve communications goals.

· Navigates the press officer/reporter relationship with ease and utilizes a familiarity with local, international and specialized media of all kinds to best meet the communications needs of the MCC and the external client.

· Manages all aspects of interviews, background sessions and interactions with the full range of reporters and media representatives.

· Serves as agency media spokesperson as appropriate.

· Prepares CEO and senior management for contact with media (interview prep) as necessary.

Writing for Media Publications

· Manages, edits, drafts and reviews material submitted for publication.

· Manages preparation of effective press releases and talking points in preparation for media interviews and public events.

· Oversees the production of informational materials designed for press and media audiences and assists in monitoring and drafting of MCC Web site information for use by press and external audiences to ensure that posted information is accurate and up-to-date.

· Prepares written releases, articles, and background materials on own initiative. Assists in assigning stories and performs general quality control.

· Assists with preparation of annual reports and other public documents as appropriate.

· Assists as necessary with the preparation of speeches and talking points covering various topics. Conducts complex and exhaustive research into all MCC programs and controversial issues and is familiar with all MCC operations, missions, and policies in order to develop appropriate corporate messages for both internal and external audiences.

Communication and Information Dissemination

· Executes, reviews and evaluates existing media strategies and communication plans for disseminating information about MCC programs for a wide variety of media and public audiences.

· Determines the most expeditious and appropriate avenues for disseminating information to the public and arranges for mass dissemination of information materials.

· Ensures that information that is disseminated is absolutely accurate, complete, intellectually honest, and that sensitive or classified information is protected from unauthorized disclosure.

· Establishes and maintains a network of subject matter experts within MCC to act as quality information sources about frequently recurring topics on operational, legal, budgetary, and policy issues.

· Establishes and maintains working relationships with outside groups in achieving understanding with individuals indifferent to or having opposing points of view to MCC programs and policies.

Promotional Material Preparation and Review

·Independently drafts, edits, reviews, and proofreads a full range of informational and promotional materials (e.g., brochures, fliers, press releases, fact sheets, announcements, and letters).

· Materials may be characterized by unusual or complex details or requirements.

Assist with Media Considerations for Marketing, Publicity, and Promotional Events

· Assists in coordination of media aspects of public events and marketing strategies.

· Identifies opportunities to educate stakeholder audiences about MCC by carefully targeting and negotiating press opportunities that enhance the public messaging goals of MCC.

· Arranges on-site media coverage and coordinates all aspects of media interaction during the pre and post-event.

SCREEN OUT ELEMENT(S):

Experience in working inside a media organization or dealing directly as an organization's principal contact with media representatives, journalists, publicists and/or communications professionals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES :

Experience and familiarity with issues relevant to foreign assistance and developing economies (esp. non-conflict countries).

Experience in writing and editing speeches, promotional materials news releases, fact sheets, brochures and similar media documents.

Experience in applying analytical techniques in gathering and evaluating complex data, and determining appropriate method, media, and audience for intended communication.

Experience in using design and publication software to make brochures and reports ready for Web and print publication.

Self-starter; requires minimal supervision and pro-actively seeks winning solutions in advancing organization's communications goals.

Experience working directly with diverse groups within an organization.

MINIMUM FEDERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifying experience for MCC-04 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-9 or an equivalent 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 specialized experience include effective interaction with media and press contacts, performing work in public affairs programs; preparing stories and typing speeches, news releases, promotional materials, brochures, etc.; assisting in community relations or media relations; and planning special events.

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement for MC-04 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.

BASIS OF RATING

Candidates who meet the basic qualification requirements for this vacancy will be rated according to Category Rating Procedures. This means that candidates will be assigned to a pre-defined quality category based on their application and veteran preference. Generally, only candidates in the top quality category will be referred to the hiring manager.

Individuals with veteran's preference will be placed ahead of other applicants within each rating category. Preference-eligible veterans who have at least a 10 percent compensable service-connected disability, and who have met the basic qualification requirements, will be placed ahead of other applicants in the highest category for all but professional and scientific positions at the GS-09 or equivalent and above. For this type of position veterans will be placed ahead of other applicants in the category to which they are assigned based upon rating of their application.

