OAR Science Communications Specialist - AOML (Miami, FL) (Hybrid)

FedWriters, Inc.•Miami, FL

11d•$81,557 - $85,849•Hybrid

About The Position

FWI is hiring an OAR Science Communications Specialist embedded at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) in Miami, Florida. The specialist works with scientists, OAR office leadership, the OAR Communications team, and subject matter experts to communicate NOAA research and activities clearly to varied audiences. The role combines science writing and editing, strategic communications advice, executive communications, event coordination, and support for communications staff across a geographically distributed organization. The position has a hybrid schedule, with 2–3 days onsite at the NOAA AOML Lab. FWI describes itself as expanding rapidly and as a 2024, 2025, and 2026 Top Workplace.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree 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 for shorter required experience periods.
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 experience providing communications support for a federal science agency, research organization, or similar technical environment.
Proven 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 demonstrated 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 communication actions, working with OAR office leadership, the OAR Communications team, and subject matter experts across headquarters, laboratories, and programs.
Develop clear, concise written and oral communications for OAR products and materials, presenting OAR’s mission, work, and activities to varied audiences.
Explain and organize complex scientific information into communications products for OAR leadership and its 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 leadership communications with internal and external audiences.
Provide training and resources on communications topics to nationwide OAR communications staff.
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 multiple platforms and at events.
Advise the OAR Communications Director and OAR laboratory and program leadership on sensitive issues, engagement opportunities, and strategies to improve communications.
Document workflows and maintain organized files containing data associated with communications work.