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

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the CfA Director of Communications, this position is a core role within the CfA Office of Communications, responsible for managing the Center’s digital presence and ensuring a clear, consistent visual identity across all platforms. They lead major web initiatives that connect the CfA’s many space missions and scientific programs into a unified, accessible institutional website; oversee branding, digital standards, and day‑to‑day web operations; and use analytics and digital marketing tools to improve audience reach and engagement. This position serves as the CfA’s primary digital communications expert, shaping how the institution presents its core messages to the public and key stakeholders. The Digital Communications Manager at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard and Smithsonian oversees and strengthens the institution’s digital presence to ensure the Center communicates its science and successes clearly, consistently, and effectively to all audiences

Requirements

Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 11 level in similar positions.
Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position such as as assisting in the redevelopment of a complex system of websites and supporting the maintenance and implementation of a sophisticated brand and its assets.
Expert knowledge of digital communications principles, strategies, and industry trends, including web content development, information architecture, user experience (UX), and digital marketing fundamentals.
Comprehensive understanding of brand management and visual identity systems, with the ability to develop, interpret, and implement brand standards across diverse digital and print platforms.
Advanced proficiency with web content management systems (CMS), email marketing platforms, analytics and reporting tools (such as Google Analytics), and digital asset management software, including the ability to troubleshoot, adapt, and recommend appropriate technologies for specific communications goals.
Advanced skills in graphic and visual design, including expertise in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), accessibility and inclusive design standards, and the effective communication of complex scientific or technical information through visual media.
Advanced analytical skills to track, interpret, and act on digital metrics and user engagement data, using this information to inform content strategy and continually improve communications effectiveness.
Strong interpersonal, consultation, and project management skills, enabling productive collaboration, effective stakeholder engagement, and the ability to lead major digital initiatives from conception through completion with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the CfA Director of Communications, this position is a core role within the CfA Office of Communications, responsible for managing the Center’s digital presence and ensuring a clear, consistent visual identity across all platforms.
They lead major web initiatives that connect the CfA’s many space missions and scientific programs into a unified, accessible institutional website; oversee branding, digital standards, and day‑to-day web operations; and use analytics and digital marketing tools to improve audience reach and engagement.
This position serves as the CfA’s primary digital communications expert, shaping how the institution presents its core messages to the public and key stakeholders.
In partnership with the Director’s office, IT specialists and heads of scientific and engineering disciplines, leads a major effort to optimize and streamline CfA’s web presence.
Using visuals and messaging consistency, connects the web presences of the CfA’s many federal and international missions and telescopes to the CfA’s main website
Manages the continual review and improvement of static web pages; oversees day-to-day operations, content uploads, page management, and user experience for the primary agency website.
Oversees web governance and site architecture, ensuring digital properties conform with best practices for usability, accessibility, SEO, data privacy, and security.
Coordinates with IT staff for web platform upgrades, system maintenance, and ease of use for internal web producers.
Implements web publishing workflows and digital editorial standards, working with content owners to ensure timely and accurate updates.
Leads efforts to innovate web features and maintain competitive digital presence by researching and incorporating emerging technologies and user experience improvements.
Serves as the primary steward of the organization’s visual identity, ensuring the correct and consistent application of logos, color palettes, typography, and graphic standards across all digital and print platforms.
Takes a thoughtful and inclusive approach to integrating the main CfA brand with its two branches, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard College Observatory; develops standards that leverage brand equity from both institutions.
Develops, updates, and disseminates agency brand guidelines; reviews and approves all materials for compliance with brand and logo usage standards.
Monitors internal and external communications for unauthorized or inconsistent use of organization logos or sub-brands; proactively addresses any deviations.
Advises project leads and collaborators on the application of brand standards in the development of marketing, outreach, and scientific materials.
Manages the organization’s digital asset library, including up-to-date logos, graphics, templates, and related documentation, ensuring assets are accessible to authorized staff and appropriately permissioned.
In coordination with the Director of Communications, integrates digital and visual strategy with editorial and content strategy across digital platforms.
In partnership with writers on the communications and advancement teams, plans, executes, and optimizes internal and external email messaging, including production and distribution of digital newsletters and targeted outreach communications.
Tracks, analyzes, and reports analytics for web and email campaigns, interpreting data trends to inform marketing strategy and outreach decisions.
Develops and delivers regular analytics reports to management, providing actionable recommendations for improved reach, engagement, and communication effectiveness.
Partners with communications staff, subject matter experts, and external vendors to translate complex ideas and data into compelling visual formats.
Works with designers and visualization experts to optimize graphical representations of science work for publicity purposes.
Uses basic knowledge of graphic design to periodically produce original digital graphics, infographics, interactive features, and visual assets to support the organization’s outreach, education, and program initiatives.
Ensures all designed materials adhere to brand standards and are accessible for a wide range of audiences.
In partnership with content developers and external print vendors, oversees the design and production of high-quality, sophisticated print materials for important stakeholders.
Provides creative consultation and technical guidance to colleagues and stakeholders in the conceptualization and execution of branded, multi-format content.