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The Public Affairs Specialist is responsible for managing the public engagement and reputation of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian with particular emphasis on media relations and external communication. This includes crafting and executing media strategies to win high-profile favorable coverage of CfA projects and personnel, coordinating all interview and filming requests, and proactively developing and leveraging relationships with key media stakeholders.
Learn more about this agency12/18/2019 to 02/21/2020
$120,043 - $156,053 per year
IS 14
1 vacancy in the following location:
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
25% or less - Travel may be required to attend meetings and/or other functions at SAO or other institutions, nationally and internationally.
No
Permanent - This is a Trust fund position, not a Federal position. This vacancy is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.
Full-time - Full Time
Competitive
14
No
No
20-10
554717500
First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date.
Develops, manages and measures the success of media plans, press releases, and press conferences for all CfA science, working with scientists and partner organizations as necessary. They will maintain and develop relationships with top-tier media outlets and proactively seek out new media partnership opportunities.
Evaluates the impact and effectiveness of communication plans and advises management of recommended changes.
Counsels CfA researchers regarding appropriate public relations strategies and effective communication methods, including speaker training for news conferences and other media coverage. Provides internal training and education for public speaking and presentations.
Proactively develops new and existing relationships with reporters and other media representatives from major media outlets, maintaining regular contact with science journalists in print, web, and broadcast media.
Writes, edits and disseminates news releases to local, regional, national and international media representatives.
Advises CfA Director and senior leadership on handling problems and incidents related to the organization's programs and research. Coordinates closely with Harvard and Smithsonian headquarters at times of heightened media attention.
Manages internal communications, serving as liaison with Office of Public Affairs for both Harvard and Smithsonian headquarters, and internal audiences at the CfA. This requires traveling to Washington, DC to attend meetings with colleagues across the Smithsonian, as well as occasional visits to other observatory locations, including Hawaii and Arizona.
Manages internal communications, serving as liaison with Office of Public Affairs for both Harvard and Smithsonian headquarters, and internal audiences at the CfA. This requires traveling to Washington, DC to attend meetings with colleagues across the Smithsonian, as well as occasional visits to other observatory locations, including Hawaii and Arizona.
Develops policy in coordination with Harvard and Smithsonian headquarters and contracting office for fielding filming and image permission requests.
Works with outside contractors and CfA staff, in conjunction with the Marketing Manager, to evaluate, create and expand organizational web and video presence.
Oversees outsourcing of artwork/illustration and video production services in concert with Marketing Manager.
Creates and manages a centralized, internal image and video media library from across the Center for Astrophysics, in conjunction with Marketing Manager.
Oversees the preparation and distribution of information in response to inquiries from the general public concerning CfA programs, astronomy and astrophysics with External Affairs Associate.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualification requirements are derived from the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at
http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.
Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
Coordinating and implementing strategic communications, developing communication plans, assigning and proactively seeking out media coverage; preparing speeches and briefings, writing and disseminating articles and press releases; identifying and resolving a variety of complex public affairs issues and providing advice and guidance to senior leadership on all public affairs and communication issues.
The Smithsonian does not pay for relocation expenses.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
A recruitment bonus may be paid.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
Knowledge and experience in science journalism with specialization in astrophysics sufficient to communicate with diverse audiences including scientific and technical staff.
Demonstrated knowledge of written and oral communication principles, methods, and techniques, and skill in applying this knowledge, both to maintain an established public affairs program, and to modify communication methods and approaches as appropriate. to enhance the understanding of target audiences of the CfA's mission and achievements.
Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative work relationships with representatives of the local, regional, national and international media.
Skill in establishing and maintaining communication channels with organizations involved in the same scientific areas as the CfA and in gaining cooperation on joint communication ventures.
Demonstrated ability in presenting information, both orally and in writing, in a logical and clear manner to increase communication with and stimulate interest on the part of internal and external audiences concerning research, activities, programs, and events conducted by the CfA.
Knowledge of and skill in techniques of modern electronic communication, including knowledge of social media optimization, word processing, basic desktop publishing, and internet tools; familiarity with basic photography, graphic arts, layout, and design programs, email subscriber management platforms (such as MailChimp), as well as video/audio broadcast and multimedia presentations.
Note: Your resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
Your application package should include the following documents:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.
Please Note:
After you apply, you will receive an automated acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.
The staffing process to identify highly qualified candidates may take up to four weeks or more to complete. After the announcement closes and application reviews are done, you may be contacted by the hiring office if further evaluation or interviews are required.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/554717500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is part of what is arguably the largest and most diverse astrophysical institution in the world, where the staff carries out a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics, and earth and space sciences. If you would like to join this exciting organization, apply today!