There may be two or three quality categories: If three, they will be Highly Qualified, Well Qualified and Qualified. If two, they will be Highly Qualified and Qualified.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:

The MCC does not recognize academic degrees from schools that are not accredited. A check as to whether any academic degree you have achieved was obtained from an accredited college or university will be conducted as part of the on-line application process. Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service.

Applicants submitting proof documents can electronically attach them, or scan and attach them, to the employment application. If this is not possible, copies of documents can be faxed to 253-573-9869, or mailed to the following address: MCC, c/o Avue Technologies Corporation, ATTN: Direct Services, 1145 Broadway Plaza, Suite 800, Tacoma, WA 98402. All faxed or mailed proof documents must be identified with applicant's name and vacancy announcement number.

Applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

Applicants must meet all of the general qualification requirements listed in order to receive consideration for this position. Also, demonstration of work supporting the general qualifications and KSAs MUST be documented and reflected in your work history within the body of your profile. Reference to an attached resume does not fulfill this requirement. Failure to provide this information will result in the application not being given consideration for the position.

All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, handicapping condition, membership in an employee organization, or any other non-merit factors.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation 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 corporation. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

BENEFITS: MCC offers a wide array of benefits to its employees. Your type of appointment determines the benefits for which you are eligible.

MCC participates in the WMATA SmartBenefits Program. Employees are provided with a tax-free or pre-tax transit benefit up to $110 per month and a Metro parking lot benefit of $90 per month to cover the cost of parking at metro station lots.

Health Insurance - As a MCC employee, you may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, which offers over 100 optional plans. MCC pays a portion of your premiums. Your portion is paid with pre-tax dollars.

Life Insurance - The Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) offers numerous life insurance options covering employees and dependents.

Flexible Spending Accounts - the Federal Flexible spending Accounts program (FSAFeds) allows you to pay for certain health and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Retirement Program - New employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan. The three tiers are: Social Security Benefits, Basic Benefits Plan, and Thrift Savings Plan. If you are transferring from another agency and covered by Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), you may continue in this program.

The Federal leave program offers exceptional time off benefits, including annual leave, sick leave, a leave share program and ten (10) paid holidays per year.

Other benefits include convenient location to metro, eligibility to join State Department Federal Credit Union, and free use of an on-site gym and locker room with shower facility.

As a condition of employment, all male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service. If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.

The Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) gives veterans access to job vacancies that might otherwise be closed to them. The law allows eligible veterans to compete for vacancies advertised under an agency's promotion procedures when the agency is seeking applications from outside of its own workforce.

Generally, preference is granted to veterans who entered military service prior to October 14, 1976; or served on active duty during the period from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, and who are otherwise eligible; or who have served in a military action for which they received a Campaign Badge or Expeditionary Medal. This includes the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) awarded to those who participated in Operation Joint Endeavor or Operation Joint Guard. Also, you may be entitled to veterans' preference if you are a disabled veteran; you have received a Purple Heart; you are the spouse or mother of a disabled veteran; or you are the widow, widower, or mother of a deceased veteran. You will need to submit a Standard Form (SF) 15 and proof of your claim.

If you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, or you are applying for consideration under the Veteran Employment Opportunity Act or Veteran Readjustment Authority, attach a copy of your DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" or other proof of eligibility. If you are applying for consideration under the 30% or more Disabled Veteran Authority, you must attach a SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form.

If you are an eligible Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant you may apply for special selection over other applicants for this position. Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position. To be well qualified, applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.

SALARY RANGE: $57,000.00-$99,000.00
CLOSE DATE: None
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: MCC-08-0074
OPENING DATE: 6-26-2008
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 03
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: US citizens
WORK SCHEDULE: Full Time
TIME LIMIT: Permanent - No time limit
CONTACT NAME: Help Desk
CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: (253) 573-1877 x209
CONTACT EMAIL: www.avuedigitalservices.com/mcc/applicant.html