Client Communications Specialist

Summary

As a Client Communications Specialist, you will manage and anticipate the client’s communications needs as well as to support and promote GSA programs and services through a variety of communication strategies.

Location of position: GSA, Office of Strategic Communication located in GSA’s Regional office in Philadelphia, PA.

We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.

This job is open to

• Individuals with disabilities
• Federal employees – Competitive service

  Current or former competitive service federal employees.

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

  Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.

• Land & base management

  Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.

• Military spouses
• Family of overseas employees

  Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.

• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
• Special authorities

  Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.

• Veterans

Clarification from the agency

Your application will be considered if you are a:
Current career/career-conditional Federal employee in the competitive service; Reinstatement eligible; Special Appointing Authority eligible; VEOA eligible Veteran; ICTAP/CTAP eligible; or OPM Interchange Agreement eligible.

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Duties

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The Office of Strategic Communication is responsible for using communication to help the agency meet its mission and business goals.

As a Client Communications Specialist, you will manage and anticipate the client’s communications needs as well as to support and promote GSA programs and services through a variety of communication strategies, ensuring consistent branding. You will perform the following duties:

GS-11 Duties:

• Serve as a liaison between the client and Office of Strategic Communication to provide strategic advice and direction regarding the client’s communications needs.
• Develop an understanding of the clients’ business and business needs.
• Asses and improve the effectiveness and management of GSA written communication initiatives, processes and systems.
• Write, edit, and distribute written materials covering GSA and/or client programs.
• Prepare or edit informational and educational material such as newsletters, handbooks, brochures, web content and other publications.
• Research background data and interviews sources to write material for newsletters and websites.
• Research, write and edit professional communication materials, including news and feature stories, formal presentations, communication and project plans, video scripts and storyboards, talking points, white papers, and other materials for use by various clients.
• Develop finished written and/or visual products (including signage, videos, and webpages) that articulate, interpret, and explain highly complex and important agency and/or client policies, programs, research findings.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• US Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
• Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
• Meet time-in-grade within 30 days of the closing date, if applicable
• Register with Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
• Direct Deposit of salary check to financial organization required.

If selected, you must meet the following conditions:

• Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or NonCareer SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
• Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
• Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
• You must be granted this clearance before you can start the job.
• Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security’s e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
• This position has job functions that must be executed within a specific geographic location. Position allows for routine telework. The official duty station is a federal facility, leased space, or an alternative worksite (typically the employee’s home). Positions include routine telework work arrangements that are geographically specific to the location listed below. The duty station must be a physical address (not a PO Box) located within approximately a 50 miles radius of the geographic areas listed/described.
  • Mid-Atlantic Region – 100 Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Qualifications

For each job on your resume, provide:

• the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
• number of hours per week you worked (if part time).

If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.

For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.

The GS-11 salary range starts at $75,833.00 per year.

If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.

To qualify for the GS-11, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or higher in the Federal service.

Specialized experience is providing advice and guidance on an organization’s communications to both external and internal customers; assisting in developing and implementing communication strategies; assisting in facilitating stakeholder meetings; creating and presenting briefing materials; developing various communication materials such as: publication articles, newsletters, fact sheets, position papers, information on websites, video storyboards and videos.
OR

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
or

3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or

LL.M., if related

You must have a combination of graduate level education beyond the first 2 years of graduate study and appropriate experience that together meet the qualification requirements for this position.

Education

Note: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

An existing writing sample may be requested to be submitted to the selecting official for the interview process.

Bargaining Unit Status: To be determined after selection

– This position is eligible for the bargaining unit

If you are selected at a grade lower than the full performance level, you may be promoted up to that grade level without having to re-apply or compete against other applicants.

Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.

Travel expenses associated with interviews may be approved. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:

• Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government
• Relocation incentive if you are a current federal employee
• Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government

Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area.

GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including:

• Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
• Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.

Our commitment is:

• Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
• Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and
• Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.

• Benefits

  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.

  You will have access to many benefits including:

  • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
  • Life insurance coverage with several options
  • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
  • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Transit and child care subsidies
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Training and development

  Review our benefits

  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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your overall possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities. Your responses to these questions must be supported by your resume or your score may be lowered.

GS-11 KSA’s:

1. Skill in effective interpersonal skills.
2. Ability to apply client relationship management tools, initiatives and evolving software tools that aid in varied business assessments and client needs management.
3. Knowledge of established communications concepts, methods, principles and practices.
4. Ability to apply project management techniques and ability to manage projects, priorities and requirements with competing deadlines.
5. Ability to apply qualitative and/or quantitative methods.
6. Ability to apply written communications skills.
7. Ability to apply oral communications skills.
8. Skill utilizing tools and technology, as well as established protocols required to prepare newsletters, webinars, client conferences, formal briefing papers, reports, etc.

Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.

Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume so that information will be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

• Benefits

  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.

  You will have access to many benefits including:

  • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
  • Life insurance coverage with several options
  • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
  • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Transit and child care subsidies
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Training and development

  Review our benefits

  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.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.

  ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.

  Your resume showing applicant’s name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.

  Note: If required to submit an SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action), an equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form is acceptable. The SF-50 or equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form must show all of the following: effective date, position, title, series, grade, and rate of basic pay, tenure group 1 (career) or 2 (career-conditional), position occupied group, and name of agency. If you are a GSA employee (except in the OIG), you are not required to submit an SF-50.

  If you are a 30% or more disabled veteran, VEOA or VRA applicant or qualified spouse, widow/widower, or parent:

  (a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.
  (b) If you are a disabled veteran, or are applying under VRA or VEOA as a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).

  If you are active duty military– Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).

  If you are a current Federal employee or Reinstatement Eligible: Submit your latest SF-50.

  If you are eligible under an Interchange Agreement: Submit your latest SF-50.

  If you are a former Peace Corp or VISTA volunteer: Submit your Description of Service.

  If you are a current or former Land Management Agency Employee – Submit a and b:

  (a) one or more SF-50s, including your most recent one that shows you were on a competitive time-limited appointment(s) with a Land Management Agency and served on the appointment for a period(s) totaling more than 24 months without a break of 2 or more years.

  (b) Copy of your agency’s annual performance appraisal(s) or written reference(s) from a supervisor at the agency verifying satisfactory performance during your appointment(s).

  If you have a disability: Submit proof of eligibility. For information on eligibility and required documentation, refer to USAJOBS’s People With Disabilities page.

  If you are applying under another special appointment authority: Submit proof of your eligibility under the appropriate appointment authority. See USAJOBS for more information.

  If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible – submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.

  If you are a current or former political appointee: Submit your SF-50.

  College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student’s name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

  For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.

  To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.

  • Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
  • Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
  • Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
  • Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the “USAJOBS” link to complete the transfer process).

  Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.

  Agency contact information

  Toni Douglas

  Phone

  706-662-0769

  TDD

  800-877-8339

  Fax

  111-111-1111

  Email

  toni.douglas@gsa.gov

  Address

  GSA, Office of Strategic Communication General Services Administration OHRM, HR Services Staff Offices Center 1800 F Street NW Room 1100 Washington, District of Columbia 20405 United States

  Next steps

  After the closing date/deadline:

  1. ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
  2. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
  3. SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
  4. FINAL JOB OFFER:Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
  5. FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.

  Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.

Your resume showing applicant’s name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.

Note: If required to submit an SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action), an equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form is acceptable. The SF-50 or equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form must show all of the following: effective date, position, title, series, grade, and rate of basic pay, tenure group 1 (career) or 2 (career-conditional), position occupied group, and name of agency. If you are a GSA employee (except in the OIG), you are not required to submit an SF-50.

If you are a 30% or more disabled veteran, VEOA or VRA applicant or qualified spouse, widow/widower, or parent:

(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.
(b) If you are a disabled veteran, or are applying under VRA or VEOA as a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).

If you are active duty military– Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).

If you are a current Federal employee or Reinstatement Eligible: Submit your latest SF-50.

If you are eligible under an Interchange Agreement: Submit your latest SF-50.

If you are a former Peace Corp or VISTA volunteer: Submit your Description of Service.

If you are a current or former Land Management Agency Employee – Submit a and b:

(a) one or more SF-50s, including your most recent one that shows you were on a competitive time-limited appointment(s) with a Land Management Agency and served on the appointment for a period(s) totaling more than 24 months without a break of 2 or more years.

(b) Copy of your agency’s annual performance appraisal(s) or written reference(s) from a supervisor at the agency verifying satisfactory performance during your appointment(s).

If you have a disability: Submit proof of eligibility. For information on eligibility and required documentation, refer to USAJOBS’s People With Disabilities page.

If you are applying under another special appointment authority: Submit proof of your eligibility under the appropriate appointment authority. See USAJOBS for more information.

If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible – submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.

If you are a current or former political appointee: Submit your SF-50.

College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student’s name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.

To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.

• Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
• Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
• Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
• Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the “USAJOBS” link to complete the transfer process).

Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.

Agency contact information

Toni Douglas

Phone

706-662-0769

TDD

800-877-8339

Fax

111-111-1111

Email

toni.douglas@gsa.gov

Address

GSA, Office of Strategic Communication General Services Administration OHRM, HR Services Staff Offices Center 1800 F Street NW Room 1100 Washington, District of Columbia 20405 United States

Next steps

After the closing date/deadline:

1. ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
2. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
3. SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
4. FINAL JOB OFFER:Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
5. FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.

Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request