EPO - Edu & Public Outreach - Public Information - Public Information Officer

Associated Universities Inc. • Charlottesville, VA

22h • $76,000 - $84,558 • Hybrid

About The Position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), is a leading research and development organization focused on the study of the universe. NRAO operates advanced radio telescope facilities for international scientists and has been crucial in understanding black holes, galaxies, and the early universe. This Public Information Officer role is part of the Education and Public Outreach Public Information Group. The position is responsible for sharing NRAO's scientific and technological advancements with the public. Key duties include producing public information materials, supporting staff and partners in outreach efforts, and facilitating access to NRAO's unique facilities to enhance the organization's public profile.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education, communication, science, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in journalism, public relations or communications, preferably in connection with a scientific or technical organization.
• High level of competency in Microsoft software products and web-based systems, Visio and SharePoint.
• Attention to detail is critical.
• Highly organized.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.
• The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Nice To Haves

• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Familiarity or experience with digital media production platforms or AI is a plus!
• For candidates from non-traditional educational backgrounds, work experience may be considered in lieu of academic degrees.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and produce NRAO public information materials, including press releases, blog posts, announcements, briefs, presentations, talking points, and other public information products.
• Provide input and support for content produced by EPO colleagues for the web, e-blasts, video, and social media.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues across all NRAO divisions and sites, the press, media producers, and external partners.
• Assist NRAO leadership and other staff in preparing materials for presentations to the general public and media training for interviews.
• Support public relations by answering requests from journalists, media producers, educators, and the general public about NRAO.
• Support visits and tours for media producers and VIPs, including film and photography at NRAO facilities.
• Support EPO outreach activities and special events, represent NRAO at public events and professional meetings.
• Document projects and work following established processes in Public Information Group using platforms such as Jira, the Google Suite, and Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Teams, Share Point, One Drive).
• Compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Travel can be expected 2-4 times a year for conferences, outreach, and special events.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Benefits

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level