Astrophysics Communications Specialist

IDT Corporation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Schmidt Sciences seeks a Communications Associate to bridge complex astrophysics research with accessible public narratives. You will craft clear messaging, manage content across website, newsletters and social channels, and collaborate with researchers and program staff to elevate grantees.

This role requires strong writing, media experience, and fluency with data-heavy science topics. The position involves travel, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic input to communications planning

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, astronomy, astrophysics, physics or a related field
• 3 - 5 years of professional experience in communications
• Experience pitching stories to press and working with media
• Strong working knowledge of astrophysics, observational astronomy, instrumentation and data-heavy discovery
• Ability to translate complex topics into clear narratives for non-experts
• Experience collaborating with researchers and technical subject matter experts
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Experience using AI tools to enhance workflows
• Experience managing websites, digital content platforms and social channels
• Familiarity with analytics tools and audience metrics
• Strong project management skills and ability to coordinate multiple initiatives
• Attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Lead development of unified narratives for the astrophysics portfolio
• Partner with program staff on positioning, messaging, and presentation support
• Highlight grantee voices through profiles, interviews, and stories
• Draft and edit press releases, website content, reports, blogs and newsletters
• Translate complex topics into accessible language for media and public
• Pitch stories to journalists, podcasters, and other influencers
• Ensure consistency in tone, brand, and messaging across communications
• Collaborate on multimedia storytelling including video and audio content
• Create content calendars and post to Schmidt Sciences' social channels
• Monitor communications performance metrics and inform strategy
• Explore data visualization and AI tools to strengthen communications
• Stay updated on astrophysics trends to keep messaging timely
• Monitor grantee publications for amplification on owned media
• Handle incoming comms requests ensuring accuracy and brand standards
• Provide general project support to the communications director
• Collaborate with colleagues across programs
• Some national or international travel required

Skills

Writing & editing

Press pitching

AI tools for productivity

Social media management

Public collaboration with researchers

Web content management

Education

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

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Data visualization tools

Analytics tools

Website management platforms

Job description

Schmidt Sciences seeks a Communications Associate to bridge complex astrophysics research with accessible public narratives. You will craft clear messaging, manage content across website, newsletters and social channels, and collaborate with researchers and program staff to elevate grantees.

This role requires strong writing, media experience, and fluency with data-heavy science topics. The position involves travel, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic input to communications planning