Science Communications Strategist

Salary Range:

$110,000.00 To $150,000.00 Annually

Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) is seeking a Science Communications Strategist to support science and exploration missions at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The candidate will provide expert communication strategy and support for a key NASA directorate.

The successful candidate must be willing to report to an office in Greenbelt, MD, a minimum of three days per week, as well as a site in Washington, DC, approximately twice per month. This hybrid work agreement may change if SSAI or NASA requirements for in-person work change.

Responsibilities Include:

Communication Strategy
The candidate will be responsible for developing a communication strategy for the directorate that is aligned with directorate values, goals, and initiatives, science and technology development, and overall center priorities. The candidate will also coordinate closely with stakeholders at headquarters.

Content and Skill Development

• The candidate will guide leadership and staff with crafting content and messages for Congressional and other VIP visits, including message framing and talking points.
• The candidate will also develop science communication content as needed for the Directorate, including audiovisual content, PowerPoint overviews, posters/banners, science “nuggets,” and monthly messages.
• The candidate will be responsible for developing trainings, workshops, advising, and additional programming for the directorate as needed.

Visit and Tour Planning

• The candidate will be responsible for all protocol, legislative, and partner visit planning in conjunction with the Office of Communications.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science or science communication field and 10+ years of related experience
• Extensive experience in strategic communication
• Experience in science communication, including translating technical information for lay audiences in written, web-based, and multi-media presentations
• Experience in developing strategic communication plans
• Experience in conducting communications training for science audiences
• Experience with the space industry and ability to engage with commercial partners to foster collaboration
• Familiarity with the legislative process and ability to communicate complex scientific and technical information to policymakers and their staff
• Experience writing, editing, and distributing various types of content, including materials for websites, press releases, and presentations for internal and external audiences
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other presentation platforms
• Ability to successfully work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team in virtual and in-person environments
• Willingness to accommodate some limited travel (likely 2-3 short trips annually)
• US Permanent Residency or US Citizenship required

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of NASA systems and organizational structure is strongly preferred
• Master’s degree or PhD in a related field

EOE, including disability/vets

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to touch, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Learn more here