Public Affairs Specialist (Digital Communications Project Manager), IS-1035-12

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

11d•$101,375 - $131,790•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is seeking a Public Affairs Specialist to serve as the primary digital strategist for the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA). This role involves leading cross-functional teams to execute web development projects, manage institutional branding, and oversee digital marketing initiatives. The goal is to make complex astrophysical science accessible, compelling, and visible to audiences across various platforms. Candidates with a background in science communications and experience managing digital projects, such as website redesign, brand development, and multi-channel digital campaigns, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

At least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 11 level in similar positions.
Experience developing and executing digital communications strategies for a public affairs, science communications function.
Experience managing institutional communications function.
Experience managing institutional brand standards across platforms.
Experience communicating complex technical or scientific information to public stakeholder audiences through digital channels.
Expert knowledge of public affairs principles, science communication strategies, and digital communications best practices sufficient to manage communications channels that communicate complex, sensitive, and technically specialized topics including astrophysics research and scientific instrumentation.
Comprehensive understanding of institutional brand management and visual identity systems, with the ability to develop, interpret, and enforce brand standards across digital and print platforms in a multi-institution environment.
Proficiency with web content management systems (CMS), email communications platforms, analytics and reporting tools (such as Google Analytics), and digital asset management software, used in service of communications and public affairs goals.
Advanced analytical skills to track, interpret, and act on digital metrics and audience engagement data, using this information to inform public affairs strategy and improve communication effectiveness.
Skills in graphic and visual communications, including working knowledge of design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), accessibility and inclusive design standards (Section 508), and the effective visual communication of complex scientific or technical information.
Demonstrated ability to manage the presentation of scientific and technical information for diverse public audiences across digital platforms.
Strong interpersonal, consultation, and project management skills enabling productive collaboration with scientists, engineers, communications staff, IT, and institutional partners, with the ability to lead major communications initiatives from conception through completion with minimal supervision.
Ability to understand and apply federal communication policy, digital governance requirements, accessibility standards, and cross-platform engagement principles in an institutional public affairs environment.
Eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Background in science communications.
Experience managing digital projects, such as website redesign, brand development, and multi-channel digital campaigns.

Responsibilities

Lead the optimization and management of the organization’s web presence and connected missions in partnership with IT, Web Development Specialists, and heads of scientific and engineering disciplines.
Develop and oversee web governance and site architecture, ensuring digital properties maximize usability, accessibility, SEO, data privacy, and security.
Develop and implement web publishing workflows and digital editorial standards in coordination with content owners, scientists, and communications staff to ensure timely, accurate, and mission-aligned public communications.
Oversee day-to-day digital operations including web content publishing, page governance, and user experience for institutional websites.
Coordinate with IT staff on platform infrastructure to ensure the digital communications environment supports effective science storytelling and public engagement.
Serve as the primary steward of the CfA visual identity, ensuring the consistent and correct application of brand standards across all public-facing digital print communications.
Integrate the CfA brands with its two affiliated brands, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard College Observatory, developing standards that reflect and leverage the institutional identity of both.
Develop, update, and disseminate institutional brand guidelines; review and approve all materials for brand and logo compliance.
Monitor internal and external communications for unauthorized or inconsistent use of organization logos or sub-brands and proactively address deviations.
Advise communications staff, project leads, and scientific collaborators on the application of brand standards in outreach, education, and scientific publications.
Manage the organization’s digital asset library and provide training and guidance to staff on digital communications best practices, accessibility standards (Section 508), and institutional branding.
Integrate digital strategy with editorial and content strategy to advance public understanding of the CfA scientific mission and programs.
Plan, execute, and optimize internal and external communications including digital newsletters and targeted stakeholder outreach.
Track, analyze, and report digital analytics for web email communications, interpreting data trends to inform public affairs strategy and outreach decisions.
Develop and deliver regular analytics reports to management with actionable recommendations for improved public reach, engagement, and communications effectiveness.
Translate complex scientific and technical information into compelling visual formats for public audiences.
Evaluate and improve digital communication processes, recommending new tools, platforms, and approaches to enhance public reach, accessibility, and engagement.
Perform other duties as assigned.