Science Content & Digital Media Specialist (SME I) - CSL (Boulder, CO) (Hybrid)
About The Position
The Science Content & Digital Media Specialist supports NOAA's Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) while embedded at a NOAA laboratory or program. The role provides day-to-day writing, visual content creation, and editorial support across digital, social media, and print platforms. It translates complex scientific information for public and internal audiences, including research stories, web features, social posts, graphics, and videos, and guides content through NOAA's scientific review process to ensure accuracy, appropriate style, and brand consistency. The position develops and schedules content for external websites, internal Google Sites, and social media; monitors engagement analytics to inform content strategy; and coordinates with NOAA teams to showcase OAR's mission and work. It also advises the OAR Communications Director on sensitive content issues, recommends and implements strategies to increase public engagement, and documents workflows and maintains organized content-development files. The role is hybrid, with 2–3 days onsite at the NOAA CSL Lab in Boulder, Colorado.
Requirements
- BA/BS in a technical or business discipline; Communications, Journalism, Digital Media, Science Communications, Environmental Science, or a closely related field is preferred. Advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience.
- At least 4 years of professional and/or academic experience.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated experience producing science or technical content for digital platforms, including websites, social media, and multimedia channels for a federal agency or research organization.
- Strong science or technical writing and editing skills, including the ability to translate research findings into compelling, accurate, audience-appropriate content across formats and reading levels.
- Proficiency with visual content creation tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or equivalent platforms; experience producing graphics, short-form video, or infographics for public audiences.
- Experience managing content through formal scientific or government review and approval processes.
- Familiarity with web content management systems (CMS) and social media scheduling platforms, and experience monitoring and reporting on digital engagement analytics.
- Knowledge of NOAA, OAR, or federal agency web publishing standards, Section 508 accessibility requirements, and plain language guidelines.
- For SME II candidates: demonstrated experience leading content strategy development and advising senior communications leadership on audience engagement and platform innovation.
Responsibilities
- Explain and organize complex scientific information into communication products for OAR leadership and the workforce, translating technical information for non-scientific audiences.
- Write and edit public-facing science and technical content for OAR digital and print platforms, including news stories, web features, social media posts, and visual content.
- Research and produce audience-appropriate content for online, social media, and print channels, and shepherd it through OAR and NOAA review cycles for accuracy, format, and style.
- Develop themes, schedules, and content for external websites, internal Google Sites, and social media platforms.
- Create graphics, videos, and other visual materials for NOAA platforms.
- Monitor engagement analytics across digital platforms and apply findings to content strategy.
- Coordinate with other NOAA teams to showcase OAR's mission, work, and activities across NOAA websites and partner platforms.
- Advise the OAR Communications Director on sensitive content issues and recommend and execute content strategies and innovations to increase public engagement.
- Document workflows and maintain organized files containing data associated with content development.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Long-term and short-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k) plan
- Holiday pay
- Paid time off
- Internal promotion opportunities
- Professional development
- Recognition and rewards programs
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
