Astrophysics Communications Specialist

Schmidt Entities; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Schmidt Sciences seeks a Communications Associate to help the Astrophysics and Space Center bridge the gap between complex technical research and accessible, impactful narratives. This hands-on role requires both strong communications skills and a meaningful working knowledge of astrophysics research topics and related sciences.

The role involves developing unified narratives, drafting press materials, and supporting multimedia storytelling across web and social channels, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, astronomy, astrophysics, physics or a related field.
• 3 - 5 years of professional experience in communications.
• Strong working knowledge of astrophysics, observational astronomy, astronomical instrumentation and computational tools.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical topics into clear, compelling narratives for non-expert audiences.
• Strong track record of collaboration with researchers, scientists or technical subject matter experts.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of clear, unified narratives for Schmidt Sciences' astrophysics portfolio of programs.
• Serve as a thought partner to astrophysics program staff on positioning, messaging and presentation support.
• Highlight the voices and work of astrophysics grantees through profiles, interviews and feature stories.
• Draft and edit high-quality written materials including press releases, website content, reports, blog posts, newsletters, op-eds, social posts, speeches and explainer materials.
• Translate complex astrophysics, instrumentation and scientific research into accessible language for diverse audiences including media, and the public.
• Pitch stories to journalists, podcasters, and other influencers in astrophysics and space science and the general public.
• Ensure consistency in tone, brand, and messaging across communications.
• Collaborate on multimedia storytelling efforts for the Astrophysics and Space Center, including video, audio, interactive features and short-form explainers.
• Draft and develop content, calendar and post to Schmidt Sciences social media channels.
• Monitor and analyze communications performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategy.
• Identify opportunities to innovate using digital tools, data visualization or emerging AI technologies to strengthen communications.
• Maintain an active understanding of trends in astrophysics research across academia and industry to ensure messaging remains timely and credible.
• Monitor astrophysics grantee publications and Schmidt Sciences-funded research for amplification on owned media channels.
• Manage incoming communications requests from internal teams and external partners for the Astrophysics and Space Center, ensuring accuracy and adherence to brand standards.
• Provide general project support to the communications director as needed.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across programs.
• Some national or international travel will be required.

Skills

Communications

Science storytelling

Writing & editing

Media relations

Pitching stories

AI tools in workflows

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, astronomy, astrophysics, physics or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Web content management systems

Analytics tools

Job description

Schmidt Sciences seeks a Communications Associate to help the Astrophysics and Space Center bridge the gap between complex technical research and accessible, impactful narratives. This hands-on role requires both strong communications skills and a meaningful working knowledge of astrophysics research topics and related sciences.

The role involves developing unified narratives, drafting press materials, and supporting multimedia storytelling across web and social channels, with travel as needed.