Communications Specialist

Introduction

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

Requisition Number: R0002685

Under general guidance and direction, plans, develops, and coordinates internal and external communications and social media projects, programs, events, outreach and dissemination activities. Establishes, designs and oversees implementation of communication, social media, and dissemination projects, using various platforms and media such as print, electronic, video, and web-based products. Advises staff on communication and dissemination strategies and develops strategies for public release and media activities.

Negotiates, plans, and implements communication strategies. Expands the National Academies’ and Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) presence and product awareness through communication and media efforts through a variety of media.

Incumbents in this job perform more complex writing and oversight activities than those performed at the Associate level and work more independently and autonomously. This job supports managers and supervisors by assisting with supervision of staff and may be responsible for full supervision of nonexempt staff but typically is not responsible for managing a unit’s media or communications group.

• Independently writes articles, columns, information pieces, and publication announcements relating to complex scientific and engineering topics for various media, including bulk email, newsletters, social media, and advertisements.
• Composes and/or edits report highlights, publication blurbs, report summaries, briefs, flyers, postcards, videos, and other dissemination products.
• Provides advice and technical assistance or directly assists in the production of materials for general and specialized audiences.

• Explores and develops new approaches to communicate activities, disseminate reports and information, and expand audience reach.
• Works with staff and committees to develop publication, distribution, and implementation strategies and identify appropriate channels for target audiences.
• Uses metrics and analytics to assess effectiveness of communications efforts and inform adjustments.
• Tracks status and relevance of reports and publications, assesses stakeholder interest, and disseminates materials to appropriate audiences.
• Coordinates study release schedules and, in collaboration with senior staff, troubleshoots issues that may affect report impact or institutional reputation.

• Creates and maintains online content, including websites and social media channels.
• Provides technical and strategic expertise in the use of online technologies.
• Provides oversight of production of online products, such as electronic newsletters and other web-based and email outreach tools.
• Collaborates with appropriate units and staff to maintain and expand effective internal communications.

• Develops and maintains networks of stakeholders, media contacts, external experts, and service providers; maintains ongoing dialogue with external audiences.
• Helps organize public briefings and in-person and virtual events; promotes and publicizes meetings, programs, and activities.
• Serves as on-site contact for communications and media issues during the TRB Annual Meeting.
• May manage production of TRB webinars in coordination with the Distance Learning Coordinator.

• Trains and mentors staff; may assign and review work of junior staff; provides technical training on communications tools and initiatives.
• May monitor communications budgets, provide input, and generate forecasts.
• May identify potential sponsors for dissemination efforts and assist in proposal development or…