Senior OAR Science Communications Specialist (SME II) - GLERL (Ann Arbor, MI) (Hybrid)

FedWriters, Inc. • Ann Arbor, MI

12d • $102,866 - $108,280 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior OAR Science Communications Specialist (SME II) will be embedded within NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), working alongside scientists and senior leaders to communicate research and OAR activities to varied audiences. The role combines writing, strategic communication, coordination, and advising, with responsibility for translating complex science into clear, useful communications and supporting leadership engagement. The position is hybrid, with 2–3 days onsite at NOAA GLERL headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science 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.
• Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to translate technical information for non-scientific audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing communications support for a federal science agency, research organization, or similar technical environment.
• 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.
• Advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience.

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, laboratories, and programs.
• Prepare written and oral communications for OAR products and materials, presenting OAR’s mission, work, and activities in clear, concise, audience-appropriate language.
• Explain and organize complex scientific information into communications products for OAR leadership and staff, 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 leadership communications to internal and external audiences.
• Provide training and resources on communications topics to nationwide OAR communications staff.
• Establish and maintain communications among OAR communications staff to share NOAA-relevant information across the OAR workforce.
• Coordinate efforts to showcase OAR’s 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 communications strategies.
• 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
• Opportunities for internal promotions, professional development, and recognition and rewards programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior