Communications Manager

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Sterling, VA

2d•$89,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Science Museum works to inspire Virginians to enrich their lives through science. We create compelling and thought-provoking experiences that connect our community with the science all around them. For almost 50 years, the Science Museum has been curating relevant science stories that are delivered through engaging exhibits, programming, demos, workshops, films, content and more. As we look toward our 50th anniversary as an institution, we’re pushing ourselves to be even more important in our community’s life to elevate science as the answer to our complicated world. The Science Museum is unlike others in our field. We are a state agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia that benefits from state operating support as well as private funds raised through our Foundations to help support the mission. This support provides operational stability and growth opportunities as we evolve to not only meet the needs of our community, but also increase our impact. Our flagship location in Richmond and our satellite in Danville have reached two straight years of record attendance. The opening of our Northern Virginia campus in 2027 is poised to push annual visitation over 800,000, extending our reach and impact across the Commonwealth as we empower Virginians to see science not just as knowledge, but as a vital tool for shaping a better future. The opening of the Northern Virginia Science Center is the largest project in the Science Museum’s history. As we prepare to open our doors in spring/summer 2027, we are seeking a Communications Manager who can turn big ideas into compelling stories, build meaningful connections with audiences, and help establish the Science Center’s voice and presence in Northern Virginia. In this role, you will lead local communications efforts for the Northern Virginia Science Center and its Foundation, in collaboration with the Science Museum’s larger Communications team based in Richmond. You will use public relations, storytelling, copywriting, social media, photography and videography to build awareness, engagement and visitation. Reporting to the Science Museum’s Director of Communication, you will be the Communication project manager for the Science Center, helping to set priorities and ensuring the larger team in Richmond has all details needed to execute campaigns. You will manage local social media platforms, cultivate media relationships and tell stories that inspire people to discover what’s coming next. This is an exciting opportunity for a communications professional who thrives on creativity, collaboration and bringing a new vision to life and who wants to help shape how Northern Virginia experiences its new science center for the first time. The position primarily follows a Monday–Friday schedule with occasional evening and weekend events for photography, communications and other purposes. The position will be based in Northern Virginia and we’re anticipating filling the role sometime this October. Training will take place in Richmond, with the candidate expected to spend 2-3 days a week in Richmond from October-January. Telework or other work arrangement will be made for the remaining days each week until the Science Center is fully constructed. Interested candidates must apply at https://jobs.virginia.gov/.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience developing inspirational, engaging, and entertaining content for diverse audiences across marketing and communications platforms.
Demonstrated experience evaluating content effectiveness in achieving organizational goals.
Strong public relations skills.
Strong writing skills.
Strong editing skills.
Strong relationship-building skills.
Strong project management skills.
Experience developing PR strategies.
Experience pitching stories to media.
Experience securing media coverage.
Proficiency with digital tools, including website content management systems, email marketing platforms, and social media analytics.
Basic photography skills.
Basic videography skills.
Organization skills.
Detail-oriented.
Self-motivated.
Ability to manage multiple projects.
Ability to meet critical deadlines.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to follow creative direction.
Ability to monitor digital platforms outside of regular work hours.
Strong communication skills.
Creativity.
Curiosity.
A passion for learning.
Enthusiasm for collaboration.
Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in communications, public relations, English, marketing, or journalism, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Experience in communications, particularly within a nonprofit, museum, or public-facing institution.

Responsibilities

Lead local communications efforts for the Northern Virginia Science Center and its Foundation, in collaboration with the Science Museum’s larger Communications team based in Richmond.
Use public relations, storytelling, copywriting, social media, photography and videography to build awareness, engagement and visitation.
Serve as the Communication project manager for the Science Center, helping to set priorities and ensuring the larger team in Richmond has all details needed to execute campaigns.
Manage local social media platforms.
Cultivate media relationships.
Tell stories that inspire people to discover what’s coming next.