Summary This position is located in a USDA Rural Development (RD) State or Area Office. The incumbent serves as a key member of the State Director's staff and is responsible for encouraging greater use of community and economic development practices. This position may be eligible for hiring incentives. Two (2) positions to be fill. These position is neither remote nor virtual. The employee will be expected to report in person to the assigned duty location. Responsibilities Gathers and analyzes data and makes recommendations for improvements towards community and economic development in targeted community network areas. Works with various sources of alternative or supplemental funding, such as federal, state, or local loan and/or grant providers, state legislatures, non-profit organizations, and private lenders. Facilitates information sharing among public and private sectors to increase awareness of federal loan and grant programs and incentives for business and community development in rural areas. Advise community networks and representatives of local government units, educational institutions, financial institutions, and others on agency financial policies and procedures. 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. For GS-09 Grade Level: Applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: Experience working with senior staff to conduct evaluation reviews of a State's, or community or economic development entity's performance to determine the effectiveness of diverse and inclusive community planning efforts and delivery services. Experience providing a high level of customer service to local governments and stakeholders as they carry out their responsibilities under community and economic development programs. OR Master's or degree OR 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree, if related OR a combination of education as described and specialized experience. NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the GS-1101 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 A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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. 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. 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). 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. One of the following incentives may be offered: - Student Loan Repayment incentive. - Relocation incentive. - Recruitment incentive. - Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual incentive. - Superior Qualifications Appointment. 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.