Communications Specialist III

JPL/NASA•Pasadena, CA

2d•$108,888 - $133,016•Onsite

About The Position

As part of JPL’s Media & Strategic Communications section, the Communications Specialist III works with Mission Communications and Media teams to support stakeholders across NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and JPL’s Flight Projects and Strategy & Formulation Directorates. The role owns communications activities and deliverables for multiple JPL-managed NASA planetary missions and coordinates with NASA, JPL, and external partners to ensure alignment and successful communications initiatives. The position calls for exceptional organization, proactive project tracking, curiosity about NASA/JPL science and engineering, and the ability to keep multiple projects moving quickly without compromising quality or scientific integrity. The specialist develops ideas and messaging with communications colleagues, guides creative and production teams, translates complex technical milestones into compelling narratives, and contributes to web, social, event, and other communications products. The role also defines and reports on key performance indicators, researches industry practices, and improves communications programs and products. JPL is located in Pasadena, California, on a 177-acre campus in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The job posting describes a campus-like work environment focused on innovation, collaboration, and excellence. The typical full-time equivalent annual hiring range for this position in Pasadena is $108,888–$133,016. JPL offers a catalog of benefits and perks, including health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans; paid time off; learning; rideshare; childcare; flexible scheduling; and parental leave. For benefits-eligible positions, benefits take effect the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the start date.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Fine Arts, Science, or a related field and at least 6 years of related work experience; or a master’s degree in a related discipline and at least 4 years of related work experience; or a PhD in a related discipline and at least 2 years of related work experience.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and deliver concepts from inception through delivery.
Proven ability to clarify undefined requests, break them into actionable tasks, and deliver impactful products on tight deadlines.
Experience overseeing production of varied assets, including video, graphics, articles, and experiential content.
Strong attention to detail, design and storytelling instincts, and ability to guide a creative team toward exceptional products.
Genuine interest in and alignment with NASA’s mission to explore the unknown in air and space, innovate for humanity’s benefit, and inspire the world through discovery.
Punctual, detail-oriented, resourceful, and self-motivated.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working at NASA or a similar agency, and/or in planetary science.
Experience working in a scientific, technical, or aerospace environment.
A portfolio demonstrating the ability to make complex topics visually and narratively compelling.
Professional-level ability to write messaging copy, long-form science articles, and other content.
Ability to think like a brand manager and develop and drive impactful campaigns to elevate NASA and JPL projects and programs in the information environment.
Familiarity with creative and project management tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop and Premiere Pro), Airtable, and social media platforms.

Responsibilities

Own communications activities, deliverables, and results for multiple JPL-managed NASA missions in the planetary portfolio.
Liaise with stakeholders across NASA, JPL, and outside organizations to ensure alignment and communications success.
Brainstorm content, product ideas, and messaging campaigns with the Mission Communications Manager, Planetary Communications Lead, and broader communications team.
Take ownership of project concepts and drive them to completion, filling creative gaps and making tactical decisions while preserving product impact and scientific integrity.
Provide clear creative direction between technical leads and production teams, including graphics, video, and web teams.
Field requests from managers, mission leads, projects, and program offices; clarify stakeholder goals and act with limited guidance.
Facilitate feedback between creators and scientists to balance technical accuracy and creative quality.
Independently identify and clear creative or technical roadblocks to deliver work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Contribute to creating website and social content through writing, editing, and producing, as well as outreach events and other communications products as needed.
Translate complex technical milestones into compelling, creative narratives for audiences.
Define, develop, and aggregate KPIs, and prepare reports communicating the value of strategic communications efforts across the portfolio.
Research industry best practices and provide ongoing improvements to communications programs and products.