Ocean Science & Strategic Communications Specialist (Subject Matter Expert II)

You sit at the rare intersection of scientific fluency and creative communication. You know how to read a data table and turn it into a compelling visualization, draft a speech that resonates in a Senate hearing room, and craft a monthly newsletter that an oceanographer and a fisheries manager both want to read.

About the role

As the Ocean Science & Strategic Communications Specialist supporting NOAA's Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing (GOMO) Program and Ocean Acidification Program (OAP), you will lead the development and execution of all strategic communications and audio-visual products that keep the programs' science visible, credible, and accessible. Your work will shape how NOAA's ocean programs communicate with interagency partners, international bodies, Congress, and the public — and every product you deliver will be grounded in scientifically verified data.

Schedule

This full-time remote position will work Monday through Friday, 8 AM EST to 5 PM EST with travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Draft comprehensive, long-term program communication master-plans and annual actionable content roadmaps for formal government review and sign-off
• Formulate audience-appropriate talking points, speech drafts, scientific descriptions, and written briefs for senior NOAA management's high-profile interagency and public presentations
• Convert raw scientific and oceanographic data fields into creative design elements, including photographs, maps, illustrations, charts, static visualizations, thematic animations, and video products
• Translate scientific data through visual means; iterate technical modifications on all visual products until displays achieve precise scientific verification per government approval
• Draft content and organize layouts for the monthly ocean observing community newsletter, highlighting recent news, feature stories, and community highlights
• Develop educational products and ocean observing and acidification scientific visualizations for use across program platforms and outreach channels
• Coordinate with Subject Matter Experts and the Chief Scientist to ensure all communications products accurately reflect the latest program science and strategic priorities
• Apply expert and highly specialized knowledge to gather facts, research and analyze scientific data, and develop communication conclusions, recommendations, and strategies
• Lead project teams for discrete communications deliverables; provide limited supervision and quality review of junior communications staff contributions
• Maintain cross-platform visual and graphical consistency across all program media in accordance with NOAA and OAR branding guidelines

Requirements

• BA/BS in a technical or business discipline — Science Communications, Journalism, Environmental Science, Oceanography, Graphic Design, 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

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience developing strategic communications plans and multi-platform content strategies for a federal agency or science-driven organization
• Proven ability to produce high-quality audio-visual assets including scientific data visualizations, maps, infographics, animations, and video products
• Experience drafting executive-level written products including talking points, speech drafts, congressional briefings, and senior management presentations
• Strong scientific literacy; ability to read and accurately interpret oceanographic or environmental data and translate findings for non-expert audiences
• Proficiency with design and visualization tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS, QGIS, Canva, or equivalent platforms
• Experience managing or contributing to digital newsletters, including content planning, layout design, and audience engagement tracking
• Familiarity with NOAA, OAR, or federal agency branding guidelines and Section 508 accessibility requirements for digital content
• 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

Pay

Pay range is from $102,866 a year to $108,280.