Jr. Communications Specialist

AURA • Tucson, AZ

6d • $51,000 - $62,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent U.S. national center for ground‑based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) that operates as a matrix organization, providing services across several programs—Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC—with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile, and Hawai‘i. Our mission is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state‑of‑the‑art ground‑based observatories and providing data products and services for our community. The Communications, Education & Engagement (CEE) group consists of approximately 30 staff members, including communications specialists, educators, graphic professionals, and other content experts. CEE is responsible for telling the story of NOIRLab and its programs in a cohesive, coordinated way that is tailored to our diverse target audiences. Help us tell the story of NOIRLab! We are seeking a Jr. Communications Specialist to join the CEE group and help produce a variety of communication products targeting internal and external audiences. The role involves building relationships, creating audiovisual materials, and writing news products. This position offers excellent opportunities to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, with strong potential for professional growth and advancement. Our preference is for this position to be based in Tucson, AZ, with the possibility of hybrid work. This is a full‑time, one‑year renewable position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics, communications, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere).
• Sufficient astronomy background to fully understand and communicate key points in astronomy research papers.
• Demonstrated experience using social and new media as a communication tool for internal and external audiences.
• A demonstrated passion for science communication.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to coordinate and lead projects while managing multiple parallel tasks effectively.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and an interest in organizational communication (internal and external).
• Experience working as a professional public science communicator.
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination and leadership (preferably in science outreach, news, or marketing).
• High flexibility and willingness to adapt to NOIRLab’s processes and workflows.
• Ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, countries, and cultures.
• Results‑oriented, with the ability to provide prompt, efficient service while managing concurrent projects under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to anticipate and solve problems independently.
• Proactive, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Native‑level written English and fluent spoken English.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally.
• Responsibility for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions, as assigned in the Vela Award Management system.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in Google Workspace.
• Experience working with U.S. and international media.
• Experience supporting projects or organizations funded by U.S. federal agencies.
• Experience developing written and visual organizational communications.

Responsibilities

• Working closely with CEE and Rubin EPO staff to implement projects that creatively disseminate astronomical concepts and activities to the media, public, students, and teachers via text, images, video, and audio.
• Assisting with social media production, including writing posts, producing short‑form videos, and contributing to longer‑term campaigns.
• Assisting with press releases, external announcements, and other news products.
• Supporting innovative campaigns that promote NOIRLab’s public visits and other public‑facing activities.
• Assisting with the creation of audiovisual products for a variety of applications (social media, science meetings, public outreach events, etc.).
• Participating in team meetings (internal communications, external communications, social media, graphics, audiovisuals) and updating agendas and related documentation as needed.
• Providing input to the ongoing refinement of NOIRLab’s external and internal communications strategy.
• Assisting with general media relations, outreach activities, and events as directed.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment.
• Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees