USA Staffing

Position Title: Public Affairs Specialist (Speechwriter)
Agency: Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
Announcement Number: 24-HUD-690-P Opens in new window
Open Period: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 to Tuesday, March 5, 2024

For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.

1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?

A. No, I do not claim Veterans' Preference

B. 0-point Sole Survivorship Preference (SSP)

C. 5-point preference based on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (TP)

D. 10-point preference for non-compensable disability or Purple Heart (XP)

E. 10-point preference based on a compensable service connected disability of at least 10% but less than 30% (CP)

F. 10 point preference based on widow/widower or parent of a deceased veteran, or spouse or parent of a disabled veteran (XP)

G. 10-point preference based on a compensable service connected disability of 30% or more (CPS)

2. Are you a surplus or displaced Federal employee eligible under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)? Click CTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents you must submit in order to be eligible.

A. Yes

B. No

3. Are you a displaced Federal employee eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)? Click ICTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents you must submit in order to be eligible.

A. Yes

B. No

1. Are you currently serving or have served in the last five years in a Political Appointment in the Federal Government?

A. Yes

B. No

2. If you were born a male after December 31, 1959, and are at least 18 years of age, have you registered with the Selective Service System (select "Not applicable" if this question does not apply to you)?

A. Yes

B. No

C. No, but I have an approved exemption

D. Not applicable

3. Are you a current Federal employee?

A. Yes

B. No

4. If you are, or ever were a Federal civilian employee, indicate the pay plan and grade level or pay band of the highest graded position you have ever held. (limit 250 characters)

5. I am interested in having my application shared with other HUD hiring managers. I understand that electing this option will not impact my chances of selection from this vacancy announcement and does not guarantee that a similar vacancy announcement will be opened by another hiring manager for which I can be considered or selected. Please select one or more of the following HUD Program Offices that you authorize to receive your application information. If you do not wish for your application to be shared, please select "Please do not share my application information with other HUD hiring managers.

A. Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships

B. Congressional/Intergovernmental Relations

C. Ginnie Mae (GNMA)

D. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration

E. Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)

F. Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO)

G. Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)

H. Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO)

I. Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD)

J. Office of Departmental Equal Employment Opportunity (ODEEO)

K. Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO)

L. Office of Field Policy and Management (FPM)

M. Office of General Counsel (OGC)

N. Office of Housing

O. Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH)

P. Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R)

Q. Office of Public Affairs (OPA)

R. Office of the Secretary

S. Public and Indian Housing (PIH)

T. Please do not share my application information with other HUD hiring managers.

Specialized Experience for the GS-13 grade level is one year (52 full weeks) of experience at the GS 12 level, or equivalent, that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as ALL of the following:

- Researching, writing, and editing speeches, briefings, press releases, articles, publications, reports and other materials; and
- Communicating to diverse audiences, applying the appropriate tone, voice and writing style, using industry standards such as the Elements of Style and the Associated Press Stylebook; and
- Providing communications advice and performing editorial reviews of sensitive material for high-level officials; and
- Reviewing and finalizing written products for clarity, accuracy, appropriateness for audience, grammar, and consistency.

Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).

1. Do you have one year (52 full weeks) of experience at the GS-12 grade level, or equivalent, as described above?

A. Yes

B. No

2. Please indicate where in your resume your experience can be supported by listing date(s) and name(s) of employer(s)/organization(s) (limit 250 characters)

3. Select the statement(s) below that describes your work experience and demonstrates your knowledge of producing, communicating, and disseminating information and ideas. (Select all that apply)

A. I have researched, developed, and prepared authoritative data, original articles, speeches, correspondence, and other informational materials.

B. I have developed and edited, clear, succinct written materials for presentation to a variety of audiences to include Congress, special interest groups, government agencies and the public.

C. I have determined how to develop and present new or potentially controversial information.

D. I have drafted, edited, and finalized briefings and reports to communicate policies and procedures to internal and external stakeholders.

