Responsibilities

• Develop and lead implementation of a comprehensive, integrated marketing and communications strategy for NEO-SMART, aligned with the strategic plan and NSF cooperative agreement requirements; establish annual goals, key messages, and priority audiences. Work with NEO-SMART leadership to prioritize communications initiatives based on strategic importance, partner needs, and available resources; monitor outcomes and adjust tactics as needed to maximize impact and reach. Uphold and evolve NEO-SMART¿s brand standards, including visual identity, voice, and messaging guidelines, ensuring consistency across all internal and external communications and all partner-produced materials generated by the Engine's coalition of 70+ partner organizations. (35%)
• Lead development and ongoing management of all NEO-SMART-owned communications channels, including the website, social media platforms, email newsletters, and digital publications; ensure content is timely, accurate, audience-appropriate, and on-brand. Research, write, and edit a broad range of communications content, including news releases, feature stories, partner spotlights, executive communications, program summaries, annual reports, and NSF-facing reporting content that highlights NEO-SMART milestones and outcomes. Commission, manage, and coordinate with external vendors and freelancers (designers, photographers, videographers, and web developers) to produce high-quality creative assets that support NEO-SMART programs and events, administering an annual marketing and communications budget. (35%)
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets; proactively pitch stories about NEO-SMART research breakthroughs, workforce development milestones, community partnerships, and economic impact; manage all inbound media inquiries. Prepare NEO-SMART leadership and spokespeople for media appearances, public presentations, and congressional or NSF briefings, including developing talking points, background materials, and presentation decks. Represent the NEO-SMART¿s communications function at partner events, NSF program convenings, and regional stakeholder meetings as needed. (15%)
• Plan and execute communications support for NEO-SMART events, including symposia, industry showcases, workforce program launches, community convenings, and annual partner meetings; develop event messaging, promotional materials, invitations, and post-event coverage. Collaborate with pillar program managers to develop audience-specific communications for use-inspired research, commercialization and adoption, workforce development, and economic growth. (10%)
• Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

Requirements

• Experience: 7 to 8 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field required. Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies across multiple channels for a complex organization, program, or initiative. Experience in higher education, economic development, nonprofit, government, or a mission-driven organization strongly preferred; familiarity with NSF-funded programs or federal grant communications is a plus. Proven track record in media relations, content development, brand management, and digital communications including website management, social media strategy, and email marketing. Experience managing external creative vendors and coordinating multi-format content production.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.
• - Excellent verbal and written communication and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex technical and programmatic content into clear, compelling, and audience-appropriate narratives.
• - Outstanding planning and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate and execute a high volume of communications projects simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
• - Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to develop communications plans grounded in audience insight, tied to measurable goals, and adapted based on performance data.
• - Proficiency in digital communications platforms, including website CMS systems, email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact), social media management tools, and analytics dashboards.
• - Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and the ability to provide creative direction to designers, photographers, and videographers.
• - Demonstrated ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative while collaborating effectively across teams and partner organizations with diverse priorities and working styles.
• - Strong understanding of brand management principles and experience maintaining brand consistency across complex, multi-partner organizations.
• - Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies as they apply to content development, digital marketing, and communications analytics.

Preferred

• Master's degree preferred.
• Familiarity with NSF-funded programs or federal grant communications is a plus.

Benefits

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.