Public Affairs Specialist/Speechwriter - Senior/Full Performance Level

WE ARE THE NRO

For sixty years, the NRO has developed, acquired, launched and operated the satellites that are the foundation for America’s advantage and strength in space. Using a diversified architecture of spacecraft, NRO collects and delivers the best space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance content on the planet.

Learn more at NRO.gov.

Basic Eligibility for a Position with the NRO

• You must be a U.S. Citizen
• You must be 18 years of age or older
• You must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
• You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic drug testing
• You will be subject to pre-employment and periodic polygraph examinations

Where You Will Work

The NRO develops, acquires, launches, and operates the world’s best intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites to secure and expand America’s advantage in space. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the speechwriter, in the NRO Office of Public Affairs, for the NRO Director,

Principal Deputy Director and Deputy Director. The speechwriter will provide executive writing support to NRO senior leadership for all engagements to include public, congressional, industry, interagency, and internal communications. In additional to formal speeches, duties may also include writing/editing,

talking points, scripts, fact sheets/white papers, articles, weekly activity reports, letters and emails to the workforce.

The NRO Cadre is collecting resumes for consideration against current and future opportunities for Senior/Full Performance Level (GG-14 or GG-13), Public Affairs Specialist/Speechwriter, occupational series 1035. For information on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) occupational series, click here.

Your resume may be considered for other positions which your skills and experience may be a good match.

This is a full-time position that is open from December 5, 2023 to December 19, 2023. Resumes must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on December 19th, 2023.

Who May Apply

• This position is open to the public.
• Federal government employees MUST currently be at the grade level or higher as indicated in this announcement. This is NOT a promotion opportunity for current Federal government employees. If selected for the position, Federal government employees will transition laterally at their current grade level and step.
• Federal applicants who exceed the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade per IAW DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006.
• The NRO is only accepting external applicants for this job announcement. Current NRO Cadre employees should apply internally.

What You Will Be Doing

As the Speechwriter you will be responsible for the following duties:

• Manages writing projects from initial concept to delivery.
• Develops and maintains schedule.
• Writes speeches and talking points for the Director and agency leadership for events big and small, anchored in established message framework.
• Collaborates with stakeholders on content.
• Independently researches topics. Leads clearance process.
• Handles multiple duties, sets priorities and meets deadlines.
• Writes, edits and proofreads copy for a full spectrum of communications including speeches, emails, official correspondence, digital advertisements, brochures, and web content.
• Composes messages to staff, partners, and external audiences that provide timely, relevant information while building connections.
• Coordinates materials with partner agencies for shared events or engagements.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Need

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to produce concise products that clearly and logically convey complex information and ideas.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to think strategically, identify needs and requirements, balance competing priorities, and develop recommendations and solutions.
• Proven ability to work with senior officials and build and sustain professional networks in a diverse, fast-paced, multi-task environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in communications strategy development and brand journalism approach to content creation.
• Outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to work effectively, independently, and in a team or collaborative environment.

Desired Qualifications

• At least 10 years relevant experience in a comparable industry, and/or Masters degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or related field.
• Knowledge of the NRO and Intelligence Community's missions, disciplines, and functions.
• Direct experience writing and editing using the Associated Press Style Guide.

Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform and is typically in or directly related to the duties of the position as described above. Experience must be reflected in your resume.

Other Information

• Overtime Statement: MAY be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Travel Statement: MAY be required to travel in military or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.

Location

Chantilly, VA

Salary

2023 salary range for the Washington, DC area:

GG-14: $132,368 – $172,075

GG-13: $112,015 – $145,617

**This position is a Senior/Full Performance Level DCIPS position. The NRO is accepting applications from U.S. Citizens and current federal government employees for this position. To qualify for the position, federal government employees MUST currently be at the GG-13 or GG-14 grade level and may ONLY apply for a lateral reassignment at their current grade level and step. Federal applicants who exceed the advertised grade may voluntarily request acceptance at the lower grade per IAW DoD 1400.25 Volume 2006.

Hiring Incentives

The NRO may offer hiring incentives and other entitlements at management’s discretion.

Trial Period

All new DCIPS employees will be required to serve a 2-year trial period.

Veterans’ Preference

DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans’ Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Vol 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans’ preference, as defined by section 2108 of Title 5 USC, you must submit documents verifying your eligibility upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:

• An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please send your request to Hiring@nro.mil.

Privacy Act Notice

Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): We use this information to determine qualifications for employment. This is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.

Read more about the Privacy Act of 1974

zsLxKBujjH