Public Affairs Specialist (Science Writer), (IS-1035-09)

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

21d•Onsite

About The Position

The position serves as the Science Writer/Media Relations Officer, who develops science communication materials, including articles, press releases, and digital content, to share the organization’s research with the public. They engage with scientists to tell accessible stories about their research, coordinate visuals, and manage editorial workflows. The role also leads media relations by pitching stories, organizing interviews and briefings, and building strong relationships with journalists. The writer collaborates internally to align messaging with Smithsonian and Harvard partners, and uses digital analytics to assess and refine strategic approaches.

Requirements

Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 07 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform work such as writing and editing materials for media distribution, maintaining relationships with media organizations, and overseeing digital content production.
Master's or equivalent graduate degree
2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree
LL.B. or J.D., if related
Knowledge of the principles and methods of written and oral scientific communication, and skill in applying these principles in developing and disseminating information about the organization’s programs, research, and activities to the public through traditional and digital media.
Knowledge of contemporary and emerging best practices in public affairs and media relations, including initiative-taking media outreach, message framing, crisis communication, and effective pitching of scientific stories.
Knowledge of oral communication techniques in developing and presenting briefings, interviews, and media statements to print, broadcast, and digital media representatives.
Knowledge of digital content production and dissemination, including web and social media platforms, multimedia storytelling, and analytics for measuring engagement and reach.
Skill in writing and tailoring news releases, feature articles, blog posts, and social media content for varied audiences, ensuring scientific accuracy and clarity.
Skill in collaborating with subject matter experts to gather, evaluate, and translate complex technical information into language suitable for non-specialist audiences.
Skill in building and maintaining productive relationships with journalists, external collaborators, and communication professionals within external organizations or partner institutions.
Knowledge of ethical standards and fact-checking procedures in science communication, and the use of accessible, plain language to reach a wide audience.

Responsibilities

Develop and produce authoritative science communication content, including feature articles, press releases, web posts, and outreach materials that convey the CfA’s discoveries with clarity, accuracy, and enthusiasm.
Research, analyze, and synthesize technical information by interviewing astrophysicists, engineers, and project leads to translate complex subject matter into accessible language for targeted audiences.
Edit and refine researcher- or staff-generated drafts to ensure clarity, accuracy, and impact, while consistently applying external and internal style standards and institutional messaging.
Select and integrate compelling visuals and graphics, and coordinate with scientists and visualization experts to enhance public understanding and engagement.
Maintain editorial calendars and coordinate content deadlines with internal teams.
Foster productive relationships with journalists and media organizations to proactively pitch stories, promote CfA discoveries, and respond to inquiries about research programs and events.
Organize and facilitate media briefings, interviews, and press conferences, ensuring spokespersons are briefed on background materials, talking points, and anticipated questions.
Track and analyze media coverage to assess outreach effectiveness, identify emerging opportunities, and recommend adjustments in communication strategy.
Prepare and disseminate timely news releases and advisories through print, broadcast, and digital channels.
Train scientists and engineers on best practices for engaging with the press.
Coordinate local coverage for major events.
Align communication strategies, messaging, and outreach priorities with Smithsonian and Harvard messaging.
Leverage institutional resources provided by the Smithsonian Office of Public Affairs (OPA), such as media monitoring tools, press lists, training opportunities, and large-scale event support, to maximize visibility and reach of CfA news and events.
Advocate effectively for CfA’s needs and priorities by preparing compelling impact summaries and proposals that highlight success stories, helping secure attention, resources, and collaborative opportunities from Smithsonian-wide leadership and OPA.
Initiate and cultivate partnerships with external storytellers, podcasters, science bloggers, educational content developers, and digital influencers, to co-create engaging narratives about CfA feats and breakthroughs.
Collaborate diplomatically and effectively with colleague institutions and ensure joint storytelling meets CfA strategic priorities and communication goals.
Leverage multi- institutional, international astronomy projects to amplify CfA’s impact and presence as an international leader in space science and engineering.
Under the direction of the Director of Communications, develops and implements digital content plans to promote CfA science and outreach through website articles, multimedia features, blogs, and social media posts, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
Works with visualization experts, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, and other collaborators on strategic materials to amplify science results in visually compelling ways.
Applies best practices in web writing, search engine optimization (SEO), and accessibility to maximize visibility and readability of CfA’s online communications.
Uses regular performance reports summarizing public engagement, offering data- driven recommendations to improve content effectiveness and audience growth.
Participates as a contributor in the CfA Office of Communications editorial workflow and strategy development.
Shares subject matter expertise and insight to help team members ensure consistency and accuracy in external communications.
Supports colleagues by reviewing and providing constructive feedback onwritten materials, press releases, and digital content prior to publication or distribution.
Assists with training and onboarding of new team members, sharing knowledge on communications best practices and effective science communication techniques.
Performs other duties as assigned.