OAR Science Communications Specialist

Overview

NOAA Research is one of the most consequential science agencies in the federal government — advancing the forecasts that save lives, the data that informs climate policy, and the understanding of Earth systems that shapes decisions for generations. But great science only creates impact when it is communicated well. As an OAR Science Communications Specialist, you will be embedded directly within a NOAA OAR laboratory or program, working alongside scientists and senior leaders to translate groundbreaking research into communications that inform, engage, and inspire.

You are a skilled writer, a strategic thinker, and a natural connector — someone who can develop talking points for a Congressional briefing, coordinate a nationwide all-hands meeting, and advise the OAR Communications Director on sensitive engagement opportunities, all in the same week. This is a role for a communications professional who understands that the stakes of getting science communication right are high — and who brings both the craft and the judgment to do it well.

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Top Workplace by the Washington Post, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

• In-person presence required at one of the following locations:
  Air Resources Laboratory (College Park, MD);
  Pacific Marine Environment Laboratory (Seattle, WA);
  David Skaggs Research Center (Boulder, CO);
  Global Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (Plainsboro, NJ);
  Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (Miami, FL);
  National Severe Storms Laboratory (Norman, OK);
  Great Lakes Environment Research Laboratory (Ann Arbor, MI); or NOAA SSMC3 (Silver Spring, MD)
• Remote positions are expected to work in the office each Tuesday (OAR CFO-CAO office day) when based in Silver Spring, MD
• Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day / 40 hours per week, excluding federal holidays
• Local and non-local travel may be required, including international travel; all unplanned travel must be approved in writing by the COR at least 10 calendar days in advance

• Serve as an analyst and coordinator for communication actions, working closely with OAR office leadership, the OAR Communications team, and subject matter experts across headquarters, labs, and programs
• Provide exceptional written and oral communications for OAR products and materials, ensuring OAR mission, work, and activities are presented in clear, concise, and understandable language for a variety of audiences
• Explain and organize complex scientific information into communication products used by OAR leadership and the workforce, demonstrating strong writing and editing skills with experience translating technical information for non-scientific audiences
• Provide planning, coordination, and communication support to OAR Senior Management for periodic meetings and events, including all-hands meetings and site visits
• Develop talking points and other materials used by leadership when communicating to internal and external audiences
• Provide training and resources to nationwide OAR communications staff on a variety of communication topics
• Establish and maintain communications between OAR communications staff to effectively communicate NOAA-relevant information across the OAR workforce
• Coordinate within OAR to showcase OAR mission, work, and activities across a variety of communications platforms and events
• Provide advice and recommendations to the OAR Communications Director and OAR laboratory and program leadership on sensitive issues, opportunities for engagement, and strategies for improved communications
• Document workflows and maintain organized files containing data associated with communications work

• BA/BS in a technical or business discipline — Communications, Journalism, Science Communications, Environmental Science, Public Affairs, or a closely related field preferred; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience
• 4+ years of professional and/or academic experience

• Demonstrated experience providing communications…