Director of Communications (IS-1035-15) - Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Description

• 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

MAJOR DUTIES

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.