OAR Science Communications Specialist

FedWriters, Inc.

$81K — $85K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BA/BS in Communications, Journalism, Environmental Science, or related field; advanced degrees may shorten experience requirements.
  • 4+ years of relevant professional or academic experience.
  • Experience in federal science agency or similar technical communication environment.
  • Proven skills in translating complex scientific content into accessible communication.
  • Familiarity with NOAA, OAR, or federal agency communication processes and requirements.
  • Experience in planning large-scale events, such as all-hands meetings.
  • Strong interpersonal skills for relationship building across diverse teams.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze and coordinate communication efforts in collaboration with OAR leadership and the communications team.
  • Craft clear written and oral communications about OAR's mission and activities for various audiences.
  • Organize complex scientific data into understandable communication products for leadership and non-expert audiences.
  • Support OAR senior management with planning and coordination for meetings and events.
  • Create talking points and communication materials for internal and external dissemination.
  • Train nationwide OAR communications staff on diverse communication topics.
  • Facilitate effective communication across OAR communications staff to promote NOAA information.

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off
Full Job Description
Work Schedule and Location:
  • In-person presence required at one of the following locations: Air Resources Laboratory (College Park, MD); Pacific Marine Environment Laboratory (Seattle, WA); David Skaggs Research Center (Boulder, CO); Global Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (Plainsboro, NJ); Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (Miami, FL); National Severe Storms Laboratory (Norman, OK); Great Lakes Environment Research Laboratory (Ann Arbor, MI); or NOAA SSMC3 (Silver Spring, MD)
  • Remote positions are expected to work in the office each Tuesday (OAR CFO-CAO office day) when based in Silver Spring, MD
  • Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week, excluding federal holidays
  • Local and non-local travel may be required, including international travel; all unplanned travel must be approved in writing by the COR at least 10 calendar days in advance


Responsibilities

  • Serve as an analyst and coordinator for communication actions, working closely with OAR office leadership, the OAR Communications team, and subject matter experts across headquarters, labs, and programs
  • Provide exceptional written and oral communications for OAR products and materials, ensuring OAR mission, work, and activities are presented in clear, concise, and understandable language for a variety of audiences
  • Explain and organize complex scientific information into communication products used by OAR leadership and the workforce, demonstrating strong writing and editing skills with experience translating technical information for non-scientific audiences
  • Provide planning, coordination, and communication support to OAR Senior Management for periodic meetings and events, including all-hands meetings and site visits
  • Develop talking points and other materials used by leadership when communicating to internal and external audiences
  • Provide training and resources to nationwide OAR communications staff on a variety of communication topics
  • Establish and maintain communications between OAR communications staff to effectively communicate NOAA-relevant information across the OAR workforce
  • Coordinate within OAR to showcase OAR mission, work, and activities across a variety of communications platforms and events
  • Provide advice and recommendations to the OAR Communications Director and OAR laboratory and program leadership on sensitive issues, opportunities for engagement, and strategies for improved communications
  • Document workflows and maintain organized files containing data associated with communications work


Qualifications

Required:
  • BA/BS in a technical or business discipline - Communications, Journalism, Science Communications, Environmental Science, Public Affairs, or a closely related field preferred; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience
  • 4+ years of professional and/or academic experience

Desired:
  • Demonstrated experience providing communications support for a federal science agency, research organization, or similar technical environment
  • Proven ability to translate complex scientific or technical content into compelling written products for diverse audiences, including non-expert and senior government audiences
  • Experience developing executive communications including talking points, briefing materials, and leadership presentations for senior government officials
  • Familiarity with NOAA, OAR, or federal agency communications processes, review cycles, and public affairs requirements
  • Experience planning and coordinating large-scale events such as all-hands meetings, site visits, or public outreach events
  • Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to build relationships with scientists, senior managers, and communications colleagues across a geographically distributed organization
  • SME II candidates: demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on communications strategy and sensitive engagement issues
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance


Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off


Pay Range

$81,556.80 - $85,849.26

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