Public Affairs Specialist; Digital Communications

Public Affairs Specialist (Digital Communications), IS-1035-12

Final date to receive applications: 29 July 2026

Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Reporting To: Christine Buckley

Compensation: $101,375 - $131,790 / year

Open Date: June 29, 2026

Closing Date: July 29, 2026

Series / Grade: 1035/12

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.

SAO is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

• 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.
• 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.

Reporting to the CfA Director of Communications, the Public Affairs Specialist manages the Center’s digital presence, ensures a consistent visual identity across all platforms, and leads web initiatives that integrate the CfA’s missions and scientific programs into a unified institutional website. The role includes branding, digital standards, day‑to‑day web operations, and analytics to enhance audience reach and engagement.

• Web strategy and project management
  • Lead effort to optimize and streamline CfA’s web presence.
  • Connect web presences of the CfA’s missions and telescopes to the main website.
  • Manage continued review and improvement of static web pages; oversee day‑to‑day operations, content uploads, page management, and user experience.
  • Oversee web governance and site architecture, ensuring products conform to best practices for usability, accessibility, SEO, data privacy, and security.
  • Coordinate with IT staff for platform upgrades, system maintenance, and ease of use for internal web producers.
  • Implement web publishing workflows and digital editorial standards.
  • Lead innovation of web features, researching emerging technologies and UX improvements.
• Brand management
  • Serve as steward of visual identity, ensuring consistent application of logos, color palettes, typography, and graphic standards.
  • Integrate CfA brand with Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Harvard College Observatory, developing standards that leverage both institutions’ brand equity.
  • Develop, update, and disseminate agency brand guidelines; review and approve all materials for compliance.
  • Monitor internal and external communications for unauthorized or inconsistent use of logos or sub‑brands.
  • Advise project leads on application of brand standards, supporting marketing, outreach, and scientific materials.
  • Manage the digital asset library and ensure assets are accessible to authorized staff.
• Digital marketing and analytics
  • Integrate digital and visual strategy with editorial and content strategy across digital platforms.
  • Plan, execute, and optimize internal and external email messaging, including digital newsletters and targeted outreach communications.
  • Track, analyze, and report analytics for web and email campaigns, interpreting data trends to inform strategy.
  • Develop and deliver actionable analytics reports to management.
• Graphic design management
  • Partner with staff, subject matter experts, and external vendors to translate complex ideas into visual formats.
  • Work with designers and visualization experts to optimize graphical representations of science work.
  • Produce original digital graphics, infographics, interactive features, and visual assets to support outreach and education.
  • Ensure designed materials adhere to brand standards and accessibility.
  • Oversee design and production of high‑quality print materials for stakeholders.
  • Provide creative consultation and technical guidance to colleagues.

Basic Requirements

Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 11 level in similar positions. Experience must have provided…