OAR Science Communications Specialist - PSL (Boulder, CO) (Hybrid)

FWI (FedWriters, Inc.); Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Long-term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Holiday Pay

Paid Time Off

Job summary

NOAA Research is seeking an OAR Science Communications Specialist embedded within an OAR laboratory or program to translate groundbreaking research into clear, engaging communications for diverse audiences. You will craft talking points for briefings, coordinate nationwide all-hands events, and advise leadership on sensitive engagement opportunities.

FWI is expanding rapidly, offering growth in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in a technical or business discipline; Communications, Journalism, Science Communications, Environmental Science, Public Affairs or related field preferred.
• 4+ years of professional and/or academic experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as analyst and coordinator for communication actions with OAR leadership and the OAR Communications team.
• Provide exceptional written and oral communications for OAR products and materials in clear, concise language for diverse audiences.
• Explain and organize complex scientific information into communication products for OAR leadership and workforce; translate for non-scientific audiences.
• Provide planning, coordination, and communication support to OAR Senior Management for meetings and events, including all-hands and site visits.
• Develop talking points and materials used by leadership when communicating to internal and external audiences.
• Provide training and resources to nationwide OAR communications staff on various topics.
• Establish and maintain communications between OAR staff to share NOAA-relevant information across the OAR workforce.
• Coordinate within OAR to showcase OAR mission across platforms and events.
• Advise OAR Communications Director and leadership on sensitive issues and engagement strategies.
• Document workflows and maintain organized files for communications data.

Skills

Excellent writing and editing skills

Translate technical content for non-sc

Leadership audience communications

Education

BA/BS in a technical or business discipline — Communications, Journalism, Science Communications, Environmental Science, Public Affairs

Advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience

Job description

Overview

NOAA Research is one of the most consequential science agencies in the federal government — advancing the forecasts that save lives, the data that informs climate policy, and the understanding of Earth systems that shapes decisions for generations. But great science only creates impact when it is communicated well. As an OAR Science Communications Specialist, you will be embedded directly within a NOAA OAR laboratory or program, working alongside scientists and senior leaders to translate groundbreaking research into communications that inform, engage, and inspire. You are a skilled writer, a strategic thinker, and a natural connector — someone who can develop talking points for a Congressional briefing, coordinate a nationwide all-hands meeting, and advise the OAR Communications Director on sensitive engagement opportunities, all in the same week. This is a role for a communications professional who understands that the stakes of getting science communication right are high — and who brings both the craft and the judgment to do it well.

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024, 2025 and 2026 Top Workplace, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location

• Hybrid (2-3 Days Onsite) at NOAA PSL Lab (Boulder, CO)

Responsibilities

• Serve as an analyst and coordinator for communication actions, working closely with OAR office leadership, the OAR Communications team, and subject matter experts across headquarters, labs, and programs
• Provide exceptional written and oral communications for OAR products and materials, ensuring OAR mission, work, and activities are presented in clear, concise, and understandable language for a variety of audiences
• Explain and organize complex scientific information into communication products used by OAR leadership and the workforce, demonstrating strong writing and editing skills with experience translating technical information for non-scientific audiences
• Provide planning, coordination, and communication support to OAR Senior Management for periodic meetings and events, including all-hands meetings and site visits
• Develop talking points and other materials used by leadership when communicating to internal and external audiences
• Provide training and resources to nationwide OAR communications staff on a variety of communication topics
• Establish and maintain communications between OAR communications staff to effectively communicate NOAA-relevant information across the OAR workforce
• Coordinate within OAR to showcase OAR mission, work, and activities across a variety of communications platforms and events
• Provide advice and recommendations to the OAR Communications Director and OAR laboratory and program leadership on sensitive issues, opportunities for engagement, and strategies for improved communications
• Document workflows and maintain organized files containing data associated with communications work

Required

Qualifications

• BA/BS in a technical or business discipline — Communications, Journalism, Science Communications, Environmental Science, Public Affairs, or a closely related field preferred; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience
• 4+ years of professional and/or academic experience

Desired

• Demonstrated experience providing communications support for a federal science agency, research organization, or similar technical environment
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific or technical content into compelling written products for diverse audiences, including non-expert and senior government audiences
• Experience developing executive communications including talking points, briefing materials, and leadership presentations for senior government officials
• Familiarity with NOAA, OAR, or federal agency communications processes, review cycles, and public affairs requirements
• Experience planning and coordinating large-scale events such as all-hands meetings, site visits, or public outreach events
• Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to build relationships with scientists, senior managers, and communications colleagues across a geographically distributed organization
• SME II candidates: demonstrated experience advising senior leadership on communications strategy and sensitive engagement issues
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Why Join Our Team

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

Pay Range

$81,556.80 - $85,849.26 depending on experience, education, and clearance level.