Job Description

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

• 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.

MAJOR DUTIES

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• 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.