Job Title: Press Secretary, MC-1035-3b/3a
Agency: Millennium Challenge Corporation
Job Announcement Number: MCC-518668-11-005-CPA-DE

SALARY RANGE: $83,000.00 - $158,000.00 /year
OPEN PERIOD: Friday, August 12, 2011 to Friday, August 19, 2011
SERIES & GRADE: MC-0301-14/15
POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time Career/Career Conditional
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 15
DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy - Washington DC Metro
Area, DC
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: United States Citizens

Whether you are new to the Federal Government or an experienced professional seeking a career change, visit our Website at http://www.mcc.gov to see the kinds of dynamic projects our staff are undertaking.  If you want a career where you can see the difference your work makes, then join the Millennium Challenge Corporation!
This position is located in the Office of Public Affairs, Department of Congressional and Public Affairs (CPA), Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The mission of the Office of Public Affairs is to engage with key stakeholders and communicate information about Corporation activities, programs, Compact results and policies to the public, the news media, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, academics and think tanks, and other Federal agencies.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:
U.S. Citizenship Required
Background Investigation or Security Clearance
Relocation Expenses Will Not Be Paid
More than one job may be filled if additional vacancies occur within 90 day
Travel maybe required
If selected for interview you will be required to submit a portfolio skip over navigation
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Go to section of this Job:
Job Announcement Number: MCC-518668-11-005-CPA-DE
Control Number: 2355572
Agency Information:
MCC Department of Congressional Public Affairs
875 15th St NW
Washington, DC 20005
Fax: (478)757-3144

Questions about this job:
MCC-HR Applications
Phone: (202)772-6810
Fax: (478)757-3144
Email: HRAPPLICATIONS@MCC.GO

DUTIES
As a Press Secretary you will:
Implement day-to-day press operations including, responding to media and public inquiries.
Develop and implement comprehensive short- and long-term media strategies in liaison with CPA colleagues and other departments.
Provide authoritative advice, counsel and recommendations to senior MCC officials concerning press strategies.
Prepare senior staff for media interviews by providing them with talking points and in-depth briefers.
Prepare MCC press releases, media advisories, tipsheets and fact sheets to promote and inform a variety of audiences of critical MCC programs and operations.   Assists, as necessary, with the preparation of speeches and talking points.
Assist with MCC brand and issue management.
Creatively cultivates new relationships and develops effective 'pitches' in deepening MCC's newsmaker profiles and those of the CEO.
Draft and disseminates high-quality and consistent news releases, blog postings and other media communications.
Prepare and post material for the MCC website and other online and web-based communications as required (RSS news feeds, etc), ensuring that information remains topical and up to date.
Qualifications and Evaluations
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
Qualifying experience for Pay Band 03b includes one year of specialized experience comparable to Pay Band 4a (GS-13) 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. For this position, examples of specialized experience are: Leading and coordinating day-to-day press operations including, responding to media and public inquiries; preparing senior staff for media interviews by providing them with talking points and in-depth briefers; preparing press releases, media advisories and fact sheets to promote and inform a variety of audiences of an organization's programs and operations; and, writing and posting materials for web content and other online and web based communications and, ensuring that information remains topical and up to date. (NOTE: This experience MUST be well documented on your resume or application).  Qualifying experience for Pay Band 03a includes one year of specialized experience comparable to Pay Band 3b (GS-14) 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. For this position, examples of specialized experience are: Managing day-to-day press operations including, responding to media and public inquiries; preparing senior staff for media interviews by providing them with talking points and in-depth briefers; preparing press releases, media advisories and fact sheets to promote and inform a variety of audiences of an organization's programs and operations; and, writing and posting materials for web content and other online and web based communications and, ensuring that information remains topical and up to date. (NOTE: This experience MUST be well documented on your resume or application).

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Once you complete and submit your application package, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the occupational questionnaire. Your resume must specifically and clearly show your possession of the required specialized experience and your possession of the required competencies. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities related to the position such as:

1. Knowledge of communication and public affairs principles, methods, and techniques.
2. Skill in communicating effectively with tact and diplomacy, orally and in writing, to advocate positions and logically and effectively explain programs, functions.
3. Ability to write a variety of articles, press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, talking points and speeches.
4. Skill in preparing senior staff for media interviews by providing them with talking points and in-depth briefers. Based on the information you provide in your application package, we will assign you to one of three quality categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Those applicants who are determined to be best qualified will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. Qualified veterans are placed ahead of non-veterans within each category. Qualified veterans with a service connected disability of 10% or more are placed ahead of non-veterans in the best qualified category.  If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or your responses are not supported by your resume, your score will be adjusted. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.

BENEFITS:

MCC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. More information: http://www.usajobs.gov/ei/benefits.asp#icc

OTHER INFORMATION:

Qualifications by Closing Date: To receive consideration for this position, you must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Please note that qualification claims will be subject to verification.

Probationary Period: You will be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Veterans' Preference: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty or other proof of eligibility (The member 4 copy of your DD-214, or other copies that indicate character of discharge is preferable).

If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference see Veteran's Information Page, USAJOBS - Veterans Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program: If you are an eligible ICTAP applicant you may apply for special selection consideration. You must meet minimum qualifications, including selective factors, experience, and education requirements (if applicable), and be rated well-qualified for the position (i.e., receive a score of 85 or above based on your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire). You must provide a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel actions form with your application.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
Your Resume
A complete Occupational Questionnaire
Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section below)
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, August 19, 2011.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload, complete the cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf using the following Vacancy ID 518668.
Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144.
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status of this position.

If you cannot apply online:
1. Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire, and
2. Print this 1203FX form to provide your response to the occupational questionnaire: http://www.opm.gov./forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf and
3. Fax the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documentations to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
The following documents must be received by the closing date of this announcement:
Resume - Relevant work experience must include: Job title, duties, hours worked per week, starting and ending dates of employment (month and year), and salary.
Responses to Occupational Questionnaire.
Veterans Preference documentation (DD-214 - member 4 copy or other copies that indicate character of discharge or equivalent, SF-15 and VA Letter as appropriate).
Form - Demographic Information on Applicants, OMB No. 3046-0046. This form is available at http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/upload/OMB-3046-0046.pdf (Optional).

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. We will review your résumé and transcript(s) (if appropriate) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and may interview the best-qualified applicants. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation. A final job offer for this position is typically made within 40 days after the closing date of the announcement.  
MCC-HR Applications
Phone: (202)772-6810
Fax: (478)757-3144
Email: HRAPPLICATIONS@MCC.GOV
Agency Information:
MCC Department of Congressional and Public Affairs
875 15th St NW
Washington, DC 20005
Fax: (478)757-3144