Communications Specialist (IS-0391-11)
Apply NowCompany: U.S Government
Location: Cambridge, MA 02139
Description:
Communications Specialist (IS-0391-11)
Application Deadline: 28 April 2025
Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Cambridge, MA
Reporting To: 25-63
Compensation: $83,742 - $108,859 / year
Description
OPENING DATE: 03/25/2025
CLOSING DATE: 04/28/2025
SERIES/GRADE: 0391/11
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Director's Office
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTIONThe Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARYThe Communications Specialist plays a key role in shaping the public image of the STARS program and ensuring its mission reaches educators, students, and supporters nationwide. The work will amplify the program's impact, inspire new participants, and build a lasting community of advocates for STEM education in underserved areas.
MAJOR DUTIES
Outreach and Recruitment
Develop and implement targeted outreach campaigns to invite schools to participate in the program, leveraging email, print, and digital channels. Build relationships with school administrators, state education departments, and tribal leadership to expand program awareness. Write outreach materials, including invitations, program overviews, and follow-up communications, to inspire engagement.
Content Creation and Multimedia Design
Design and produce high-quality promotional and educational materials, including brochures, infographics, newsletters, videos, and presentations. Collaborate with scientists to translate complex astronomy concepts into accessible, engaging content for K-12 audiences. Develop multimedia content that highlights the program's success stories, student achievements, and partnerships.
Social Media and Community Building
Build and manage a vibrant social media presence, creating content that engages educators, students, and community supporters. Develop and implement strategies to foster an online community of program participants and supporters, encouraging collaboration and sharing of best practices. Monitor social media analytics and user feedback to refine strategies and maximize engagement.
Communications and Public RelationsServe as the primary point of contact for program inquiries, ensuring timely and professional responses to schools, media, and stakeholders. Coordinate communications for events such as webinars, workshops, and star-gazing nights, ensuring consistency and professionalism. Develop press releases, articles, and other public relations materials to promote the program's mission and achievements.
Collaboration and Reporting
Work closely with program staff, scientists, and educators to ensure alignment of communications with program goals and messaging. Gather feedback from stakeholders to continuously improve communication strategies and content. Provide regular updates to the Executive Director on communication activities, outreach outcomes, and community engagement metrics.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements:Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 09 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position.
OR
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
or
3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
Application Deadline: 28 April 2025
Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Cambridge, MA
Reporting To: 25-63
Compensation: $83,742 - $108,859 / year
Description
OPENING DATE: 03/25/2025
CLOSING DATE: 04/28/2025
SERIES/GRADE: 0391/11
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Director's Office
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTIONThe Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARYThe Communications Specialist plays a key role in shaping the public image of the STARS program and ensuring its mission reaches educators, students, and supporters nationwide. The work will amplify the program's impact, inspire new participants, and build a lasting community of advocates for STEM education in underserved areas.
MAJOR DUTIES
Outreach and Recruitment
Develop and implement targeted outreach campaigns to invite schools to participate in the program, leveraging email, print, and digital channels. Build relationships with school administrators, state education departments, and tribal leadership to expand program awareness. Write outreach materials, including invitations, program overviews, and follow-up communications, to inspire engagement.
Content Creation and Multimedia Design
Design and produce high-quality promotional and educational materials, including brochures, infographics, newsletters, videos, and presentations. Collaborate with scientists to translate complex astronomy concepts into accessible, engaging content for K-12 audiences. Develop multimedia content that highlights the program's success stories, student achievements, and partnerships.
Social Media and Community Building
Build and manage a vibrant social media presence, creating content that engages educators, students, and community supporters. Develop and implement strategies to foster an online community of program participants and supporters, encouraging collaboration and sharing of best practices. Monitor social media analytics and user feedback to refine strategies and maximize engagement.
Communications and Public RelationsServe as the primary point of contact for program inquiries, ensuring timely and professional responses to schools, media, and stakeholders. Coordinate communications for events such as webinars, workshops, and star-gazing nights, ensuring consistency and professionalism. Develop press releases, articles, and other public relations materials to promote the program's mission and achievements.
Collaboration and Reporting
Work closely with program staff, scientists, and educators to ensure alignment of communications with program goals and messaging. Gather feedback from stakeholders to continuously improve communication strategies and content. Provide regular updates to the Executive Director on communication activities, outreach outcomes, and community engagement metrics.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements:Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 09 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position.
OR
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
or
3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
- Knowledge and skills in creating and managing websites, including proficiency in platforms such as WordPress or Squarespace.
- Experience and skills in managing social media platforms and building online communities.
- Knowledge with K-12 education systems, particularly rural and tribal communities.
- Skills and proficiency in graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and video editing software.
- Knowledge and experience with analytics tools to track and measure communication effectiveness.
- Skills and knowledge in written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex topics in a clear and engaging manner.
- Robust design knowledge and visual storytelling , with a proven history of creating impactful multimedia content.
- Excellent organizational skills and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Ability in creative thinker with a passion for building communities and fostering connections.
- Strong people skills and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/