E. I have ensured all speeches and other communications from senior officials represent the organizations policies and objectives

F. None of the above.

4. I have work experience communicating information that affects the image and public understanding of organizational policies or regulations.

A. I do not have education, training, or experience communicating information that affects the image and public understanding of organizational policies or regulations.

B. I have had education or training in how to communicate information that affects the image and public understanding of organizational policies or regulations.

C. I have communicated information that affects the image and public understanding of organizational policies or regulations. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures. In this role, I assisted in gathering and organizing information and supported the editing process under supervision.

D. As a regular part of a job, I've been responsible for writing, editing, and coordinating presentations and materials related to organizational policies and regulations. I have performed this task independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.

E. I've been actively involved in managing and leading the creation and communication of materials that promote and explain organizational policies and regulations. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist or train them in doing this task because of my expertise.

5. I have work experience modifying or developing new methods for presenting information to maximize understanding and minimize confusion and controversy among intended audiences.

A. I have work experience modifying or developing new methods for presenting information to maximize understanding and minimize confusion and controversy among intended audiences.

B. I have had education or training in how to modify or develop new methods for presenting information but have not yet performed it on the job. I have a basic understanding of the principles involved.

C. I have assisted in modifying and developing presentation methods and materials under supervision. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.

D. I have been responsible for creating and editing materials to enhance understanding and clarity among audiences. I have performed this task independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.

E. I have led initiatives to create innovative presentation methods that effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences. I have supervised the performance of this task and am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist or train them in developing methods for presenting information that maximize understanding and minimize controversy.

6. Select the statement(s) below that describes your technical and non-technical writing experience. (Check all that apply).

A. Preparing written background material for internal and external use to explain complex programs.

B. Writing and editing workforce messages, correspondence and other informational material to articulate policies and programs.

C. Compiling information, determining what information to use and reconciling contradictions.

D. Ensuring written material is consistent with organizational mission and objectives.

E. Establishing and maintaining an electronic file of speeches and related information.

F. None of the above.

7. Select the statement(s) below that best describes your experience writing technically sound, quality products. (Check all that apply).

A. I independently research, analyze, interpret, and consolidate information from various sources into unified products; organizing, balancing, and applying a consistent sense of style and flow to the finished products; and ensuring all published documents contain the proper format, grammar, and spelling.

B. I have experience independently researching, analyzing, interpreting, and consolidating information from various sources into unified products; organizing, balancing, and applying a consistent sense of style and flow to the finished products; and ensuring published documents contain the proper format, grammar, and spelling. Work containing complex program information is occasionally reviewed by a lead or supervisor.

C. I have experience researching, analyzing, interpreting, and consolidating information from various sources; organizing and applying a consistent sense of flow to the finished products; and ensuring published documents contain the proper format, grammar, and spelling. Work is reviewed by a lead or supervisor prior to publication.

D. None of the above.

8. I have experience coordinating writing projects and talking points with subject-matter-experts and program officials.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in coordinating writing projects and talking points with subject-matter experts and program officials.

B. I have had education or training in how to coordinate writing projects and talking points but have not yet performed it on the job. I have a basic understanding of the principles involved.

C. I have assisted in coordinating writing projects and talking points with guidance from more experienced colleagues on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.

D. As a regular part of a job, I have been responsible for coordinating writing projects and talking points with subject-matter experts and program officials. I have performed this task independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.

E. I lead and manage initiatives to ensure effective coordination and collaboration among various internal and external stakeholders in the writing process. I have supervised the performance of this task and am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist or train them in coordinating writing projects and talking points with subject-matter experts and program officials.

9. Select the statement(s) that best describes your experience reviewing material written by organizational staff.

A. I have reviewed material written by staff for editorial quality, consistency, compliance with established format, content guidance, grammar, readability, appropriateness and conformity to an organizations technical writing style and standards.

B. I have reviewed documents prepared by staff to ensure they were factual and contained the most recent information.

C. I have prepared detailed feedback of written material prepared by organizational personnel, to highlight strengths and areas for improvement.

D. I have had no experience performing these tasks.

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