OAR Science Communications Specialist - PSL (Boulder, CO) (Hybrid)

FedWriters, Inc.•Boulder, CO

11d•$81,557 - $85,849•Hybrid

About The Position

NOAA Research (OAR) is seeking a science communications specialist embedded within a NOAA OAR laboratory or program. The position works alongside scientists and senior leaders to translate research into communications that inform, engage, and inspire. The specialist supports communication planning and execution, provides counsel on sensitive engagement opportunities, and creates clear, audience-appropriate materials about OAR's mission, work, and activities. The position is based at the NOAA PSL Lab in Boulder, Colorado, with a hybrid schedule requiring two to three onsite days. The role supports OAR leadership, communications staff, and subject matter experts across headquarters, laboratories, and programs. FWI describes its workplace as collaborative and offers growth opportunities, internal promotions, professional development, and recognition and rewards programs. The listed pay range is $81,556.80–$85,849.26, depending on experience, education, and clearance level.

Requirements

BA/BS in a technical or business discipline; Communications, Journalism, Science Communications, Environmental Science, Public Affairs, or a closely related field is preferred. Advanced degrees or certifications may qualify candidates for shorter periods of required experience.
At least 4 years of professional and/or academic experience.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated communications support for a federal science agency, research organization, or similar technical environment.
Ability to translate complex scientific or technical content into compelling written products for diverse audiences, including non-expert and senior government audiences.
Experience developing executive communications, including talking points, briefing materials, and leadership presentations for senior government officials.
Familiarity with NOAA, OAR, or federal agency communications processes, review cycles, and public affairs requirements.
Experience planning and coordinating large-scale events such as all-hands meetings, site visits, or public outreach events.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with scientists, senior managers, and communications colleagues across a geographically distributed organization.
For SME II candidates, demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on communications strategy and sensitive engagement issues.

Responsibilities

Serve as an analyst and coordinator for communications actions, working with OAR office leadership, the OAR Communications team, and subject matter experts across headquarters, laboratories, and programs.
Create written and oral communications for OAR products and materials, presenting OAR’s mission, work, and activities clearly for varied audiences.
Explain and organize complex scientific information into communications products for OAR leadership and the workforce, translating technical information for non-scientific audiences.
Plan, coordinate, and provide communications support for OAR Senior Management meetings and events, including all-hands meetings and site visits.
Develop talking points and other materials for leaders communicating with internal and external audiences.
Provide training and resources to nationwide OAR communications staff on communications topics.
Establish and maintain communications among OAR communications staff to share NOAA-relevant information across the OAR workforce.
Coordinate communications across OAR to showcase its mission, work, and activities on various platforms and at events.
Advise the OAR Communications Director and OAR laboratory and program leadership on sensitive issues, engagement opportunities, and communications strategies.
Document workflows and maintain organized files containing communications-related data.