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Public Affairs Specialist (Digital Communications Project Manager), IS-1035-12
Application Deadline: 16 September 2026
Department: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Cambridge, MA
Reporting To: Christine Buckley
Compensation: $101,375 - $131,790 / year
Description
OPENING DATE: August 17, 2026
CLOSING DATE: September 16, 2026
SERIES/GRADE: 1035/12
TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)
DIVISION: Director's Office
LOCATION: Cambridge, MA
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.SAO is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTIONThe Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARYThis Public Affairs Specialist role within the CfA Office of Communications serves as the CfA's primary digital strategist, leading cross-functional teams to execute web development projects, manage institutional branding, and oversee digital marketing initiatives, with the goal of making complex astrophysical science accessible, compelling, and visible to audiences across platforms. Candidates with a background in science communications and experience managing digital projects, such as website redesign, brand development, and multi-channel digital campaigns are strongly encouraged to apply.
MAJOR DUTIES
Web Strategy & Project Management

• In partnership with IT, Web Development Specialists, and heads of scientific and engineering disciplines, leads the optimization and management of the organization's web presence and connected missions.
• Develops and oversees web governance and site architecture, ensuring digital properties maximize usability, accessibility, SEO, data privacy, and security.
• Develops and implements web publishing workflows and digital editorial standards in coordination with content owners, scientists, and communications staff to ensure timely, accurate, and mission-aligned public communications.
• Oversee day-to-day digital operations including web content publishing, page governance, and user experience for institutional websites.
• Coordinate with IT staff on platform infrastructure to ensure the digital communications environment supports effective science storytelling and public engagement.

Brand Stewardship

• Serves as the primary steward of the CfA visual identity, ensuring the consistent and correct application of brand standards including logos, color palettes, typography, and graphic standards across all public-facing digital print communications.
• Takes a thoughtful and inclusive approach to integrating the CfA brands with its two affiliated brand, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard College Observatory, developing standards that reflect and leverage the institutional identity of both.
• Develops, updates, and disseminates institutional brand guidelines; reviews and approves all materials for brand and logo compliance.
• Monitors internal and external communications for unauthorized or inconsistent use of organization logos or sub-brans and proactively addresses deviations.
• Advises communications staff, project leads, and scientific collaborators on the application of brand standards in outreach, education, and scientific publications.
• Manages the organization's digital asset library and provides training and guidance to staff on digital communications best practices, accessibility standards (Section 508), and institutional branding.

Marketing and Analytics

• In coordination with the Director of Communications, integrates digital strategy with editorial and content strategy to advance public understanding of the CfA scientific mission and programs.
• In partnership with writers on the communications and advancement teams, plans, executes, and optimizes internal and external communications including digital newsletters and targeted stakeholder outreach.
• Tracks, analyzes, and reports digital analytics for web email communications, interpreting data trends to inform public affairs strategy and outreach decisions.
• Develops and delivers regular analytics reports to management with actionable recommendations for improved public reach, engagement, and communications effectiveness.
• Partners with communications staff, subject matter experts, and external vendors to translate complex scientific and technical information into compelling visual formats for public audiences.
• Evaluates and improves digital communication processes, recommending new tools, platforms, and approaches to enhance public reach, accessibility, and engagement.

Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements:Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 11 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position such as developing and executing digital communications strategies for a public affair, science communications function; managing institutional communications function; managing institutional brand standards across platforms; and communicating complex technical or scientific information to public stakeholder audiences through digital channels.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:

• Expert knowledge of public affairs principles, science communication strategies, and digital communications best practices sufficient to manage communications channels that communicate complex, sensitive, and technically specialized topics including astrophysics research and scientific instrumentation.
• Comprehensive understanding of institutional brand management and visual identity systems, with the ability to develop, interpret, and enforce brand standards across digital and print platforms un a multi-institution environment.
• Proficiency with web content management systems (CMS), email communications platforms, analytics and reporting tools (such as Google Analytics), and digital asset management software, used in service of communications and public affair goals.
• Advanced analytical skills to track, interpret, and act on digital metrics and audience engagement data, using this information to inform public affairs strategy and improve communication effectiveness.
• Skills in graphic and visual communications, including working knowledge of design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), accessibility and inclusive design standards (Section 508), and the effective visual communication of complex scientific or technical information.
• Demonstrated ability to manage the presentation of scientific and technical information for diverse public audiences access digital platforms.
• Strong interpersonal, consultation, and project management skills enabling productive collaboration with scientists, engineers, communications staff, IT, and institutional partners, with the ability to lead major communications initiatives from conception through completion with minimal supervision.
• Ability to understand and apply federal communication policy, digital governance requirements, accessibility standards, and cross-platform engagement principles in an institutional public affairs environment.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: https://www.si.edu/oeo.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/