Summary This position is in Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research and Assessment Communications and Outreach Staff. About ORD This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to the duty station stated in this announcement on a regular basis. *EPA offers work-from-home and work schedule flexibilities as described in the Benefits section. Responsibilities You will: Serves as a senior Agency spokesperson representing EPA at media and other events and communicating directly with members of the regional and national media. Leads the research, writing/editing, and effective distribution of news releases, fact sheets, press advisories and “New Media” content, as well as the coordination with subject matter expert colleagues on the substance of these products, to inform the news media about scientifically, technically or legally complex issues. Advises senior management on the best methods for communicating important EPA work and oversees the development of communications strategies that identify key messaging, and the most effective means and platforms for conveying that messaging, to ensure full public understanding of the work EPA is announcing. When entering a Federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level. One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. citizen. You must submit a resume and required documents--see How to Apply section. This position is designated as Moderate Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date. If you are selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. #LI-Onsite Qualifications NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must have 1 year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level defined as collaborating with or creating partnerships with media representatives to facilitate effective joint communication related to environmental protection programs focused on the impacts of chemical and non-chemical stressors on the environment and human health; and communicating organizational programs, activities and/or functions to general audiences. To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must have 1 year of full-time* specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level defined a collaborating with or creating partnerships with media representatives to facilitate effective joint communication related to environmental protection programs focused on the impacts of chemical and non-chemical stressors on the environment and human health; briefing media representatives on environmental or public policy programs; and developing communication plans, taking into account specific communities or diverse audiences with varying points of view. Your answers to the online assessment will be used to evaluate your competencies in the following areas: Skill in oral communication Ability to assess media needs and develop answers to inquiries Skill in written communication Ability to analyze media and public perception Ability to write in plain language Skill in developing communications strategies Ability to assess coverage and advise senior leaders Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. *If you have part-time work experience, read this: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures. Education Additional Information Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed in the Overview section. EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures. Are you a Displaced Federal Employee? If so, please read the Required Documents section and visit the EPA website for additional information: EPA Announcement Policies and Procedures Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at EPA. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Agency’s workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. At EPA, diversity is a vital element in bringing a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA. You can also hear a diverse group of attorneys talk about their careers at EPA on the Legal Careers at EPA Webinar. If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility. This position is in the bargaining unit.