Consumer Relations Specialist, Associate

Vacancy Announcement:  PRC 06-01M

Opening Date: April 16, 2008 

Closing Date: May 16, 2008

 







The Postal Regulatory Commission has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, highly skilled person with experience in public relations and/or communications.

Overview

The Postal Regulatory Commission is a small, independent agency that is part of the executive branch of the Federal government. As a small agency, we provide the opportunity to work in a professional and collegial environment with talented and committed staff and to directly contribute to the Commission’s mission.

On December 20, 2006, President George W. Bush signed into law the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, Public Law 109-435 (PAEA), thereby transforming the Postal Rate Commission into the Postal Regulatory Commission. The PAEA has given the Commission a new mission to ensure transparency and accountability of the United States Postal Service to foster a viable and efficient postal system. The person selected for this position will be a vital contributor to the development of the rules, regulations, and procedures that will help us fulfill our mission.

Duties

You will be responsible for managing internal and external communications matters for the Office of Public Affairs and Government Relations and for the Commission, at large.  Activities include:

 Focus on consumers as a special group. Develop effective relationships with consumer groups and the media, advises management on ways to improve intercommunication between the Commission and various audiences. Liaison with consumers and the U. S. Postal Service. Assist in the coordination of internal and external public affairs program for the Commission. Investigate/research information on consumer and media topics and performs general analyses related to consumer relations and media relations. Develop, design, and produce print and electronic informational materials published by the Commission, including press releases, consumer advisories, fact sheets, and brochures. Publish updates, maintain and administer all content on the Commission's website, including "What's new at the PRC" postings. Analyze and prepare responses to public correspondence, as directed. Assist in developing testimony, speeches, press releases, reports and studies. Provide Commissioners and senior staff with talking points and potential questions and answers. Ensure that public relations efforts positively impact the Commission’s image.  Ensure the Commission has the opportunity to confirm facts prior to publication of a story. 

The individual selected for this position will assist in responding to inquiries from constituents by conducting research, writing press releases and other notices, preparing media products, and serving as a liaison with the public and media on a broad spectrum of critical program matters. 

Qualifications and Evaluation

 

You will be evaluated and ranked by a screening panel based on evidence of your ability to successfully perform the duties of the position. The panel will forward the highest ranked candidates to the Office Director for selection.

To be eligible for consideration, you must have experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position.  Typically, experience will be related to this line of work and at a level similar to this position.  You must meet the technical qualifications described below. Please describe your experience relative to the technical qualifications.  We recommend you address each one individually, specifically and completely.  Your application must not exceed 8 typewritten pages and should focus on accomplishments which demonstrate possession of each qualification. 

Mandatory Technical Qualifications

1. Knowledge of the principles of public relations

2. Ability to communicate complex concepts verbally and in writing effectively

3. Ability to organize time and tasks to complete activities successfully

4. Ability to collaborate with others in a team

5. Ability to diagnose and solve problems through analysis, investigation and research

6. Ability to edit electronic and hard copy documents

Desirable Technical QualificationsKnowledge of U.S. postal laws and the United States Postal Service operations and services Knowledge of Postal Service market, products, and mail classification system. 

 

 

Desirable Educational Experience Includes:

· Nine semester hours in Journalism, Communication, Political Science or other related course area at an accredited college or university, or two years of relevant experience.

 

Benefits and Other Info

Benefits

You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FEHB.

Life insurance coverage is provided. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#life

Long-Term Care Insurance is offered and carries into your retirement. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#ltci

New employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#retr

You will earn annual vacation leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#VACA

You will earn sick leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#SKLV

You will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#HOLI

Tele-work / telecommuting may be made available after you have come on board. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#TELE

Alternative work schedule options are available.

If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our human resources office can provide additional information on how this program is run.

You can use Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts for expenses that are tax-deductible, but not reimbursed by any other source, including out-of-pocket expenses and non-covered benefits under their FEHB plans. More Info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FSA



Other Information

Financial Disclosure and Position Sensitivity: The individual selected for this position may be required to complete and file a Public Financial Disclosure Report, SF 278, within 45 days after selection for the position. You must be a U.S. citizen or national to be eligible for this position.

If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service Law.

The Postal Regulatory Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Selection for this position will be made solely on the basis of merit, fitness for duty, and job related qualifications without regard to race, gender, religion, color, age, marital status, national origin, non-disqualifying handicapping condition, or any other non-merit factor.

Applications will not be accepted if you use franked envelopes, postage paid agency envelopes or metered mail.

Relocation expenses will not be paid by the agency.

Where can I get additional information?

You can get forms and additional information from the Commission’s personnel office at 202-789-6840.

Whom do I contact if I need a reasonable accommodation?

If you need reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact 202-789-6840.  If you have a hearing impairment, you may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for assistance in contacting the person named above.

 

How to Apply

 

You may use any written format you choose to apply.  Be sure your application or resume includes all of the items listed in Optional Form 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment (available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/html/of.htm#of612 ).  If your application/resume does not include the required information, you may lose consideration for the job.

 

We will use your application/resume, educational qualification, technical qualification, and executive core qualifications to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the job for which you qualify.  Please indicate the lowest salary you are willing to accept.  Also, submit:

· Your supplemental narrative statement that provides a description and examples of your accomplishments separately addressing each of the Mandatory Technical Qualifications.  Do not exceed two pages per qualification. 

· A copy of your most recent performance rating of record.

· A list of training completed in the last five years and dates completed.

· A list of awards received in the last 3 years and dates received.

 

We will use your responses to the mandatory technical qualifications, your performance appraisal, and your history of training and awards to further evaluate your application.

 

 

 

 

 

Submit application or resume to:

 

  Postal Regulatory Commission

  Attn: Personnel Officer

  Vacancy Number:  PRC 06-01M

  901 New York Avenue, NW – Suite 200

  Washington DC 20628-0001

 

Faxed applications will be accepted. Fax to 202-789-6886. Applications will also be accepted by email at personnel@prc.gov .

 

All applications must be received no later than May 16, 2008.