Public Affairs Specialist (Science Writer), (IS-1035-09)

Company: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description OPENING DATE: February 13, 2026 CLOSING DATE: March 13, 2026 SERIES/GRADE: 1035/09 TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal) DIVISION: Directors 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. 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 position serves as the Science Writer/Media Relations Officer, who develops science communication materials, including articles, press releases, and digital content, to share the organization’s research with the public. They engage with scientists to tell accessible stories about their research, coordinate visuals, and manage editorial workflows. The role also leads media relations by pitching stories, organizing interviews and briefings, and building strong relationships with journalists. The writer collaborates internally to align messaging with Smithsonian and Harvard partners, and uses digital analytics to assess and refine strategic approaches. MAJOR DUTIES Writing and Editing: Under the editorial direction of the Director of Communications: • Develop and produce authoritative science communication content, including feature articles, press releases, web posts, and outreach materials that convey the CfA’s discoveries with clarity, accuracy, and enthusiasm. • Research, analyze, and synthesize technical information by interviewing astrophysicists, engineers, and project leads to translate complex subject matter into accessible language for targeted audiences. • Edit and refine researcher- or staff-generated drafts to ensure clarity, accuracy, and impact, while consistently applying external and internal style standards and institutional messaging. • Select and integrate compelling visuals and graphics, and coordinate with scientists and visualization experts to enhance public understanding and engagement. • Maintain editorial calendars and coordinate content deadlines with internal teams. Media Relations: • Foster productive relationships with journalists and media organizations to proactively pitch stories, promote CfA discoveries, and respond to inquiries about research programs and events. • Organize and facilitate media briefings, interviews, and press conferences, ensuring spokespersons are briefed on background materials, talking points, and anticipated questions. • Track and analyze media coverage to assess outreach effectiveness, identify emerging opportunities, and recommend adjustments in communication strategy. • Prepare and disseminate timely news releases and advisories through print, broadcast, and digital channels. • Train scientists and engineers on best practices for engaging with the press. • Coordinate local coverage for major events. Internal and External Collaborations: • Align communication strategies, messaging, and outreach priorities with Smithsonian and Harvard messaging. • Leverage institutional resources provided by the Smithsonian Office of Public Affairs (OPA), such as media monitoring tools, press lists, training opportunities, and large-scale event support, to maximize visibility and reach of CfA news and events. • Advocate effectively for CfA’s needs and priorities by preparing compelling impact summaries and proposals that highlight success stories, helping secure attention, resources, and collaborative opportunities from Smithsonian-wide leadership and OPA. • Initiate and cultivate partnerships with external storytellers, podcasters, science bloggers, educational content developers, and digital influencers, to co-create engaging narratives about CfA feats and breakthroughs. • Collaborate diplomatically and effectively with colleague institutions and ensure joint storytelling meets CfA strategic priorities and communication goals. • Leverage multi- institutional, international astronomy projects to amplify CfA’s impact and presence as an international leader in space science and engineering. Digital Content Strategy: • Under the direction of the Director of Communications, develops and implements digital content plans to promote CfA science and outreach through website articles, multimedia features, blogs, and social media posts, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. • Works with visualization experts, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, and other collaborators on strategic materials to amplify science results in visually compelling ways. • Applies best practices in web writing, search engine optimization (SEO), and accessibility to maximize visibility and readability of CfA’s online communications. • Uses regular performance reports summarizing public engagement, offering data- driven recommendations to improve content effectiveness and audience growth. Team Collaboration: • Participates as a contributor in the CfA Office of Communications editorial workflow and strategy development. • Shares subject matter expertise and insight to help team members ensure consistency and accuracy in external communications. • Supports colleagues by reviewing and providing constructive feedback onwritten materials, press releases, and digital content prior to publication or distribution. • Assists with training and onboarding of new team members, sharing knowledge on communications best practices and effective science communication techniques. Performs other duties as assigned. MAJOR DUTIES Basic Requirements: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 07 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform work such as writing and editing materials for media distribution, maintaining relationships with media organizations, and overseeing digital content production. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required : Knowledge of the principles and methods of written and oral scientific communication, and skill in applying these principles in developing and disseminating information about the organization’s programs, research, and activities to the public through traditional and digital media. Knowledge of contemporary and emerging best practices in public affairs and media relations, including initiative-taking media outreach, message framing, crisis communication, and effective pitching of scientific stories. Knowledge of oral communication techniques in developing and presenting briefings, interviews, and media statements to print, broadcast, and digital media representatives. Knowledge of digital content production and dissemination, including web and social media platforms, multimedia storytelling, and analytics for measuring engagement and reach. Skill in writing and tailoring news releases, feature articles, blog posts, and social media content for varied audiences, ensuring scientific accuracy and clarity. Skill in collaborating with subject matter experts to gather, evaluate, and translate complex technical information into language suitable for non-specialist audiences. Skill in building and maintaining productive relationships with journalists, external collaborators, and communication professionals within external organizations or partner institutions. Knowledge of ethical standards and fact-checking procedures in science communication, and the use of accessible, plain language to reach a wide audience. Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package. Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins. 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. The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu . 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/oeo. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/

Keywords: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Portland , Public Affairs Specialist (Science Writer), (IS-1035-09), PR / Public Relations , Cambridge, Maine