Summary This position is located within the USDA, ARS, Field Organization, Midwest Area, Dairy Forage Unit, Office of the Director in Madison, Wisconsin. In this position, you will be gathering and furnishing information in communicating new data, information, and recommendations for improvements of research; planning, writing, and editing written and electronic content; and responding to the needs of stakeholders in support of research. Responsibilities Manages the day-to-day operational project plans (i.e., plans to share with the appropriate audience) to align with communication of strategic initiatives to meet established objectives as required and directed by the CD or SHC team leadership. Follows up on commitments and requests made by the CD or on behalf of the SHC team and maintains files on matters requiring attention by the supervisor or on behalf of the SHC team (may include confidential information). Works with USDFRC scientists and the SHC team to develop effective outreach activities to solve problems of the dairy and forage or soil health industries on regional, national, and international levels to showcase written and electronic materials. Plans, writes, and edits written and electronic content and materials that enhance the value of dairy forage and soil health-related research. Assists the CD and the SHC in effectively communicating that the USDFRC and SHC are the strategic leaders in providing dairy forage and soil health-related research and developments. Prepares and utilizes surveys to monitor the effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects, and initiatives to reach and build relationships with local stakeholders and farmers. Develops, formats, implements, prepares, and delivers draft summaries, reports, correspondence, presentations, and other communication materials on USDFRC or SHC research and activities through various mediums to designated audiences. Presents relevant information regarding research activities and programs at meetings, dairy days, forage shows, external fairs, and conferences. Communicates project accomplishments to colleagues and partners internally and externally, citizens, farm organization leaders, and stakeholders. Attends selected trade shows, exhibits, and conferences with Center scientists or SHC team members to interface with representatives from small and large industries concerning technology transfer opportunities with USDFRC or the SHC. Develops and manages the SHC website and updates the USDFRC and the SHC websites and social media activity with relevant technical and program information. Manages media relations, including creating and maintaining lists of media outlets, prepares and sends news releases, responds to media inquiries, and directs them to appropriate scientists for review and approval. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. GS-7: Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-07 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-06 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is gathering, advertising, or sharing dairy, forage, or soil health research results; and verifying accuracy of information through interviews with scientists, industry stakeholders, subject-matter specialists, or policymakers for dissemination. OR Education: One full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include business management, communications and media, marketing, or public relations. OR Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Completion of a bachelor's degree, with Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.). Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled, as described above. S.A.A. is based on (1) A grade point average of B (a GPA of 3.0 or higher) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last 2 full years of undergraduate study; OR (2) A grade point average of B (a GPA of 3.5 or higher) for all courses in your major field of study, or those courses in your major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; OR (3) Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision; OR (4) Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. GS-09: Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-09 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-07 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience is gathering and furnishing information in communicating new data, information, and recommendations for improvements of research; planning, writing, and editing written and electronic content; and responding to the needs of stakeholders in support of research. OR Education: Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's, LL.B., J.D., or equivalent graduate degree, if directly related. Related degrees may include business management, communications and media, marketing, or public relations. OR A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. 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 Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP 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/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. 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. This position is designated as a bargaining unit position and is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). 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.