Jr. Communications Specialist

AURA • Tucson, AZ

6d • $51,000 - $62,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab 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 including communications specialists, educators, graphics professionals, and other content professionals. CEE is responsible for telling the story of NOIRLab and its programs in a cohesive and coordinated manner that is tailored to each of its target audiences. The Kitt Peak Visitor Center is comprised of the museum, retail gift shop, the four Kitt Peak Visitor Center (KPVC) telescopes and the NOIRLab Windows on the Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach (Windows Center) with its Science on Sphere (SoS), 3 Heliostats and visualization theater. The KPVC operates as an integral part of the CEE unit. Working as part of CEE’s Communications Group, the Jr. Communication Specialist is charged with assisting with part of NOIRLab’s internal and external communications as well as assisting with the Kitt Peak visit experience project. The position offers excellent opportunities to work in an exciting and diverse environment as well as for professional growth and advancement. Our preference is for this position to be based in Tucson, AZ. However, there is the possibility of some hybrid working. This is a one-year renewable full-time position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics, communications or a related field or equivalent
• Sufficient astronomy background to fully understand and communicate the main points of astronomy research papers
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to lead and coordinate projects and work effectively and efficiently on a wide range of parallel activities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and an interest in internal and external organizational communication
• Experience working as a professional public science communicator
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination and leadership (ideally in science outreach, news or marketing)
• Highly flexible and willing to adapt to NOIRLab's processes and workflows
• The ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, countries, and cultures
• Be results-oriented — delivering prompt and efficient service on multiple concurrent projects under tight deadlines
• Strong analytical skills and ability to anticipate/identify problems and provide workable solutions independently
• Proactivity and ability to work effectively both in a team and independently
• Native language level in written English and fluent language level in spoken English
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally
• Responsibility for ensuring compliance with government award terms and conditions assigned to this position or subordinates of this position as defined in the Vela Award Management system

Nice To Haves

• Proficient in Google Workspace
• Experience working with the U.S. and international media
• Experience supporting projects or organizations that are supported by U.S. federal funding
• Experience developing written and visual organizational communications

Responsibilities

• Assist with press releases, external announcements, and other external news products
• Draft content for the NOIRLab Public website, including the production of new pages, and coordinating updates to existing pages
• Proofread external and internal news
• Coordinate communication projects and occasionally maintain and update process documentation
• Perform the KPVC membership program administration
• Participate and engage with colleagues at professional communications and scientific meetings
• 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