Public Affairs Specialist (Digital Communications), IS-1035-12

Cambridge, MA (On-site)

$101K/yr – $132K/yrFull time

Posted 5 weeks ago

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Job Description

Public Affairs Specialist (Digital Communications), IS-1035-12

Application Deadline: 29 July 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Reporting To: Christine Buckley

Compensation: $101,375 - $131,790 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: June 29, 2026
CLOSING DATE: July 29, 2026
SERIES/GRADE: 1035/12
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Director's Office
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
SAO is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTIONReporting to the CfA Director of Communications, this position is a core role within the CfA Office of Communications, responsible for managing the Center’s digital presence and ensuring a clear, consistent visual identity across all platforms. They lead major web initiatives that connect the CfA’s many space missions and scientific programs into a unified, accessible institutional website; oversee branding, digital standards, and day‑to‑day web operations; and use analytics and digital marketing tools to improve audience reach and engagement. This position serves as the CfA’s primary digital communications expert, shaping how the institution presents its core messages to the public and key stakeholders.
SUMMARYThe Digital Communications Manager at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard and Smithsonian oversees and strengthens the institution’s digital presence to ensure the Center communicates its science and successes clearly, consistently, and effectively to all audiences

MAJOR DUTIES

Reporting to the CfA Director of Communications, this position is a core role within the CfA Office of Communications, responsible for managing the Center’s digital presence and ensuring a clear, consistent visual identity across all platforms. They lead major web initiatives that connect the CfA’s many space missions and scientific programs into a unified, accessible institutional website; oversee branding, digital standards, and day‑to‑day web operations; and use analytics and digital marketing tools to improve audience reach and engagement. This position serves as the CfA’s primary digital communications expert, shaping how the institution presents its core messages to the public and key stakeholders.Web Strategy & Project Management

● In partnership with the Director’s office, IT specialists and heads of scientific and engineering disciplines, leads a major effort to optimize and streamline CfA’s web presence.

● Using visuals and messaging consistency, connects the web presences of the CfA’s many federal and international missions and telescopes to the CfA’s main website

● Manages the continual review and improvement of static web pages; oversees day-to-day operations, content uploads, page management, and user experience for the primary agency website.

● Oversees web governance and site architecture, ensuring digital properties conform with best practices for usability, accessibility, SEO, data privacy, and security.

● Coordinates with IT staff for web platform upgrades, system maintenance, and ease of use for internal web producers.

● Implements web publishing workflows and digital editorial standards, working with content owners to ensure timely and accurate updates.

● Leads efforts to innovate web features and maintain competitive digital presence by researching and incorporating emerging technologies and user experience improvements.

Brand Management

● Serves as the primary steward of the organization’s visual identity, ensuring the correct and consistent application of logos, color palettes, typography, and graphic standards across all digital and print platforms.

● Takes a thoughtful and inclusive approach to integrating the main CfA brand with its two branches, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard College Observatory; develops standards that leverage brand equity from both institutions.

● Develops, updates, and disseminates agency brand guidelines; reviews and approves all materials for compliance with brand and logo usage standards.

● Monitors internal and external communications for unauthorized or inconsistent use of organization logos or sub-brands; proactively addresses any deviations.

● Advises project leads and collaborators on the application of brand standards in the development of marketing, outreach, and scientific materials.

● Manages the organization’s digital asset library, including up-to-date logos, graphics, templates, and related documentation, ensuring assets are accessible to authorized staff and appropriately permissioned.
Digital Marketing and Analytics

● In coordination with the Director of Communications, integrates digital and visual strategy with editorial and content strategy across digital platforms.

● In partnership with writers on the communications and advancement teams, plans, executes, and optimizes internal and external email messaging, including production and distribution of digital newsletters and targeted outreach communications.

● Tracks, analyzes, and reports analytics for web and email campaigns, interpreting data trends to inform marketing strategy and outreach decisions.

● Develops and delivers regular analytics reports to management, providing actionable recommendations for improved reach, engagement, and communication effectiveness.

Graphic Design Management

● Partners with communications staff, subject matter experts, and external vendors to translate complex ideas and data into compelling visual formats.

● Works with designers and visualization experts to optimize graphical representations of science work for publicity purposes.

● Uses basic knowledge of graphic design to periodically produce original digital graphics, infographics, interactive features, and visual assets to support the organization’s outreach, education, and program initiatives.

● Ensures all designed materials adhere to brand standards and are accessible for a wide range of audiences.

● In partnership with content developers and external print vendors, oversees the design and production of high-quality, sophisticated print materials for important stakeholders.

● Provides creative consultation and technical guidance to colleagues and stakeholders in the conceptualization and execution of branded, multi-format content.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements:Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 11 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position such as as assisting in the redevelopment of a complex system of websites and supporting the maintenance and implementation of a sophisticated brand and its assets.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:

Expert knowledge of digital communications principles, strategies, and industry trends, including web content development, information architecture, user experience (UX), and digital marketing fundamentals.
Comprehensive understanding of brand management and visual identity systems, with the ability to develop, interpret, and implement brand standards across diverse digital and print platforms.
Advanced proficiency with web content management systems (CMS), email marketing platforms, analytics and reporting tools (such as Google Analytics), and digital asset management software, including the ability to troubleshoot, adapt, and recommend appropriate technologies for specific communications goals.
Advanced skills in graphic and visual design, including expertise in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), accessibility and inclusive design standards, and the effective communication of complex scientific or technical information through visual media.
Advanced analytical skills to track, interpret, and act on digital metrics and user engagement data, using this information to inform content strategy and continually improve communications effectiveness.
Strong interpersonal, consultation, and project management skills, enabling productive collaboration, effective stakeholder engagement, and the ability to lead major digital initiatives from conception through completion with minimal supervision.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeo.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/

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