Jobs

Description

MORI Associates is looking for a talented, reliable, deadline-driven Public Affairs Specialist to join our team supporting NASA, Office of Communications at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington, DC.

The successful candidate will work for the Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD). The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of planning and executing communications campaigns, operating in a matrixed organization with various stakeholders and approval processes, designing and carrying out public affairs efforts, and working collaboratively with various groups. Experience working with the media and preparing subject matter experts for interviews and public appearances is also a plus.

The candidate will write, edit, and distribute news releases, media advisories, web articles, blog updates, talking points, and other products in support of NASA’s Office of Communication’s efforts to publicize and inform the media and public of NASA activities and events; they will also measure the impact of these products. They will ensure products related to their portfolio under SOMD are published with accurate messaging in-line with the Agency’s priorities. The ideal candidate will identify and develop strategies, tactics, products, and messaging for SOMD programs, communications priorities, and various activities. They will plan and conduct events and measure the impact of those events. They will provide expertise and project management while enabling continuous communication with relevant stakeholders within the Agency and with external partners.

This position requires a high level of organization, coordination, planning, writing, solid strategic judgement, effective tactical execution, and the ability to measure the effectiveness of products and adjust future actions based on metrics and stakeholder feedback. The successful candidate must be detail-oriented, collaborative, and committed to meeting tight deadlines.

Tasks Include:

• Manage and oversee the development of communications products and efforts related to a portfolio of programs under the Space Operations Mission Directorate.
• Handle multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent time frames and changing priorities/conditions.
• Identify and develop strategies, tactics, products, and messaging for small and large activities.
• Work collaboratively across the entire organization, other federal agencies, international partners, and private sector organizations to support NASA public affairs initiatives.
• Develop news releases, talking points, key messages, responses to questions, and communications plans.
• Review and edit all materials related to SOMD portfolio for quality control and message alignment/accuracy before public distribution.
• Act as liaison between programs, centers, and NASA directorates and the Office of Communications.
• Plan and conduct media and public events.
• Monitor news and public events to provide recommended courses of action on messaging and public affairs efforts.
• Advise various management officials on possible public/media reactions involving proposed policy statements and agency actions.
• Directly pitch, and support pitching activities to the media.
• Answer media requests, connect reporters with appropriate subject matter experts, and prepare NASA speakers for interviews.
• Prepare NASA speakers for other public appearances and events.
• Travel to provide on-site communications support for activities.

Requirements:

• BA/BS Journalism, Multimedia, Communications, or related field
• At least 5 years of experience in strategic communications
• Must be able to write to a range of audiences and creatively explain complex technical ideas in an approachable, compelling way.
• Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to work in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with editing and familiarity with AP style are a plus.
• Flexibility to travel depending on mission and client requirements.

Mori Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender identity/expression, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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