PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST, Position Description Number D0173000 and is part of the ME MEARNG ELEMENT JFHQ, National Guard.

Qualifications:

Military Grades: O5 & Below

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:Experience, education, or training in administrative, professional, investigative and/or technical work. Experience evaluating information and/or utilizing analytical skills to disseminate effective communication. Experience using computers and automation systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Experience, education, or training involving a thorough knowledge of writing and communication principles, methods and techniques that relate to public affairs of the military. Experience developing new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, brochures, booklets, broadcast spots, etc., that increase communication with the agency's audiences. Experience making on-the-spot presentations to audiences with opposing points of view or erroneous understanding of agency positions. Experience responding timely and appropriately to requests for information concerning agency programs and services.

Responsibilities:

This position is located in State Headquarters. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Public Affairs Specialist responsible for all Army and Air National Guard public, community and media relations programs within the state. The incumbent performs the following duties:--Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates the state Public Affairs (PA) program through media and audience analysis, determines PA program needs and organizational direction to achieve National Guard PA goals. Formulates long range plans, and develops policies to enhance public understanding, support, and acceptance of National Guard(NG) programs and/or activities statewide. Advises the Adjutant General and program managers on sensitive or controversial PA matters.--Develops and writes information materials designed to reach audiences through various media such as wire service, radio, television, and newspaper. Prepares materials specifically to explain or describe NG missions, requirements, capabilities, accomplishments, policies and programs. Written materials include news releases, radio spot and television announcements, fact sheets, feature stories, background statements, special reports, etc. Establishes and implements short and long range plans for print and electronic media programs. Coordinates, supervises, and evaluates media servicing activities.--Targets and services statewide media markets with print, photographic and electronic materials in support of publicizing the National Guard story. Responds to media requests for information of both a routine and controversial nature. Prepares or assembles information kits: edits and rewrites informational material; releases photographs and/or feature stories to news media; studies current issues, coordinates news interviews. and prepares questions to be addressed; arranges photographic and electronic media coverage of newsworthy events involving the National Guard: ensures maintenance of unclassified photo library of appropriate material for news releases; and coordinates public affairs airlift and orientation flights for media representatives. --Provides PA advice to the Adjutant General and staff in support of policies and programs of interest to internal audiences. Analyzes, coordinates, and updates Command Information (CI) plans, policies and programs. Prepares and coordinates special projects to inform all guard members, technicians, families and employers of new policies, programs, or activities. Provides guidance and support to subordinate commands on CI matters. Coordinates CI projects with NGB staff or other agencies as appropriate. Researches and analyzes trends in attitudes and opinions of internal audiences to redevelop/refine CI plans and policies. Oversees production of print and electronic media CI projects. --Advises and assists Unit Public Affairs Representatives (UPARs) and/or other personnel assigned public affairs responsibilities. Develops directives, furnishes policy/procedures, and evaluates subordinate level program effectiveness. Designs, coordinates, and conducts educational and training programs to ensure SPAR knowledge of functional PA programs and activities. Analiyzes AR performance and/or programs to evaluate and increase effectiveness in achieving overall PA objectives. --As the PA representative for the state Adjutant General, establishes and maintains close working relationships with officials of various civic, media, veterans, and community groups, as well as state government officials outside the National Guard. Expands the base of public support through such relationships, and promotes the interests of NG programs which may be at odds with interests of respective groups. --Serves as point of contact with veterans organizations or defense related associations requesting information from the NG. Responds to public requests and develops materials that expound on the nature and purpose of the NG. Also responds to requests for information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). --Assists the ARNG State Recruiting and Retention Manager and ARG Senior Recruiter by providing media placement and print and electronic media support; developing public service announcements and supporting recruiting drives and special events.