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

Responsibilities

• Serve as an analyst and coordinator for communication actions, working closely with OAR office leadership, the OAR Communications team, and subject matter experts across headquarters, labs, and programs
• Provide exceptional written and oral communications for OAR products and materials, ensuring OAR mission, work, and activities are presented in clear, concise, and understandable language for a variety of audiences
• Explain and organize complex scientific information into communication products used by OAR leadership and the workforce, demonstrating strong writing and editing skills with experience translating technical information for non-scientific audiences
• Provide planning, coordination, and communication support to OAR Senior Management for periodic meetings and events, including all-hands meetings and site visits
• Develop talking points and other materials used by leadership when communicating to internal and external audiences
• Provide training and resources to nationwide OAR communications staff on a variety of communication topics
• Establish and maintain communications between OAR communications staff to effectively communicate NOAA-relevant information across the OAR workforce
• Coordinate within OAR to showcase OAR mission, work, and activities across a variety of communications platforms and events
• Provide advice and recommendations to the OAR Communications Director and OAR laboratory and program leadership on sensitive issues, opportunities for engagement, and strategies for improved communications
• Document workflows and maintain organized files containing data associated with communications work

Requirements

• BA/BS in a technical or business discipline — Communications, Journalism, Science Communications, Environmental Science, Public Affairs, or a closely related field preferred; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience
• 8+ years of professional and/or academic experience

Preferred

• 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; demonstrated ability to build relationships with scientists, senior managers, and communications colleagues across a geographically distributed organization
• SME II candidates: demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on communications strategy and sensitive engagement issues
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off