Ocean Science & Strategic Communications Specialist (Subject Matter Expert II)

FedWriters, Inc.•,

24d•$102,866 - $108,280•Remote

About The Position

This role sits at the intersection of scientific fluency and creative communication, supporting NOAA's Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing (GOMO) Program and Ocean Acidification Program (OAP). The specialist will lead the development and execution of strategic communications and audio-visual products to ensure the programs' science is visible, credible, and accessible. The work will influence how NOAA's ocean programs communicate with interagency partners, international bodies, Congress, and the public, with all products grounded in scientifically verified data.

Requirements

BA/BS in a technical or business discipline — Science Communications, Journalism, Environmental Science, Oceanography, Graphic Design, or a closely related field preferred; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience.
8+ years of professional and/or academic experience.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience developing strategic communications plans and multi-platform content strategies for a federal agency or science-driven organization.
Proven ability to produce high-quality audio-visual assets including scientific data visualizations, maps, infographics, animations, and video products.
Experience drafting executive-level written products including talking points, speech drafts, congressional briefings, and senior management presentations.
Strong scientific literacy; ability to read and accurately interpret oceanographic or environmental data and translate findings for non-expert audiences.
Proficiency with design and visualization tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS, QGIS, Canva, or equivalent platforms.
Experience managing or contributing to digital newsletters, including content planning, layout design, and audience engagement tracking.
Familiarity with NOAA, OAR, or federal agency branding guidelines and Section 508 accessibility requirements for digital content.

Responsibilities

Draft comprehensive, long-term program communication master-plans and annual actionable content roadmaps for formal government review and sign-off.
Formulate audience-appropriate talking points, speech drafts, scientific descriptions, and written briefs for senior NOAA management's high-profile interagency and public presentations.
Convert raw scientific and oceanographic data fields into creative design elements, including photographs, maps, illustrations, charts, static visualizations, thematic animations, and video products.
Translate scientific data through visual means; iterate technical modifications on all visual products until displays achieve precise scientific verification per government approval.
Draft content and organize layouts for the monthly ocean observing community newsletter, highlighting recent news, feature stories, and community highlights.
Develop educational products and ocean observing and acidification scientific visualizations for use across program platforms and outreach channels.
Coordinate with Subject Matter Experts and the Chief Scientist to ensure all communications products accurately reflect the latest program science and strategic priorities.
Apply expert and highly specialized knowledge to gather facts, research and analyze scientific data, and develop communication conclusions, recommendations, and strategies.
Lead project teams for discrete communications deliverables; provide limited supervision and quality review of junior communications staff contributions.
Maintain cross-platform visual and graphical consistency across all program media in accordance with NOAA and OAR branding guidelines.