Senior OAR Science Communications Specialist (SME II)

NOAA Research is one of the most consequential science agencies in the federal government — advancing the forecasts that save lives, the data that informs climate policy, and the understanding of Earth systems that shapes decisions for generations. This role embeds you directly within a NOAA OAR laboratory or program, working alongside scientists and senior leaders to translate groundbreaking research into communications that inform, engage, and inspire.

About the role

You are a skilled writer, a strategic thinker, and a natural connector — someone who can develop talking points for a Congressional briefing, coordinate a nationwide all-hands meeting, and advise the OAR Communications Director on sensitive engagement opportunities. This is a role for a communications professional who understands that the stakes of getting science communication right are high — and who brings both the craft and the judgment to do it well.

Schedule

• In-person presence required at one of the following locations: Air Resources Laboratory (College Park, MD); Pacific Marine Environment Laboratory (Seattle, WA); David Skaggs Research Center (Boulder, CO); Global Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (Plainsboro, NJ); Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (Miami, FL); National Severe Storms Laboratory (Norman, OK); Great Lakes Environment Research Laboratory (Ann Arbor, MI); or NOAA SSMC3 (Silver Spring, MD)
• Remote positions are expected to work in the office each Tuesday (OAR CFO-CAO office day) when based in Silver Spring, MD
• Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week, excluding federal holidays
• Local and non-local travel may be required, including international travel; all unplanned travel must be approved in writing by the COR at least 10 calendar days in advance

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

Skills

• 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
• Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on communications strategy and sensitive engagement issues (SME II candidates)
• 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

$102,866.40 - $108,280.42