Communications Strategist

Priwils•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

The Communications Strategist provides strategic communications support to the National Science Foundation’s Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA) by designing, implementing, and refining audience-centered communication strategies that advance NSF’s mission and national priorities. This role integrates written, digital, and multimedia communications to ensure consistent, compelling, and effective messaging across diverse stakeholder groups, including policymakers, the scientific and education communities, industry partners, media, and the general public. The Communications Strategist applies best practices in strategic communications, data-driven decision-making, and federal compliance to strengthen NSF’s outreach, enhance public understanding of federally funded research, and maximize the impact of communications campaigns.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Policy, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans in a complex organizational environment.
Proven ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences and translate technical or scientific information into accessible content.
Experience supporting or working within federal agencies, government programs, or similarly regulated environments.
Strong analytical skills, with experience using metrics and performance data to inform communications strategies.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting federal science or research agencies.
Familiarity with NSF, OLPA, or legislative and public affairs communications.
Experience with digital analytics, audience research, and campaign performance measurement.
Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508), plain language requirements, and federal branding guidelines.
Experience coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, including writers, designers, multimedia producers, and technical staff.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive communications and engagement strategies aligned with NSF and OLPA objectives.
Translate complex scientific and technical information into clear, accurate, and accessible messaging tailored to specific audiences.
Plan and coordinate integrated communications across multiple channels, including digital platforms, web content, social media, print materials, and multimedia products.
Collaborate with OLPA leadership, program offices, and contractors to ensure messaging consistency, alignment with agency priorities, and responsiveness to emerging issues.
Support the development of communication plans for time-sensitive, high-visibility initiatives, including congressional, media, and public-facing communications.
Incorporate audience research, performance metrics, and feedback to assess campaign effectiveness and continuously improve communications strategies.
Apply qualitative and quantitative analysis to refine messaging, optimize engagement, and strengthen outreach outcomes.
Ensure all communications products comply with federal requirements, including Section 508 accessibility standards, Plain Writing Act guidelines, NSF branding, and records management policies.
Contribute to quality assurance processes, including editorial review, fact-checking, and alignment with approved messaging and style standards.
Stay informed of emerging trends, tools, and best practices in strategic communications, digital engagement, and science communication.