Director of Communications (IS-1035-15)

Application Deadline: 6 December 2024

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Location: Cambridge, MA

Compensation: $162,377 - $191,900 / year

Description

OPENING DATE: November 22, 2024
CLOSING DATE: December 6, 2024
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.

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.


• Telework is allowed according to the SAO telework policy and supervisor approval; SAO policy is currently 3 days/week on-site.

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.

SUMMARY
The SAO seeks candidates for the position of Director of Communications, the lead executive responsible for creating and implementing comprehensive external communication strategies to promote SAO's research, public engagement, and visibility to ensure that SAO's scientific discoveries and programs are communicated effectively to a wide variety of audiences, including the general public, media, scientific communities, stakeholders, and governmental agencies. The Director of Communications also oversees the SAO internal communications team, including managing content on the website, the weekly email newsletter, the CfA Slack Channel, and other official communication channels.


MAJOR DUTIES

Reporting to the SAO Director, the Director of Communications works closely with the senior management team to set priorities and develop and implement strategies to accomplish SAO's strategic goals for internal and external communications. This individual also works closely with the leadership and communications teams at Harvard and the Smithsonian to align messaging with the broader Harvard and Smithsonian organizational goals.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy to increase visibility and enhance the public profile of the SAO and its work.


• Serve as the chief communications advisor to the SAO leadership team, providing guidance on media interactions and public relations matters.


• Envision and build SAO's communication infrastructure, including visual identity, branding, and editorial voice, aligned with Harvard and Smithsonian messaging.

Media Relations and Public Engagement

• Supervise the communications team, including staff and contractors, responsible for managing content on SAO's website, newsletters, social media, and other outreach platforms.


• Lead national and international public relations campaigns to promote SAO's work, ensuring the effective communication of complex astronomical and scientific information.


• Establish and maintain relationships with local, national, and international media outlets. Serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries.


• Research, write, and edit feature stories, news releases, and other publications. Commission and edit content for internal and external audiences.

Community and Stakeholder Relations

• Lead community relations and communication efforts to support SAO's involvement in local, state, and national initiatives, fostering relationships with neighboring communities, government agencies, partner institutions, constituents, and other stakeholders.


• Collaborate with the communications and external affairs teams at Harvard and the Smithsonian to ensure consistent and aligned government relations strategies.

Internal Communications and Collaboration

• Oversee the creation and dissemination of internal communications to ensure consistency and clarity in messaging for SAO staff.


• Work closely with leadership and individual scientists to present a compelling narrative of SAO's goals and achievements.

Content and Platform Management

• Oversee editorial direction, scientific content, and visual design for SAO's website and intranet.


• Manage public outreach efforts, including social media, mobile platforms, and visitor services.


• Develop innovative communication approaches to engage diverse audiences and elevate SAO's profile in scientific and public arenas.

Budget and Supervision

• Determine budget priorities for communications initiatives that align with SAO's strategic goals.


• Supervise and mentor communications staff and contractors, providing strategic direction and operational oversight.
  
  
  

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Requirements:
To qualify for IS-15, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the IS-14 level: Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:

• Mastery of communication principles, methods, practices, and techniques; analytical and interpersonal relations practices.


• Exceptional writing skills sufficient to creatively and precisely articulate ideas that involve interpretation, analysis, and assessment of complex conceptual subjects.


• Superior management/leadership skills sufficient to lead/motivate staff and function within a dynamic working environment involving specialists.


• Superior interpersonal skills with all levels of team members and leadership.


• Proven exceptional knowledge and experience in media relations, public relations, or journalism, preferably in a consulting or Agency environment.


• Exceptional organizational skills, enabling stakeholder information base to be efficiently assessed and distributed.


• Superior familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and basic knowledge of HTML.


• Expert knowledge and experience using analytics tools to monitor content performance and make data-driven decisions like Google Analytics.


• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.


• Extensive professional experience in a communications leadership role, focusing on public affairs and science communication.


• Proven superior expertise in developing and executing communications strategies across multiple media platforms sufficient to advise Director, SAO on all aspects of SAO public affairs program.


• Proven ability to effectively lead teams in a collegial and collaborative manner.


• Advanced verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated experience managing public relations campaigns.

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

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. 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.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected] . 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/oeesd.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/