PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

About the role

IOWA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD - TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION This position is restricted to current Military members of the Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard willing and eligible to become a member of the Iowa Army National Guard. Please contact a recruiter at (515)252-4888 to verify military membership eligibility. LOCATION: CSAR, Johnston, IA

What you will do

• As a PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST, GS-1035-9 your duties are below.
• Develops news releases and feature articles describing Guard sponsored activities or events, presentation ceremonies, etc. Distributes these to local and national print and broadcast media representatives.
• Responds orally and in writing to requests for information from Guard members, member associations, external audiences or special interest groups.
• Determines the sensitivity of data requested and if data is determined to be sensitive or controversial.
• Coordinates data release with a senior Public Affairs (PA) Specialist.
• Evaluates local media programming on NG events, activities or communication campaigns to identify potential public relation issues with message content or format.
• Once identified, advises management on potential causes of the problem and forwards suggestions for resolving them.
• Gathers data on public reaction to communication campaigns for analyses and evaluation.
• When the evaluation is completed, draws the appropriate conclusions and from these develops and submits recommendations to the PAO for improving the campaign's appeal to the general public or target audience.
• Prepares and disseminates news releases and feature articles to the media for print.
• Selects and incorporates photographs, film footage, etc., into the release or article to visually enhance the message with viewers.
• Consults with the pertinent program specialist to obtain the latest information for use in news releases, radio spots, print articles, meetings and electronic broadcasts.
• Develops semi-technical written materials to educate a specific audience on the nature and purpose of the NG's programs, policies and practices.
• Develops positive working relationships with state and local government personnel, community or special interest groups or individuals desiring input on state level NG policy, practices or programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• This is an excepted position that requires military membership in a compatible military assignment in the Iowa Army National Guard.
• Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
• Acceptance of this excepted position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
• APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11/13/2026 .
• FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION.
• Please refer to the Qualifications and Evaluations Section of this Announcement to understand the qualification requirements, and the How to Apply Section for detailed instruction on applying.
• TRIAL PERIOD REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period or 1-year (Veterans Preference Eligibles Only) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: Your performance and conduct.
• The needs and interests of the agency.
• Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Employment is subject to attaining and maintaining a clearance as required by this position.
• If the selectee does not possess the applicable security clearance when hired, application must be made within 30 days of the start date.
• Failure to make application for the required security clearance will result in termination of employment.
• Failure to complete prescribed courses may be cause for reassignment or termination of FTS.
• Military Rank Requirements: OFFICERS, WARRNAT OFFICERS, and ENLISTED MEMBERS (O-3 and Below)

Education

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience - master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related To receive credit for education, you must provide college transcripts to support your educational claims.

How you will be evaluated

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found to be among the qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words.

You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed above.

Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for this position: Knowledge and skill sufficient to assist in the planning, writing and editing of feature news and technical articles for release to interested internal or external audiences.

Knowledge of target audience lifestyles, interests and activities sufficient to identify the most effective methods by which data on informational campaign effectiveness can be obtained for evaluation.

Knowledge of and skill in applying communication campaign development methods and practices to advise program managers on the most effective approaches to message formatting and delivery to a specific or general audience.

Knowledge and skill sufficient to establish and maintain effective working relationships with groups or individuals interested in having input on NG programs, policies or activities. Knowledge of the principals and methods of mass communication and skill in applying or adapting these principals and methods to recurring assignments.

Knowledge of and skill in applying public speaking skills to engagements where NG programs, activities, objectives and policies are discussed and the audience's reaction gauged

Documents you must provide

• Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (format should include Month and Year) of employment and duties performed.
• Additional Supporting Documents (if applicable): Cover Letter, Transcripts, DD 214, SF-50, ect.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

Additional information

ENLISTMENT CASH BONUSES: Acceptance of a technician position may affect any bonus and/or educational assistance that may be applicable. Please contact your Education Office prior to accepting a position with the Iowa Army National Guard. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (***).