120 Day Assignment - Public Affairs Specialist

Full TimeMD-ABERDEENATC
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Eligibility Requirements

US Citizenship

Career Category

Public Affairs (PAO)

Job Summary

This is an announcement for a Temporary Promotion or Detail not to exceed 120 days to the Office of the Chief of Staff position at the Aberdeen Test Center (ATC), based on your current grade and is open to Current Permanent NH-03s, GS-12/GS-13s and NH-02, GS-09/11’s within ATC.

The mission of the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) is to provide test and test support services for authorized customers, within DoD and outside DoD, including government and non-government organizations, domestic and foreign. Provide comprehensive test and training both real and simulated; provide expert knowledge and technical services including instrumentation application, facility operations, manufacturing and fabrication; exploit emerging technologies; and develop leading-edge instrumentation and test methodologies.

PLACE OF WORK: U.S. Army Test Center (ATC), Office of the Chief of Staff, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. 21005.

Control Point Statement: The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) is participating in an alternate personnel system known as the Acquisition Demonstration Project (AcqDemo). Among other features, the Demonstration Project replaced GS grade levels with occupational families and pay bands. The band NH-03 is equal to the former GS-12 Step 01 through GS-13 step 10. This position is subject to the NH-03 Senior Professional/Evaluator/Test/Analyst control point of the ATEC Control Point Policy at $118,204. ATEC uses salary control points to allow for differentiation in the level of positions within the same broad band. Therefore, the salary for this position will be set no higher than $158,322 including locality.

Job Responsibilities

Serves as the principal advisor to the Commander/Director on public affairs, community relations, command protocol, and Distinguished Visitor (DV) coordination to advance DoW and higher headquarters objectives; plans, develops, and implements strategic communication; oversees customary military and diplomatic protocol; manages local civic partnerships; and directs the full range of logistical and administrative requirements for high level visits. Develops and executes the command’s strategic communication plan to align with DoW and higher headquarters objectives; fosters and sustains mutually beneficial relationships with local civic, business, government, and educational leaders; and plans and coordinates command participation in community events, public speaking engagements, and installation tours to build public trust and understanding of the DoW mission. Serves as the primary spokesperson and media point of contact; prepares press releases and media advisories; and coordinates timely, accurate responses to media queries. Manages the organization’s command information program, including digital platforms, official web presence, and social medial channels. Conducts operational security (OPSEC) and public affairs reviews of all materials proposed for public release to ensure compliance with DoW directives and applicable policy. Advises the Command Group on traditional military customs, courtesies, and diplomatic protocol for official functions, meetings, and social events; plans, coordinates, and executes official ceremonies, including changes of command, promotions, retirements, and awards ceremonies; and manages event logistics to ensure proper seating arrangements, flag placement, receiving lines, and appropriate honors for military, civilian, and local civic dignitaries in accordance with DoW regulations and applicable policy. Manages distinguished visitor engagements, serving as the primary point of contact for general/flag officers, Senior Executive Service members, congressional delegations, foreign dignitaries, and key civilian/community leaders; drafts, coordinates, and finalizes comprehensive visit itineraries aligned with host schedules and visitor objectives; and orchestrates logistics and security—including base access, security clearances, transportation, lodging, facility requirements, and liaison with security forces and administrative staff—to ensure seamless execution in accordance with DoW directives and applicable policy.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Qualification

Must meet the minimum qualifications for the job series, https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1000/public-affairs-series-1035/

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED. You will be evaluated based on your level of competency in the following areas:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Decision-Making

  • Oral and Written Communication

    Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

  • Your resume may be submitted in any format and will be used to determine eligibility and qualifications for this position based on the evaluation criteria described above. For qualifications determinations, your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e. hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.

  • If your resume includes a photograph/inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility/qualifications determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.

  • For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

  • You will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. If determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

Conditions of Employment

1. This position requires that the employee occasionally travel away from the normal duty station up to 20% of the time.

2. May be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include overtime, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Travel Requirements

Up to 20% Travel

QUESTIONS or issues please send us a message with the vacancy announcement URL, position title, and location to:

usarmy.apg.atec.mbx.apgr-atc-s1-personnel@army.mil