OverviewAs an OAR Science Communications Specialist, you will be embedded directly within a NOAA OAR laboratory or program, working alongside scientists and senior leaders to translate groundbreaking research into communications that inform, engage, and inspire. You are a skilled writer, a strategic thinker, and a natural connector — someone who can develop talking points for a Congressional briefing, coordinate a nationwide all-hands meeting, and advise the OAR Communications Director on sensitive engagement opportunities, all in the same week. This is a role for a communications professional who understands that the stakes of getting science communication right are high — and who brings both the craft and the judgment to do it well.
Work Schedule and Location:
- Hybrid (2-3 Days Onsite) at NOAA PMEL HQ (Seattle, WA)
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
- 8+ 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
Pay Range
$102,866.40 -$108,280.42 depending on experience, education, and clearance level.
