Public Affairs Specialist (Title 32)(Permanent)

Air National Guard Units

Hampton (VA)

On-site

USD 76,000 - 99,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Air National Guard Units in Virginia seeks a Public Affairs Specialist (Title 32) to manage complex public affairs projects, coordinate media activities, and guide information strategies for wing priorities. The role includes planning community engagement, maintaining digital presence, and producing content for diverse audiences.

The position requires handling sensitive topics, coordinating with DoD personnel and state officials, and serving as Wing Visual Information Manager.

Qualifications

Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such degree. Documentation required.

Responsibilities

Coordinates the planning and development of complex, high level public affairs assignments in support of commander's programs and priorities.
Integrates visual information, social media, community engagement, and media operations to support public affairs objectives.
Responds to information requests and plans community engagement with officials and groups; clears materials on sensitive topics as needed.
Maintains an active web/social media presence and provides photographic/video support for publicity and documentation.

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such degree

Job description

Public Affairs Specialist (Title 32)(Permanent)

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a Public Affairs Specialist (Title 32)(Permanent), Position Description Number D23820000 and is part of the VA 192 FTR WG, National Guard.

Key Responsibilities

As a Public Affairs Specialist (Title 32), GS-1035-11, you will perform the following duties: Coordinates the planning and development of complex, high level public affairs assignments in support of commander's programs and priorities.

Carries out public affairs tasks that support the wing commander's priorities through the integration of visual information, social media, community engagement, command information, communication planning, contingency/crisis response, media operations, environmental, security and policy review, and public affairs resource management activities.

Responds to requests for information, materials and support; and plans and conducts community engagement activities with community officials and groups. This includes providing and/or clearing material concerning controversial unit activities such as hazardous operations, costly acquisitions, and equal opportunity issues upon request by media representatives.

Maintains an active web/social media presence, provides visual information services for documentation and/or publicity purposes and plans and arranges news media coverage. Evaluates the propriety and advisability of agency support of/ participation in local activities, programs, and events.

Researches, drafts, coordinates, produces, and reviews public affairs products such as, web-based content, photographs, videos, news and feature articles, news releases, talking points, fact sheets, briefings, speeches and scripts, newsletters, and other materials. These items are designed with the objective of effectively communicating agency activities, programs, and policies to a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Modifies standard methods and adapts approaches in developing new information materials aimed at enhancing the understanding of groups or individuals of significant issues concerning agency programs. Identifies potential problems or areas of friction and advises management officials concerning the causes of the problems and suggested methods for resolving them.

Maintains effective working relationships with officials of various senior wing leadership, civic, news media, community groups, Department of Defense personnel, as well as local, state and national government officials, and the general public. Attends meetings and maintains professional contacts. Explains public affairs policies and procedures and resolves most problems that arise. Determines appropriate recommendations for unresolved issues and performs follow up.

Participates in special assignments and projects. Maintains effective relationships with DoD personnel, National, State and local officials, to include their respective State PAOs, who are critical target groups, needed to maintain effective working relationships and ongoing communications between the Wing and State. Manages audio visual equipment for section. Appointed as the Wing Visual Information Manager per current DoD directives.

Stays abreast of current visual information methodology and technological developments. Manages budget and procures new equipment and supplies. Plans, organizes, and carries out the visual information program. Provides photographic editing and processing, and video support, for alert missions to include mishaps. Provides historical documentation support. Designs, creates, and assembles materials for presentations, publications, and exhibits.

Selects visual materials such as, photographs and graphics used in the communication of information. Designs the placement and appearance of visual materials; designs the placement of text in relation to art; decides type styles and typographical effects; and, plans effective use of color schemes, textures, and shapes in consideration of technical constraints to particular communication methods for example, printed distribution, exhibit, or oral presentation.

Tailors products to best suit various public forums. Provides guidance and acts as a liaison to visiting non-military organizational photo crews, to include public news media photographers, who request to conduct photography activities. Creates new, adapts, or modifies accepted communication campaign formats to reach a target audience with a specific message.

The selection of a communication campaign format is based on an analysis of targeted audience demographics and message content. After an informational campaign has been implemented, solicited and unsolicited response data is gathered to assess campaign effectiveness in reaching the target audience.

If the campaign's results do not meet expectations, the incumbent identifies concern issues, develops alternatives, and after discussing these with the appropriate administrative personal, implements the most appropriate options. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Education

If you are using Education to qualify for this position, 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 provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Air National Guard Units, Department of the Air Force.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $75788 – $98530/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-28.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Nguard' hiring path.