PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

📍 Lackland AFB, Texas · 🏛 Department of the Air Force Headquarters · 💰 $90,823–$118,072 per year · 🎓 GG 12 · 🧭 Public Affairs (1035) · ⏳ Closes Nov 13, 2026 · 2 days left · 🗓 Posted Nov 6, 2026
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About this job

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve in a Component-Numbered Air Force position, providing public affairs (PA) advice, technical direction, and support to the organization and/or its field offices. **Salary ranges include local market supplements.**

Duties

Conducts public affairs functions for the organization, ensuring public affairs activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements and meet customer needs. Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities. Advises and provides counsel to employees regarding policies, procedures, and directives of management. Responds to information requests on assigned programs from the news media, specialized groups, and/or general public; local, state, and federal elected officials; special interest groups, community, and civic organization Performs special assignments and participates in special projects and initiatives with responsibility for researching, planning, executing, and/or evaluating complex public affairs operations, programs, and policies which affect a variety of functional areas. Represents the organization regarding a portion of the organization PA program with a variety of councils, boards, working groups, and panels inside and outside the agency, including Headquarters Air Force, DoD (Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, unified combatant command and sister services), and other governmental, nongovernmental, public, civic, service, industry, business, educational, entertainment, think tank, and media organizations. Serves as an adviser in the assigned area of responsibility. Advises on the potential public reaction to proposed policies, plans, and actions; and plans, organizes, and evaluates communication strategies, goals and objectives, programs, products, and materials.

Qualifications

This is a GG-12 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-12 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Full Performance" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-12 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job. In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions Administrative and Management Positions. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include knowledge of a wide variety of communication principles, methods, practices, and techniques; analytical methods; and interpersonal relations practices; skill in applying such knowledge in the modification of standard methods and adaptation of approaches in developing new information materials aimed at enhancing the understanding of groups or individuals of the significant issues of applicable programs; knowledge applicable to and skill in assessing public reaction and identifying extent of understanding achieved to evaluate effectiveness of information programs; knowledge and skill sufficient for developing new information materials including news releases, fact sheets, brochures, booklets, broadcast spots, etc., that increase communication with the agency's various publics; knowledge and skill sufficient for providing representatives of the print and broadcast media, trade associations, and industrial representatives with timely and accurate explanations of agency policies and regulations; and knowledge and skill sufficient for determining the appropriateness of elements of an internal information program recommended by higher headquarters and suggesting ways for improving future materials or adapting current materials to meet current needs more effectively. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of a wide range of oral, written, and visual communication concepts, principles, policies, practices, methods, applications, techniques, standards, and trends; analytical methods; interpersonal relations practices applicable to researching, planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating new information materials for information programs. Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, relationships, and operational planning objectives of Air Force and DoD organizations. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures. Skill in gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data to arrive at valid conclusions and offer meaningful recommendations. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to manage a small staff and carry out all phases of personnel management responsibilities. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED: Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed. Drug Testing: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TOP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Evaluations

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

How to apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/13/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13111110 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. 2. A complete Application Questionnaire 3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. 4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here. 5. Return Rights: Per AFI 36-1101 - DCIPS employees have no statutory right of return to the previous position, unit, or geographic location. PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.

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Required documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming. Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply". Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy/copies of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2". Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old). OCONUS - Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" and block 34 must be a"1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2". NOTE: For OCONUS employees who claim eligibility MSP or Family Member Preference, your SF-50 may contain a "3" in block 24 and a "2" in block 34. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume. Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

What to expect next

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent. If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application.Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.

Other information

Summary Continued: Provides policy and program guidance to subordinate units and administers the activities within a portion of the PA program for the organization. Also serves as supervisor over a limited number of employees (at least one of which must be a civilian employee), duties which require less than 25% of the supervisor's time. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here. Selectees who physically reside permanently in the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during the entire recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) and selected for employment in the foreign area are eligible to receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, Post Allowance, Home Leave, etc. (subject to approval) Selectees who physically reside outside the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during any step of the recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) will have foreign area benefits eligibility be determined on a case by case basis.

Frequently asked questions

How much does this PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST job pay?

The announcement lists a salary of $90,823–$118,072 per year (GG 12).

When is the last day to apply?

Applications close on Nov 13, 2026 — 2 days from today.

Where is this job located?

This position is located in Lackland AFB, Texas with the Department of the Air Force Headquarters.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.

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Data: USAJobs (U.S. Office of Personnel Management), retrieved 2026-11-11 · Announcement 8X-DCIPS-13111110-482212-MV · Official announcement. FederalJobs is unofficial and is not affiliated with OPM or the agency.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Nov 13, 2026 deadlineApply