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

Associated Universities Inc • CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), is a leading research and development organization in the study of the universe, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities. The Education and Public Outreach (EPO) Public Information Group is seeking a Public Information Officer to share stories about NRAO's scientific and technological innovations with the general public. This role involves producing public information materials, supporting staff and partners in outreach, and coordinating access to facilities to enhance NRAO's public profile. The position can be based at NRAO's U.S. sites (Charlottesville, VA, Socorro, NM, or Green Bank, WV), or a remote workstation within the U.S. may be considered for highly experienced candidates.

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.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
• 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

• Master's degree is preferred.
• Familiarity or experience with digital media production platforms or AI is a plus.

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).
• Comply with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area.
• Travel 2-4 times a year for conferences, outreach, and special events, depending on work location or project assignments.
• Perform other duties as 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.
• Retirement benefit: AUI 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