OAR Science Communications Specialist

FedWriters, Inc.•Silver Spring, MD

5d•$81,557 - $85,849•Onsite

About The Position

NOAA Research is one of the most consequential science agencies in the federal government — advancing the forecasts that save lives, the data that informs climate policy, and the understanding of Earth systems that shapes decisions for generations. But great science only creates impact when it is communicated well. As an OAR Science Communications Specialist, you will be embedded directly within a NOAA OAR laboratory or program, working alongside scientists and senior leaders to translate groundbreaking research into communications that inform, engage, and inspire. You are a skilled writer, a strategic thinker, and a natural connector — someone who can develop talking points for a Congressional briefing, coordinate a nationwide all-hands meeting, and advise the OAR Communications Director on sensitive engagement opportunities, all in the same week. This is a role for a communications professional who understands that the stakes of getting science communication right are high — and who brings both the craft and the judgment to do it well. FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Requirements

BA/BS in a technical or business discipline — Communications, Journalism, Science Communications, Environmental Science, Public Affairs, or a closely related field preferred; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience
4+ years of professional and/or academic experience
Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience providing communications support for a federal science agency, research organization, or similar technical environment
Proven ability to translate complex scientific or technical content into compelling written products for diverse audiences, including non-expert and senior government audiences
Experience developing executive communications including talking points, briefing materials, and leadership presentations for senior government officials
Familiarity with NOAA, OAR, or federal agency communications processes, review cycles, and public affairs requirements
Experience planning and coordinating large-scale events such as all-hands meetings, site visits, or public outreach events
Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to build relationships with scientists, senior managers, and communications colleagues across a geographically distributed organization
SME II candidates: demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on communications strategy and sensitive engagement issues

Responsibilities

Serve as an analyst and coordinator for communication actions, working closely with OAR office leadership, the OAR Communications team, and subject matter experts across headquarters, labs, and programs
Provide exceptional written and oral communications for OAR products and materials, ensuring OAR mission, work, and activities are presented in clear, concise, and understandable language for a variety of audiences
Explain and organize complex scientific information into communication products used by OAR leadership and the workforce, demonstrating strong writing and editing skills with experience translating technical information for non-scientific audiences
Provide planning, coordination, and communication support to OAR Senior Management for periodic meetings and events, including all-hands meetings and site visits
Develop talking points and other materials used by leadership when communicating to internal and external audiences
Provide training and resources to nationwide OAR communications staff on a variety of communication topics
Establish and maintain communications between OAR communications staff to effectively communicate NOAA-relevant information across the OAR workforce
Coordinate within OAR to showcase OAR mission, work, and activities across a variety of communications platforms and events
Provide advice and recommendations to the OAR Communications Director and OAR laboratory and program leadership on sensitive issues, opportunities for engagement, and strategies for improved communications
Document workflows and maintain organized files containing data associated with communications work