Senior Advisor, Strategic Science Communications

FAS•Washington, DC

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Federation of American Scientists is seeking an experienced, part-time Senior Advisor, Strategic Science Communications to join our Engaged Science and Technology Policy (ESP) Initiative for a 6-month contract. The Senior Advisor will drive the development of a strategic communications playbook, manage convenings and the formation of a strategic communications working group, and support the development of strategic communications for key policy proposals. Our ESP Initiative aims to strengthen the science, research, and innovation enterprise through efforts to protect the existing infrastructure; develop systemic, good faith reforms; and communicate the public impact of the science and research enterprise. The Senior Advisor will report to the Senior Manager, Innovation and Design.

Requirements

At least 7-10 years of strategic communications experience directly or closely related to science, technology, innovation, and/or policy
Proven ability to develop targeted messaging for distinct audiences and translating complex technical or policy content into accessible communications for general audiences
Demonstrated experience designing, managing, and facilitating convenings, workshops, or structured stakeholder engagement processes with high-profile, thought leaders
Demonstrated ability to deliver complex projects on time with limited oversight
Ability to develop social media and content dissemination strategies, including platform selection and content architecture
Knowledge of the traditional and non-traditional media landscape and experience managing media relations for events
Exceptional writing, editing, communication, and collaboration skills
Familiarity with the federal science and technology policy landscape (e.g., federal government S&T institutions)
Enthusiasm for strengthening bridges between the public and science and technology policy organizations
A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS and within the broader science and technology ecosystem

Nice To Haves

Experience developing communications designed to reach across ideological lines and/or transpartisan audiences
Knowledge of communications research, methodologies, and frameworks
Experience supporting congressional science policy communications (e.g., developing materials for congressional outreach, policy proposals)
Experience designing and managing message testing
Bachelor’s and/or advanced degree in strategic communications, communications, science communications, public relations, public policy, science policy, journalism, marketing, or related field

Responsibilities

Manage, design, and execute a series of convenings (i.e., one in-person and 1-2 virtual) focused on science and technology policy communication challenges, including stakeholder engagement and programming
Develop briefs that synthesize and capture the outputs from the convenings to inform a strategic science and technology communications playbook
Create a strategic science and technology communications playbook for science and technology organizations to develop and refine their communication strategies with the public and/or communication professionals who serve as proxies for the public
Manage any media relations needs related to the convenings
Support ESP staff in developing strategic and/or traditional communications for policy proposals. This may include: Developing a social media and dissemination strategy (e.g., building partnerships with influencers) to communicate policy proposals with target audiences
Developing an actionable evidence-based strategy for engaging national and local media outlets (traditional and non-traditional) to communicate policy proposals with target audiences
(Optional) Conduct message testing to inform the strategic science and technology communications playbook and/or to advance ESP policy proposals