Senior OAR Science Communications Specialist (SME II) - PMEL (Seattle, WA) (Hybrid)
About The Position
The Senior OAR Science Communications Specialist works directly within a NOAA OAR laboratory or program, alongside scientists and senior leaders, to communicate research and other work clearly to a range of audiences. The role combines writing, strategic communications, coordination, and advising on sensitive engagement opportunities. The specialist supports OAR leadership and staff, helps communicate NOAA-relevant information across the organization, and translates complex scientific information into accessible communications products. The position is hybrid, with 2–3 days onsite at NOAA PMEL headquarters in Seattle, Washington. FWI describes a collaborative environment with growth opportunities and offers professional development, internal promotions, and recognition and rewards programs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business discipline; Communications, Journalism, Science Communications, Environmental Science, Public Affairs, or a closely related field is preferred. Advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience.
- At least 8 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 and demonstrated ability to build relationships with scientists, senior managers, and communications colleagues across a geographically distributed organization.
- For SME II candidates, demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on communications strategy and sensitive engagement issues.
Responsibilities
- Serve as an analyst and coordinator for communications actions, working with OAR office leadership, the OAR Communications team, and subject matter experts across headquarters, labs, and programs.
- Prepare and deliver written and oral communications for OAR products and materials, presenting the OAR mission, work, and activities clearly for varied audiences.
- Explain and organize complex scientific information into communications products for OAR leadership and the workforce, translating technical information for non-scientific audiences.
- Plan, coordinate, and provide communications support for OAR Senior Management meetings and events, including all-hands meetings and site visits.
- Develop talking points and other materials for leaders communicating with internal and external audiences.
- Provide training and resources to nationwide OAR communications staff on communications topics.
- Establish and maintain communications among OAR communications staff to share NOAA-relevant information across the OAR workforce.
- Coordinate efforts within OAR to showcase its mission, work, and activities across communications platforms and events.
- Advise the OAR Communications Director and OAR laboratory and program leadership on sensitive issues, engagement opportunities, and strategies for improved communications.
- Document workflows and maintain organized files containing data associated with communications work.
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 promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
