Summary This position serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Tennessee State Office to develop and administer a statewide public information program designed to maximize public exposure and affirm the mission and objectives of RD. This position is neither remote nor virtual. The employee will be expected to report in person to the assigned duty location. This vacancy announcement is open to current Rural Development employees only. Responsibilities This position serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Tennessee State Office to develop and administer a statewide public information program designed to maximize public exposure and affirm the mission and objectives of RD. Designs, convenes and conducts public involvement programs and meetings to gather information on: Community needs, stakeholder viewpoints and local community development activities. Also provides in depth information on Rural Development programs. Prepares and coordinates responses to inquiries and concerns from: The general public, public officials, stakeholders, community and special interest groups regarding Rural Development programs, policies and activities. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with representatives of the media, state legislative delegations and state and local governments to ensure broad dissemination of information about Rural Development programs and services. Coordinates and develops a newsletter as well as articles for other non-Rural Development publications, journals, magazines and newsletters providing information about the nature and purpose of State RD programs and activities. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. For the GS-11 level: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: writing, editing, and reviewing news advisories, releases, government/professional correspondence, talking points, or questions and answers; implementing communication plans for an organization; developing written communication material concerning a range of subjects related to the organization's programs; or analyzing information program materials and making recommendations for improving the delivery of program information. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related OR combination of education as described and specialized experience. For the GS-12 level: Applicants must have (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: designing, planning, and directing or advising on the public affairs program in an agency or organization that requires a wide range of knowledge of communication requirements and techniques; ability to analyze a number of alternative approaches in the process of advising management concerning major aspects of the public affairs program, developing and disseminating information materials to the general public or specialized target groups; writing annual reports to congress; speech writing; develop and write for the web. There is no substitution of education at this grade level NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the GS-1035 series set forth in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards by the closing date of the announcement. A copy is available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education For the GS 11- A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. For the GS 12- Qualifications are based upon meeting specialized experience only. Education cannot be used to qualify for this position Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. To be eligible for appointment to this position, the new hire must be cleared to come on board once the results of the fingerprint check, review of the OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and the candidate's Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (eQIP) entries have been reviewed and determined to be satisfactory. This position requires a favorable credit check as part of the background investigation. If selected, you will be required to submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of your initial appointment date, and annually thereafter. Selectee is subject to financial Disclosure Requirements in accordance with 5 CFR, Part 2635, Sub part E regarding business or personal transactions with applicants, borrowers, or business contacts who have or who are seeking business with this Agency. Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. If selected you will be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) and a credit report. If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact: USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.