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

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory • Location: Cambridge, MA • Compensation: $101,375 - $131,790 / year

About the role

The Public Affairs Specialist role within the CfA Office of Communications serves as the CfA’s primary digital strategist, leading cross-functional teams to execute web development projects, manage institutional branding, and oversee digital marketing initiatives. The goal is to make complex astrophysical science accessible, compelling, and visible to audiences across platforms. Candidates with a background in science communications and experience managing digital projects—such as website redesign, brand development, and multi-channel digital campaigns—are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Web Strategy & Project Management
  • In partnership with IT, Web Development Specialists, and heads of scientific and engineering disciplines, leads the optimization and management of the organization’s web presence and connected missions.
  • Develops and oversees web governance and site architecture, ensuring digital properties maximize usability, accessibility, SEO, data privacy, and security.
  • Develops and implements web publishing workflows and digital editorial standards in coordination with content owners, scientists, and communications staff to ensure timely, accurate, and mission-aligned public communications.
  • Oversees day-to-day digital operations including web content publishing, page governance, and user experience for institutional websites.
  • Coordinates with IT staff on platform infrastructure to ensure the digital communications environment supports effective science storytelling and public engagement.
• Brand Stewardship
  • Serves as the primary steward of the CfA visual identity, ensuring the consistent and correct application of brand standards including logos, color palettes, typography, and graphic standards across all public-facing digital and print communications.
  • Takes a thoughtful and inclusive approach to integrating the CfA brands with its two affiliated brands, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard College Observatory, developing standards that reflect and leverage the institutional identity of both.
  • Develops, updates, and disseminates institutional brand guidelines; reviews and approves all materials for brand and logo compliance.
  • Monitors internal and external communications for unauthorized or inconsistent use of organization logos or sub-brands and proactively addresses deviations.
  • Advises communications staff, project leads, and scientific collaborators on the application of brand standards in outreach, education, and scientific publications.
  • Manages the organization’s digital asset library and provides training and guidance to staff on digital communications best practices, accessibility standards (Section 508), and institutional branding.
• Marketing and Analytics
  • In coordination with the Director of Communications, integrates digital strategy with editorial and content strategy to advance public understanding of the CfA scientific mission and programs.
  • In partnership with writers on the communications and advancement teams, plans, executes, and optimizes internal and external communications including digital newsletters and targeted stakeholder outreach.
  • Tracks, analyzes, and reports digital analytics for web and email communications, interpreting data trends to inform public affairs strategy and outreach decisions.
  • Develops and delivers regular analytics reports to management with actionable recommendations for improved public reach, engagement, and communications effectiveness.
  • Partners with communications staff, subject matter experts, and external vendors to translate complex scientific and technical information into compelling visual formats for public audiences.
  • Evaluates and improves digital communication processes, recommending new tools, platforms, and approaches to enhance public reach, accessibility, and engagement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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:

• Developing and executing digital communications strategies for a public affairs or science communications function.
• Managing institutional communications functions.
• Managing institutional brand standards across platforms.
• Communicating complex technical or scientific information to public stakeholder audiences through digital channels.

Skills

• Expert knowledge of public affairs principles, science communication strategies, and digital communications best practices sufficient to manage communications channels that communicate complex, sensitive, and technically specialized topics including astrophysics research and scientific instrumentation.
• Comprehensive understanding of institutional brand management and visual identity systems, with the ability to develop, interpret, and enforce brand standards across digital and print platforms in a multi-institution environment.
• Proficiency with web content management systems (CMS), email communications platforms, analytics and reporting tools (such as Google Analytics), and digital asset management software, used in service of communications and public affairs goals.
• Advanced analytical skills to track, interpret, and act on digital metrics and audience engagement data, using this information to inform public affairs strategy and improve communication effectiveness.
• Skills in graphic and visual communications, including working knowledge of design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), accessibility and inclusive design standards (Section 508), and the effective visual communication of complex scientific or technical information.
• Demonstrated ability to manage the presentation of scientific and technical information for diverse public audiences across digital platforms.
• Strong interpersonal, consultation, and project management skills enabling productive collaboration with scientists, engineers, communications staff, IT, and institutional partners, with the ability to lead major communications initiatives from conception through completion with minimal supervision.
• Ability to understand and apply federal communication policy, digital governance requirements, accessibility standards, and cross-platform engagement principles in an institutional public affairs environment.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and 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

• 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.
• This position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in the 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.